Winter Surfing on Oahu’s North Shore
Surfing at Sunset Beach
Photo uploaded by skyseeker
In many parts of the country, winter means bundling up and playing in the snow. Not in Oahu. Surfers from all the over the world flock to Oahu’s North Shore for winter surfing. Here’s an overview of some of the North Shore’s most famous surfing spots:
Waimea Bay is the birthplace of big wave surfing and the site of the Quicksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau Big Wave Memorial. The surf competition pays homage to legendary surfer Eddie Aikau and takes place only when the epic Waimea waves are at least 20 feet high.
Banzai Pipeline is located off Ehukai Beach. The merciless waves of Pipeline break just 50 to 100 yards off the beach over a shallow reef making this one of the most dangerous surf spots in the world. To see the action during contests like the Rip Curl Pro Pipeline Masters, enter through Ehukai Beach Park.
Sunset Beach sits on the northernmost surf spot on the North Shore. The long wave-breaks here are the setting for the O’Neill World Cup of Surfing, the second contest in the Vans Triple Crown of surfing. Winter brings big, adrenaline-pumping waves to Sunset Beach. These waves calm down in summer, making the beach ideal for snorkeling or relaxing on the soft, golden sands.
While on the North Shore, you might also check out Dole Plantation or Helemano Plantation.
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Aloha,
Just wanted to let all you surfers know that the waves today on the North Shore are going to be 10-14 feet with perfect riding conditions. Not quite the 20 foot winter swell yet but getting there.
excellent surfing adventure has always been a dream of mine, but now i am really enjoying the sport while going to different beaches in Oahu
Thanks for a great article. I just made a list on my blog of the best winter surfing destinations, and I might have to add Oahu as well!
-Hakon