In an act of generosity and support for local water safety efforts, 11-time World Champion Kelly Slater has placed the winning bid in an auction for a broken surfboard originally ridden by Albee Layer at Jaws, Maui. The auction, aimed at raising funds for the water safety team that assists surfers at the famed Pe’ahi surf break, ended with Slater purchasing the board for $5,000.
The surfboard in question, a 9’4″ Sean Ordonez Shapes gun, was damaged during a massive swell that hit Maui in December, as Layer tackled some of the largest waves at Jaws. Layer, known for his big-wave prowess and aerial skill, initiated the auction on Instagram to help fund the local water safety crew that risks their lives to protect surfers in extreme conditions.
The team of local water safety professionals, including Olie Shipp, Andrea Moller, Kurtis Chong Kee, Kaipo Stevens Soledade, Daniel Silvagni, and Kolomona Fernandez, are often on the frontlines, ensuring the safety of surfers like Layer as they tackle giant waves at Pe’ahi. The proceeds from the auction are set to go directly toward these unsung heroes.
In addition to the surfboard, Slater was gifted a framed photograph of Layer riding the massive wave by local photographer Chris Egan. The auction, which ended with the $5,000 bid from Slater, raised a total of $10,000. The contributions of several notable figures, including former World Tour surfer Jack Freestone, musician Lukas Nelson (son of legendary country singer Willie Nelson), and the mothers of both Albee Layer and fellow surfer Willem Banks, helped bolster the total amount raised.
Layer expressed his gratitude for the support and outlined plans to distribute the funds to the water safety crews. “I’ll reach out to a couple of the water safety crew members to figure out the best way to spread the love and hopefully make as many people happy as quickly as possible,” Layer said in a post. “Moving forward, I hope we can do more initiatives like this. Thanks to everyone who bid and shared.”
The auction’s success highlights not only the generosity of the surfing community but also the crucial role that water safety personnel play in ensuring the well-being of those tackling some of the world’s biggest waves.