The Jumping Rock

Oh what good memories I have at the Jumping rock. I spent many of my childhood days hucking myself of it with my buddies. Now it provides us here on the North Shore with some fun when the waves are flat. At the tallest point the Waimea Rock is about 30 ft and everyone calls it “Tiptop Towers”…… At least thats what it was called when I was a kid. I remember belly flopping off of tiptop towers when I was a little grom, great times.  However, there are places to jump that are much less intimidating for those who aren’t about 30ft drops. Look underwater and one will see caves going through the rock… Great little underwater caves to swim through, you can even scare your buddies by jumping in and swimming straight through to the other side. During the summer months people from around the island come to the rock, and the locals are more than happy to give you a little encouragement if you need it.

The post Waimea Bay pt.1 The Jumping Rock appeared first on Backpackers Hawaii.

Here at Backpackers Hawaii anyone can test there skills at surfing! Wether you are a beginner or an expert it is the best place in the world to surf. This surfer was taking on a barrel at one of the most popular waves in the surfing world, Pipeline.

The post Go Surf appeared first on Backpackers Hawaii.

The Quicksilver Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational at Waimea Bay, is one of the most prestigious contest for big wave riders. In memory of the legend Eddie Aikau, the contest feels different than any other event. Only the best surfers are given the honor and chance to compete and prove themselves on the North Shore’s Waimea Bay. When watching the event one cant help but feel like they are blasted to the past. Only a hand full of guys out, surfing huge Waimea on huge boards, that’s what it must have been like back when Eddie Aikau was surfing it. For those who don’t know the history of Eddie lets take the time to appreciate a legend.

Growing up in Hawaii, everyone knows who Eddie Aikau was. He was an extraordinary Hawaiian water man and big wave surfer. Eddie was the first official lifegaurd on the North Shore and he was station right here at waimea bay. The years that Eddie watched the beach not one life was lost at Waimea. He won awards for his surfing, he even took first at the prestigious Duke Kahanamoku Invitational Surfing Championship in 1977. Ever heard the saying “Eddie Would Go” it refers to his no fear attitude when it came to big waves. It was my uncle, Mark Foo, who first used that phrase and it has never died since.

On top of his accomplishments in the water Eddie also became involved in perpetuating Hawaiian heritage in the community. In 1976, the Polynesian Voyaging Society sailed the Hokule’a (traditional Hawaiian outrigger canoe) on a successful 2500 mile journey that took 30 days following the ancient route of the Polynesian migration between the Hawaiian and Tahitian islands. The following year Aikau was selected fto join the crew of the Hokule’a. The Hokule’a left the Hawaiian Islands on March 16, 1978. Quickly they encounters trouble, The Hokule’a began to leak. The leak combined with rough seas caused the outrigger canoe to capsize 12 miles of the coast of Molo’kai. In attempt to save his fellow crew members, Eddie makes a desperate move and attempts to paddle to shore. However, hours later the Coast Guard found and rescued the crew, and Eddie Aikau was never seen again.

This is why this particular event, The Eddie, is so important here in Hawaii. It’s about rushing huge waves yes……but more so remembering a legend, a true Hawaiian that loved the ocean and respected its power.

Lets cross our fingers and hope that Eddie blesses us with some huge waves this year so the contest can run!! EDDIE WOULD GO

The post All I Want For Christmas is….THE EDDIE AIKAU CONTEST! appeared first on Backpackers Hawaii.

Sebastion Ziets finishes first at Haleiwa and third at Sunset. Making him the 2012 Vans Triple Crown Champion!

Adam Melling takes first at Sunset Beach.

Joel Parkinson wins the Pipe Masters and wins his first world title!

Now here is some of the action from the last day at Billabong Pipe Masters. Enjoy and Aloha!

The post Vans Triple Crown of Surfing RESULT RECAP… For those who missed it. appeared first on Backpackers Hawaii.

The post This is Why You Don’t Have to be Good at Surfing to Love it appeared first on Backpackers Hawaii.