World’s Best Surfers Converge Upon Famous Surfing Beaches
Winter is coming! That means the giant waves that break on Oahu’s north shore will return along with surfers from all around the world.
The waves on Oahu’s north shore sometimes get so big that they wash over the road and stop traffic. Surfers don’t mind though – the bigger the better for these mavericks of the sea.
Here are some of the highlights of Oahu’s North Shore in winter.
Famous Surfing Competitions
The biggest surfing competitions each winter are the Eddie Aikau Big Wave contest, and the Triple Crown of Surfing.
The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational brings together only the very best giant wave riders, and the contest is only held if the waves are of sufficient size – absolutely giant! – to be worthy of the Aikau name.
Eddie Aikau, a native Hawaiian, is a famous person of Hawaiian history because he paddled away from the overturned Hokulea Voyaging Canoe to seek help for others on the canoe, but he was never seen again.
The other world famous surfing competition on Oahu’s north shore is the Triple Crown of Surfing, which is held at three different north shore beaches. The series of contests brings all of the best professional surfers each year.
Banzai Pipeline
One of the most famous surfing spots in the world is the Banzai Pipeline. Located at the southern end of Ehukai Beach Park, “The Pipe” is known for its hollow breaking waves that form large tubes which completely engulf the surfers – only the best are able to emerge from the “barrel” unscathed, and this is done to the great thrill of onlookers who come to see these masters of the sport take on the wildest waves.
Sunset Beach
This legendary big wave surfing spot is another favorite of the world’s best surfers. The white sand beach is also very enjoyable for visitors who marvel at the wave riders offshore. At the northern end of the Sunset Beach Park is Backyards, a popular windsurfing location.
Waimea Bay
One of the north’s shore’s most popular beaches, Waimea is also one of the most renown surfing spots in the world. Waimea is known for having potentially rideable surfing waves when the surf is extremely large – so large that no other beaches on the north shore can be surfed by anyone. The giant winter waves of Waimea are the stuff of legends, and indeed legends have been made at this amazing beach.
Across from Waimea Bay is the Waimea Valley Audubon Center. This wonderful botanical garden features thousands of rare and endangered plants that are arranged by theme and can be viewed along a trail that leads up to nice waterfall where you can go swimming.
Hale‘iwa
Once you have seen the famous beaches of Oahu’s north shore you simply must visit the town of Haleiwa, which is known as the gateway to Oahu’s north shore.
Highlights of Haleiwa include the town’s arched Rainbow Bridge, and also the North Shore Surf & Cultural Museum, which is located in the North Shore Marketplace. The Museum has vintage surfboards on display along with photographs and videos about surfing.
Hale‘iwa Ali‘i Beach Park is also a nice surfing area where surfing contests are sometimes held. The park also has county facilities for basketball, volleyball, and baseball.
Winter is when Oahu’s north shore comes alive with waves and surfers, so expect this winter to be another exciting time for those who ride the big waves and also those who like to watch this thrilling activity.
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I like this place! I love the idea and wish there was a place like this in Astoria, Queens. I am a surfer and found a “real surfer bar” in Point Break NYC. I am kinda jealous ;0PIts filled with surfers, people who like surfers, people who like the beach and people who don’t want to live close to town. I really like this place. You know what they have these real Proctor and Channel One surfboards on the wall. It’s nice for coming any day of the week and eating a late brunch. The food was outstanding. The brunch and sides were prefect and tasty. It is a perfect “escape” from city living. It is probably one of the only places where you can get a nice frozen pina colada or margarita. The service was on hit. They came up and checked on us so many times and made sure everything was up to par. It gets very active and the bartenders keep everybody having a good time. The bartender was very accommodating. He was nice enough to make a drink, that wasn’t on the menu, for me :0) Did I mention the bartenders are nice eye candy. It was amazing to see their “das boot” which is shaped like a boot filled with beer. Don’t get me wrong, I am not drunk…it’s an actual boot shaped beer container ready to be emptied. Try it ..You will love it!! Oh. How can I forget, they even have a wheel o’ shots where you just have to spin it and have to drink whatever shot it lands on!! Now call that bar creativity at its best!!! And when I spill a tray full of shots on myself, the bartender so kindly remakes them for me? Good music, too, and the decor helped us weather an otherwise overcast and rainy day. You know that old song “Brandy”? It goes, “Brandy, you’re a fine girl, what a good wife you would be. But my life, my lover, my lady is the sea.” I believe Brandy works here. No reason, I just do. And that song happens to be a guilty pleasure of mine, so that’s a plus in my book. You can simply waltz over to this colorful and warm establishment, enjoy some drinks with friends, and walk home. The bar is right at the center, so you can walk to either side for drinks, and the bartenders are friendly and at your service. There is a variety of seating, good music, and friendly neighborhood people to make your time more enjoyable. Not pretentious, very cozy, I think Point Break is a fabulous place to spend some time with friends.