“Still Just Not That Content”: A Refreshed Albee Layer Remains Hungry for Jaws

“That one I caught during the Eddie swell was definitely still my best wave, but for a single wave, I’d say it was probably top 3 or 5 out there,” Albee Layer told SURFER after threading this Jaws tunnel in October 2023 . “It was probably one of the thickest barrels I’ve gotten out there. It was really chunky and round.”

If Albee were to hang it up today, he’d be one of the most accomplished Jaws surfers to date. He doesn’t have the titles like four-time Jaws Challenge winner Billy Kemper, but he’s committed his life (and nearly lost it) to navigating that notorious West Bowl.

Related: Albee Layer Bags Another 20-Foot West Bowl Jaws Barrel

But after a severe head injury caused by taking a Jaws lip directly on the head, Albee worked hard to get back to peak form last winter. He uses electromagnetic stimulation to help his brain heal from the concussion. He has paired brain health with physical health by getting in the best shape of his life (paddling the Molokai Channel will force your hand).

The result was one of Albee’s most consistent winters in a career marked by absurd waves. One of his best rides was this early morning tube he got with hardly anybody in the water. Fortunately, Tucker Wooding was posted on the cliff and got the land angle.

Ever candid on social media, Albee reflected on the 2023-24 season by acknowledging a solid year at his home break but stating he wasn’t entirely satisfied.

Some other heavy hitters took notice of Albee’s offseason work and his performances on the water. “Epic winter for you,” Shane Dorian commented . “To see you come back strong after a bumpy road with your brain stuff is so good. Life would suck if you were content.”

Related: Meet Albee Layer 2.0