Surfing

Aug23

 

The Quicksilver Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational at Waimea Bay

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.

Eddie Aikau Surfing

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 Eddie Aikau 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.

Eddie Aikau Waimea Ceremony

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

Gerry Lopez AKA Mr. Pipeline
Oct16

Hands down the most famous break in the entire world, ladies and gentlemen, Pipeline.

Pipeline, Banzai Pipeline, Pipe, it doesn’t matter how you say it, the name conjures images of giant barrels breaking over shallow coral.  It has a reputation as one of the most dangerous waves in the world and many have ridden their last wave here.  It wasn’t ridden until the 60’s, but it wasnt until the 70’s when surfers like Gerry Lopez, aka Mr. Pipeline, when Pipe started popping off.

 

Gerry Lopez AKA Mr. Pipeline
Gerry Lopez AKA Mr. Pipeline

It’s known as a proving ground here on the North Shore and people from around the world test there skill on this legendary wave. However, don’t think you can just paddle right out in the line up and start catching waves, and really you shouldn’t. You have to put in your time out there. There are guys who have been surfing out there for decades and respect is huge out there. The wave itself is dangerous enough then add about 60 surfers into the line up with half of them not knowing what they’re doing, and its a recipe for disaster.

 

Backpackers Hawaii

Pipeline is the location of one of the most legendary surf contests, the Triple Crown Pipe Masters.  It takes place December 8-20 depending on the swell.  You will know when the contest is on because of the line of traffic in both directions for about 10 miles.  People who live on the North Shore know better than to drive a car during the Triple Crown.  Once your on the beach it is one of the biggest spectacles in the surfing world.  Thousands of people on the beach, photographers, girls in Brazilian bikinis… o yah and some of the best barrel riding in the world.

 

Backpackers Hawaii

Check out this amazing arial footage of Pipeline to really get a feel for it!!

Pipeline Winter 2013 from Eric Sterman on Vimeo.

Jan13

Here at Backpackers Hawaii anyone can test there skills at surfing! Whether 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.

Joel Parkinson wins the Pipe Masters and wins his first world title!
Dec18

During the months  of November and December it means one thing here on the North Shore; The Vans Triple Crown of Surfing.  The whole place comes to life as people from all over the world flock to the seven mile miracle to watch the greatest show on Earth.  With so many people on the North Shore it can feel a little crowded, and its proven in traffic.  So as everything is winding down (the traffic, the crowds, the parties) let us take a deep breath, relax, and have a little recap of what went down this year at the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing.

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

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.

Adam Melling takes first at Sunset Beach.

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

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!