snatch defeat from the jaws of victory

get wind in one's jaws

To have too much to say; talk too much; run at the mouth; to speak one's mind or voice one's opinion about a matter; blabber

snatch the pebble

To fully grasp the meaning of a concept or to develop a skill to a high degree of proficiency, often that rivals some specific expert.

snatch victory from the jaws of defeat

To suddenly win a contest when it appears that loss is a foregone conclusion, to succeed in an endeavor through reversal of fortune, skill, effort, or good judgment.

victory at sea

Ocean conditions that are very windblown and messy, possibly to the point of being inimical to surfing and other watersports.