Banzai Pipeline, Oahu / Photo © Craig Ayers

Catching The Perfect Wave: Oahu's North Shore

The Banzai Pipeline just opposite Ehukai Beach Park on Oahu's North Shore is perhaps the most famous surfing spot in the world. During winter months, storms in the North Pacific push giant swells across the sea till they break across the reefs opposite the world's best surfing beach to form perfect 'tubes' up to 20 feet high

But this 'sport of kings' is by no means for the faint of heart. Over the years eleven brave souls have lost their lives at Pipeline trying to conquer its huge waves, or capture on film those trying to do it. It has been dubbed the 'world's deadliest wave', since more people have died or been seriously injured here than at any other surf break in the world. Considering that its waves can hold you under the water for nearly a minute, or shred you like parmesan cheese on the jagged coral below, it's a wonder that anyone ventures out onto them.

It's not unusual to see surfers return to the beach with surfboards in two halves - one tucked under each arm. As the experts say, its not the height of the waves but the huge volume of water behind them as they curl and break that crushes surfboards into campfire kindling, and surfers as well if they're not lucky. Wannasurf.com, the popular surfing web site, describes Pipeline's 'wave quality' as: 'Totally Epic' - and the required 'experience' level as: 'pros or kamikaze only...'

Given the limited number of daredevils in the world and their popularity with us mere mortals, it's not unusual for surfing venues on the North Shore to take on a carnival like atmosphere during the major world surfing events held there each winter. These include the Van's Triple Crown of Surfing, comprised of the (1) Reef Hawaiian Pro at Ali'i Beach Park in Hale'iwa, the (2) O'Neill World Cup of Surfing at Sunset Beach and the (3) Billabong Pipeline Masters. For the women, they include the (1) Reef Hawaiian Pro, (2) Roxy Pro, and (3) Billabong Pro Maui. All these events take place during the months of November and December.

Also during winter, the Quiksilver Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational is held at Waimea Bay, but not until the waves have reached a height of 20 feet or more. And unlike most big-wave events, the Invitational does not allow jet-skis to tow the riders into the waves. Surfers must paddle their boards themselves through the mountainous waves to catch their rides. Obviously this event is most popular with the more traditional purists of the surfing world.

During high season top surfers from around the globe descend on the North Shore with their equipment, amazing stories, their own 'patois' and of course their unequaled courage. They are followed by legions of photographers, fans and enthusiastic local supporters. So if you plan to be there to catch the action, be sure to arrive early for the best spots on the beach, and don't forget a pair of binoculars and that new digital telephoto-lense camera you brought along for the occasion.

The 'North Shore' of Maui is also known for big wave surfing action in winter. There, giant ocean swells slam into a reef that creates one of the most monstrous waves on the planet, known as 'Jaws'. The world's best surfers also flock there to take on the 50 foot mega-waves that roll in from the North Pacific. Obviously this is - not - the place to learn to surf. Bring the camera, enjoy the view. There are many surf schools throughout Hawaii with more manageable wave heights where you can begin that personal journey to surfer super-stardom.

If, on the other hand, you prefer your waves knee height, bubbly and gentle, then try the North Shore during the summer months when legendary surfers are off in other parts of the globe and the 'baste 'n' bake' crowd takes over what has become a languid sea, geared more toward the 'fling the frisby' and 'splash in the waves' adventurers. Hmmm....watch surfers slide off three story high waves in winter or bask lazily on the beach in summer? This is going to be a very difficult decision...

For more information about Oahu's North Shore visit www.northshoreoahu.org (Hawaii's Visitor's and Convention Bureau) and www.gonorthshore.org (North Shore Chamber of Commerce)

For more information about surfing competitions visit www.tripelcrownofsurfing.com (Official Web Site of the Triple Crown of Surfing)