Swell is Here, But so is the Wind

By Carlos Rock

Windy conditions but there’s some waves. Ho’okipa. Photo: Carlos Rock.

A decent size north swell is providing surfers with some waves but the trades winds are back as well creating windy conditions.

Looks like that predicted N/NW swell finally arrived Thursday and Ho’okipa Beach Park has come back to life with surfers, windsurfers, and water enthusiasts alike.

The trade winds have returned bringing back cool and breezy conditions, but they are also tearing up the waves. This is making this swell more favorable for windsurfers than for surfers at Ho’okipa.

Maui, especially Ho’okipa, is one of the windsurfing capitals of the world because of the consistent tradewinds most of the year. It’s ironic because surfers are always wanting the wind to die down for those glassy conditions, but the windsurfers are hoping for the windiest conditions.

Swell was still getting bigger. Ho’okipa. Photo: Carlos Rock.

Basically, it’s better to be a windsurfer on Maui than a regular surfer. Or you can be both. However, the amount of gear and expensive equipment you need is one of the main reasons people tend to stay away from windsurfing. But, on those days where the lineups are just torn to shreds because of the heavy trades, windsurfers are obviously having more fun.

But, since this winter just doesn’t want to give up (no complaints here) surfers are going out there in the wind anyway. Maui surfers are probably the most well-rounded and adaptable to different conditions. Surfers here are forced to just put up with the wind or don’t surf, it’s that simple.

South swell magic. Summer 2012. Photo: Carlos Rock.

If you tailor your surfing to deal with the wind, then you can surf all the time. That is exactly why many of the up and coming pros from Maui are some of the most versatile surfers on the planet. Who else in the world can go and punt airs in 2 foot sloppy sideshore Ho’okipa, hold it down at Pipeline, and paddle into Jaws?

Adapting to the wind makes you a better surfer, bottom line.

Looks like there is going to be another small north swell coming, and the wind is expected to die as well Sunday/Monday.

There also appears to be a small 3-5+ foot south swell set to hit on Monday 4/29. Could this be the start of many south swells of the summer? Let’s hope so.