Double oop. 720. 540. Whatever you want to call it, Albee Layer has done it, becoming the first surfer ever to complete it and beating Julian Wilson in a footrace to the finish line. Outdoing Julian is no easy feat, especially when Red Bull throws a campaign geared towards J Dubs’ attempt at landing the elusive whirly bird alley oop rotation.
But as the money was thrown one way, the kids on Maui were hucking themselves into the wind in a more reckless fashion. Enjoi.
If you haven’t seen Albee Layer and Matt Meola’s entire web series “The Isle” yet then you have been missing out. The two aerial surfers and Innersection winners produce a new video every few months that is filled with innovative airs and classic outtakes. As you may know the trade winds blow in Maui nearly every day of the year, which makes for loftier airs and ultimately more time in the air. Even Greg Long has called Albee “The most exciting surfer in the world” for his skills on slabs and in the air.
While the pair have invented their own aerials in the past, this “Albee Oop” is deservedly at the top of the list. He spins a full rotation alley oop and proceeds to keep spinning another 180 degrees, landing with his tail towards the beach and rotating out with the motion. Incredibly difficult and unprecedented until now. SWELL would like to give a big congratulations to Albee and we can’t wait to see what he and Meola do next.
Vitals
Hometown: Haiku, Maui, HI
Age: 21
Sponsors: ERGO, Dakine, Xcel, Sanuk,
Neighbor: Laird Hamilton
Favorite Wave: Peahi (Jaws)
Biggest paycheck: $100,000 for his winning Innersection part
Random Fact: Has webbed feet.