So What Do YOU Do for Fun and Relaxation?

Thanks to some winter storms in the Western Pacific, we are having some very big surf here in Hawaii.

The Eddie Aikau competition is underway as I write this. This particular event is only held when wave heights exceed 30-35 feet and other conditions are favorable, a combination that doesn’t happen very often. In fact, the last time they held this event was in 2004.

There is an ongoing monumental traffic jam on Oahu’s North Shore as local residents and visitors crowd the beach to watch. (Honolulu Advertiser photo.)

Eddie Aikau, by the way, was a well-known big wave surfer from Hawaii who was part of the original crew of the hokule’a, a replica of a Polynesian voyaging canoe that eventually made numerous trips to Tahiti, the Marquesas, and other areas of the South Pacific. But during a shakedown trial many years ago, the canoe was swamped at night somewhere between Maui and Lanai. Eddie set out for help on his surfboard, but was never heard from again. A local line of surf wear and gear has long been marketed here under the theme, “Eddie Would Go.”

Meantime, here on Maui at a spot known as Jaws, a handful of the best (and the craziest) big wave surfers were braving waves that exceeded 50 feet. (Photo from The Maui News)

The waves at Jaws are so monstrous that surfers must be towed out beyond the break by jet skis. Apparently, three of these watercraft were swamped and lost yesterday.

The very best of these big wave riders are quick to tell you that they are scared witless every single time. Ya’ think??