You would think that with weather warnings and alerts of hazardous surges occurring along North Shore Oahu that I would heed the advice and stay away from the surfing mecca of the world, but this actually had the opposite effect. I wanted nothing more than to go and see the 50 feet waves that were threatening Oahu’s North Shore. I wasn’t the only one with this idea as hundreds of people including local residents, tourists, and the media were itching to get a glimpse of the surfers fearless enough to venture out and catch some of the biggest waves (keep in mind that if you are heading to the North Shore when the waves are really big pack some food and water with you because you could be stuck in traffic for a while).
The traffic was bad all along the Kamehameha Highway.
The waves were high enough that danger signs were necessary.
The waves, although breathtakingly beautiful from a safe distance on the shores of Waimea Bay, were extremely powerful and dangerous. At one point, the Honolulu Emergency Services Department and Lifeguards were concerned that the waves would reach heights high enough to wash out the parking lot at Waimea Bay Beach, which was about 50 feet from where Mike and I were sitting, so people had to move their cars and clear the area.
Watching the waves from a safe distance on the shores of Waimea Bay Beach.
50 feet waves everyone was eager to get a glimpse of.
Listening to the lifeguards, most people started to get out of dodge but I caught up with two free surfers – Daniel Kfouri and Bruno Silva – who had absolutely no intention of vacating the area and wanted nothing more than to run towards the perilous surf brought on by the winter swell.
Bruno Silva and Daniel Kfouri, two free surfers enjoying the waves at Waimea Bay.
Daniel Kfouri, a free surfer and native of Brazil, has been surfing for 25 years and spends at least three months every year in Oahu to catch some of the world’s biggest waves. Daniel told me that the waves were between 50 to 80 feet high and were getting higher by the minute. There were several other surfers out on the water that day, making it difficult to catch a wave, but that did not deter him from continuing to try.
Daniel Kfouri and his surfboard.
Bruno Silva, originally from Brazil, was also at Waimea Bay determined to ride the waves. Bruno has been living in Hawaii for over 10 years and surfing for over 20 years. Below are some pictures of Bruno surfing at Waimea Bay and Pe’ahi Jaws. He makes surfing look so easy, but we know it is anything but! I guess the fact that Bruno is a surf coach and personal trainer at Turtle Bay Resort definitely helps.
Bruno Silva surfing at Waimea Bay
Bruno Silva surfing at Pe’ahi Jaws.
I have so much awe and respect for people who make something extremely difficult and scary look easy and fun. You definitely need to reach a level of strength, balance, and grace that I most certainly do not have. Daniel told me that one of his scariest surfing moments was getting caught inside a big wave. I think there are a couple of steps that I would have to master first, like being able to get into the water without tripping over my surfboard. Not like I would want to do the Pamela Anderson run on Baywatch, but look at these boards – they are absolutely huge and I’m sure quite difficult to handle. They definitely don’t look like the ones that the Teen Choice Awards hand out.
Bruno Silva and his surfboards.
I asked Bruno to identify some important skills that a surfer should have to enjoy the waves (besides the obvious – learn to swim, which I know I still need to do). He told me that since the waves can reach over 40 feet, safety is always first and so it is important to learn how to hold your breath for 3 minutes and develop CPR and rescue skills. The latter skills are ones that you hope you never have to use, but there’s nothing wrong with having them in your arsenal just in case.
For those who are thinking of surfing for the first time, here are some points to consider:
- If at all possible, take some lessons from an instructor. Like with any sport, taking lessons gives you a foundation to build upon and ensures that you don’t develop any bad habits that will be difficult to unlearn.
- Pick a location that will be conducive to your skill level. 40 feet waves are probably not the best time to start your introduction to surfing.
- Balance is a major factor, so you can prepare yourself beforehand by practicing balance techniques (such as yoga exercises) on dry land before hitting the water.
- 90% of surfing is swimming on your surfboard away from the beach and into the ocean in order to catch a wave, aka paddling, and depending on the ocean conditions and size of waves, paddling can be exhausting. Bear that in mind so that you have enough energy when you attempt to turn around and catch a wave. You may have to paddle a good distance to get to a location that will be suitable.
- Surfing is not easy. If you are good at snowboarding or skate boarding, that doesn’t necessarily mean you will be a natural at surfing. Be prepared for a steep learning curve.
- Accidents happen. Mother Ocean can literally fling you into the air and you have a large board strapped to your leg. It can be very disorienting when this happens (and it will), so be prepared to swallow some sea water and reorient yourself once you get your bearings.
- Be aware of those around you, especially if you are surfing in an area with a lot of other surfers. The waves are unpredictable and you never know when you will get knocked off your board and hit someone (or worse – someone can hit you)
- Of course it is always great to be out in the ocean on bright sunny days, but keep in mind that some of the best waves are during periods of rain and wind.
- Once you manage to stand up on your surfboard, even for a few seconds, it is exhilarating! Celebrate the moment and try to recapture it.
- Enjoy the surfing culture. When you are back on the beach you will find that most people are extremely friendly and inviting.
be safe and enjoy the water!
Read more about my Hawaiian Adventures:
Kailua Hawaii – A Hidden Treasure
Going to Honolulu? Things To Do In Waikiki
Joanie
These stories and adventures give me something to smile about everyday, I hope that it brings you a little something too.
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Hi Joanie,
You’re fearless! Bravo, you daring one.
I admire those guys and you because I’d have high tailed it out there. Or, I’d have watched from a greater distance. Although I’m entranced by heavy surf and love the weather I get a little scared of the monster waves one may see in such a spot. 50 feet is nothing to sneeze at!
Last week I watched that dude – Brit guy – who surfed the like 100 foot wave or whatever in Portugal. Watching the video I almost couldn’t believe it. How stunning. How brave. How nutz? LOL….either way, it’s just awesome to watch the extremes of nature up close and personal and you saw it yourself, live and in the flesh in beautiful Hawaii.
Inspired share Joanie!
Ryan
Ryan Biddulph recently posted…How Jackie the Balinese Wonder Puppy Teaches You to Retire to a Life of Island Hopping
Hi Ryan,
LOL, the brave ones were really Bruno, Daniel, the other surfers and of course the life guards. You definitely have a different level of appreciation for the sport when you are actually there!!! Have you ever been surfing yourself?
Cheers,
Joanie
Hi Ana, Hanauma Bay looks awesome too. I guess you really can’t go wrong with any place in Hawaii, just depends on what you want.