Waimea Bay is a world famous surfing spot located on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii. When Ivan and I decide to leave our little slice of neighborhood perfection otherwise known as Kailua, we drive up the North Shore via the Kamehameha highway. It is a gorgeous, gorgeous drive on a sunny day and I highly recommend it. If you’re lucky and the Pacific isn’t feeling too shy, she’ll show you every shade of blue imaginable. We’re talking tiffany blue, turquoise, navy, royal blue, sapphire, midnight blue, and the list goes on and on and on. You get the idea.
In the summer time it’s a placid lake and in the winter, it’s home of one of the largest, gnarly, rideable surf spots in the world. After educating myself via Wikipedia I learned some pretty cool stuff. When ocean swells are 20 feet, The Hawaii Quicksilver In Memory of Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational is hosted on a single day. It’s invitation only and there are 28 riders. What’s more, no jet skis are allowed to tow surfers into the wave so they have to paddle in themselves. The event has only been held 8 times in the past 19 years. The last time being in December 2009 when waves reached 30-50 feet high. So you make be asking yourself who was Eddie? He was a famous lifeguard and surfer known for braving 30 foot waves to save lives. Eddie volunteered with the Polynesian Voyaging Society for a 30 day, 2,500 mile journey from Hawaii to Tahiti. Their canoe developed a leak and capsized 12 miles south of Molokai. He was lost out at sea, last known to be paddling on his board towards Lanai to get help for his crew. All were later rescued by the US Coast Guard but Eddie was never found.
Fingers crossed that I get to see this surf competition this winter. So not only does Waimea Bay have massively huge waves, it also offers a sweet rock to jump off, and the sunsets our ridiculous. So vivid. It’s a good way to spend your weekend. I promise.
-Crystal
- North Shore famous surf spot.
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