Riding the Surf!
Hawaii stages giant wave surfing contest
It is that time of year on Hawaii. A one-day surfing competition held only in extreme conditions has been staged for the first time in five years, thanks to the massive waves pounding Hawaii’s famed North Shore.
Thousands massed at Waimea beach to watch the world’s top surfers rocket down waves 30 feet high. Some arrived at 4am for a good spot, while others camped out all night. Heavy traffic backed up for miles along roads leading to Oahu’s North Shore.
Popularly known as “The Eddie,” the Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikua Competition is held only when waves top 20 feet in Waimea Bay. This is only the eighth time the conditions have been right since the event was founded in 1984. Teams of tow-in surfers – who use jet watercraft to race into waves too big to paddle – were flying to Maui from Brazil, South Africa and Australia to take advantage of the conditions,.
Many of the 28 competitors are professional surfers, including Kelly Slater, Bruce Irons and Sunny Garcia. Entrants are selected by a poll of surfers.
Not that it wasn’t dangerous, with crushing, rolling, manhandling waves able to break boards and bodies alike. Lifeguards talked one surfer through a nasty wipeout early Monday, and used all-terrain vehicles to reach another who had shattered an ankle.
The winner will take home up to $55,000, while the total purse is $98,000.
The National Weather Service is forecasting 30- to 40-foot waves, with some sets approaching 50 feet on the outer reefs as Hawaii remains under a high surf warning. .
The surf grew so large that a few beaches on Oahu and Maui were closed because lifeguards feared inexperienced sightseers could drown, according to state officials.
I don’t know about what you would do, but I would be part of the group on the beach watching this historical event! These waves are just a little too much fun for me.
…. as the green world unfolds.
Tags: 4am, bruce irons, eddie aikua, eighth time, extreme conditions, foot waves, giant wave, heavy traffic, jet watercraft, kelly slater, lifeguards, massive waves, national weather service, outer reefs, professional surfers, quiksilver, sunny garcia, surfing competition, waimea bay, wave surfing
December 10th, 2009 at 7:47 am
The thought of those giant waves that could reach as high as 40 feet was enough to send shivers down my spine. It would certainly be an awesome experience to witness the professionals taking on these waves and for a moment seeing them become part of nature.
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December 10th, 2009 at 8:38 am
I saw some of this footage on the news. It must be incredible to see this force of nature in person!
December 10th, 2009 at 8:26 pm
I was stationed in Hawaii in the mid 70′s, during November and December the large waves came in. We called this time “Pounders”, they were absolutely awe-inspiring. Only the best (and bravest), surfers would confront these. The rest of us would set on shore and run out to drag in the wiped out surfers out of the water and what was left of their surf boards. Wonderful, memories – thanks for a great article!
December 10th, 2009 at 10:04 pm
Hi BK … I know what you mean! I would have loved to been there and enjoyed the excitement.
Hi OneDay … I bet it was awesome!
Hi Sandy … WOW! I bet it was a blast to witness along with rescuing those brave souls who tried it out. Kawabonga!
December 14th, 2009 at 5:02 pm
Those waves are too big for me but I’m sure they were a lot of fun for the seasoned surfers. Scary!
December 14th, 2009 at 10:29 pm
Hi corrin … You bet your sweet bippy! Too scary for me as well!
December 15th, 2009 at 12:07 am
Wow amazing – I can’t imagine seeing those kinds of waves first hand, much less riding one. I’ve always loved those surf videos with surfers riding the barrel, I’d guess there will be some great footage of the event. Although somehow $55,000 just doesn’t seem like enough for the winner.
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December 15th, 2009 at 6:14 am
Hi Earth Friendly … I agree! On one hand! $55K for a days work seems like a bit much but when considering what they are doing …. not even close!
December 15th, 2009 at 9:21 am
Considering the present weather in NY, $55,000 might not be an unreasonable amount to pay just to be in Hawaii and view the event.
December 15th, 2009 at 11:45 pm
Hi nothingprofound … LOL! a little steep for me but to win it is not bad at all!