Caroline Marks Lands Epic Late Drop at Jaws

From Motherhood to Mavericks: Justine Dupont Redefines Big Wave Dominance

Justine Dupont’s world shifted seismically in January 2024 with the arrival of her son, Elio. This momentous occasion naturally called for a temporary pause in her globe-trotting big-wave surfing career. Yet, as any seasoned observer of Dupont’s career knows, such pauses are fleeting. Astonishingly, before Elio’s first birthday, Justine was back in the heart of heavy water, demonstrating the same fearless commitment that has cemented her status as a surfing icon.

Following a C-section, Dupont’s recovery was marked by an unwavering dedication to her training and a relentless drive to return to charging. She shared with *SURFER* just two months postpartum that motherhood had ignited an unprecedented motivation to maximize her time in the ocean. “A lot of people say, ‘Now that you have a kid you will be diffrent in big waves’ or stuff like that,” she recounted.”and yeah,I will be different,but in a good way.I will be even more professional, even more organized, even more trained and efficient and more motivated.”

And she’s certainly living up to that promise. In February, a little over a year after Elio’s birth, Dupont clinched her third victory at the 2025 Tudor Nazaré Big Wave Challenge. During the event’s eligibility window, she submitted an remarkable three entries: two from Nazaré and one from the formidable Jaws. In a remarkable display of skill and endurance, all within a single week, she conquered three of the Pacific’s most colossal waves on the same powerful swell: Jaws, Waimea (during the iconic Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational), and Maverick’s.

Her paddle entry at Peahi,captured in amazing detail,is a sight to behold. The footage showcases a steep, deep line on a pristine face, with Dupont expertly holding her rail all the way to the bottom before being enveloped by the churning whitewater.At just 33, Dupont’s list of big-wave achievements is already profound. Since 2019, across the WSL, Red Bull Big Wave, and the Big Wave Challenge circuits, she has garnered an astonishing 12 accolades for ride of the Year, Biggest Wave, and Performance of the Year. Though, with baby Elio now by her side, she holds what is undoubtedly her most precious title of all.

Justine Dupont – 2025 Big Wave Challenge (Nazaré)

Justine Dupont – 2025 Big Wave Challenge entry (Jaws)

[related: Big-Wave Phenom Justine Dupont Talks Motherhood, Claiming the Ride of the Year, and the Power of Positivity](https://www.surfer.com/news/justine-dupont-talks-motherhood-big-waves)

What specific techniques did Caroline Marks employ to successfully navigate the late drop at Jaws?

The Ride that’s Turning Heads in Big Wave Surfing

On July 22nd, 2025, Caroline marks etched her name into big wave surfing history, successfully navigating a monstrous late drop at Pe’ahi, more commonly known as Jaws, on Maui’s north shore. The feat, witnessed by a small but dedicated crew of surfers and photographers, is already being hailed as a pivotal moment for women in the sport, pushing the boundaries of what’s considered possible. This wasn’t just a wave ridden; it was a statement.

Deconstructing the Wave: What Made it Epic?

jaws is notorious for its sheer size and unforgiving nature. What separated Marks’ ride wasn’t just the wave’s height – estimated at 40-50 feet – but the timing. A “late drop” in big wave surfing refers to dropping into the wave considerably later than most surfers would attempt, increasing the risk exponentially but also maximizing the potential for a clean, powerful ride.

Here’s a breakdown of the key elements:

Wave Face: Extremely steep and critical, demanding immediate commitment.

Late Drop: marks waited until the very last moment before initiating her drop,positioning herself directly over the ledge.

Bottom Turn: A powerful, controlled bottom turn set the line and allowed her to maintain speed and control.

barrel potential: The wave offered a brief but tantalizing glimpse of a potential barrel, showcasing Marks’ skill and composure.

Prosperous Exit: A clean, controlled exit from the wave, avoiding the turbulent whitewater.

This ride wasn’t about bravado; it was about calculated risk and exceptional skill. The conditions at Jaws that day were prime, with a large northwest swell and favorable winds, but even with ideal conditions, the margin for error was minimal.

caroline Marks: A Rising Star in Big Wave Surfing

While already a celebrated competitor on the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour, Marks’ foray into big wave surfing is relatively recent.Her dedication to training and planning has been evident, spending time honing her skills at other challenging breaks like Nazaré, Portugal.

WSL Success: Marks secured the 2024 WSL World Title, demonstrating her all-around surfing prowess.

Big Wave Training: Consistent training at Nazaré and mentorship from experienced big wave surfers have been crucial to her growth.

Equipment: Marks utilizes specialized big wave equipment, including a heavily reinforced surfboard and a jet ski for safety and positioning.

Mental Fortitude: Big wave surfing demands immense mental strength, and Marks has consistently demonstrated the ability to remain calm and focused under pressure.

This Jaws ride isn’t an isolated incident; it’s a culmination of years of hard work and a clear ambition to excel in all facets of surfing. Her commitment to pushing her limits is inspiring a new generation of female surfers.

The Significance for Women in Surfing

For decades,big wave surfing has been largely dominated by men. Marks’ achievement is a powerful symbol of progress,demonstrating that women are capable of competing at the highest level in this demanding discipline.

Breaking Barriers: Marks’ ride challenges the traditional perception of women in surfing.

Increased Visibility: The media attention surrounding her achievement will undoubtedly inspire more women to pursue big wave surfing.

Role Model: She serves as a role model for aspiring female surfers, proving that anything is possible with dedication and perseverance.

Equal opportunity: The ride fuels the conversation around equal opportunity and support for women in all areas of surfing.

Safety Considerations at Jaws

Surfing Jaws is inherently risky. A complete safety protocol is essential for anyone attempting to ride these waves.

Jet Ski Support: Essential for swift rescue and positioning.

Experienced Water Patrol: A team of experienced surfers and lifeguards monitoring conditions and providing assistance.

Interaction: Clear communication between surfers, water patrol, and support personnel.

Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs): Increasingly common for added safety.

Wave Forecasting: accurate wave forecasting is crucial for assessing conditions and making informed decisions.

Gear Spotlight: Big Wave Equipment

Successfully tackling waves like Jaws requires specialized equipment designed to withstand immense forces.

Big Wave Surfboards: typically longer (10-14 feet) and thicker than standard surfboards, with reinforced construction. Gun shapes are common.

Leashes: Heavy-duty leashes designed to withstand extreme stress.

Impact Vests: Provide buoyancy and protection against impact.

Wetsuits: Thick wetsuits to provide warmth and protection in cold water.

* Inflation Vests: Allow surfers to quickly inflate a vest for added buoyancy in emergency situations.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Women’s Big Wave Surfing

Caroline Marks’ ride at Jaws is more than just a single moment; it’s a catalyst for change.it’s likely to inspire more women to pursue big wave surfing, leading to increased competition and innovation within the sport. The future of women’s big wave surfing looks brighter than ever, and Marks is undoubtedly leading the charge. The WSL is also increasing its focus