PHOTOS: Surfers Enjoy “One of Season’s Last” Big Swells

By Madeline Ziecker

A surfer finishing up his session at 'Pavilions' on Sunday evening. Photo by Madeline Ziecker.

A decently-sized swell hit Maui’s north shore this weekend on Sunday, April 15, bringing windsurfers great conditions and surfers a little less luck with the addition of strong winds.

Sets came in inconsistently at 8 to 12 feet throughout the afternoon and into the evening at different breaks along Ho’okipa Beach Park.

The waves appeared in sets at close intervals, like walls of water being invisibly demolished by wind.

A few surfers were spotted paddling into heavy waves at Ho’okipa surf spots ‘Middles’ and ‘Pavilions’ with some success.

In the early evening the wave at Pavilions came in from sporadic directions, giving  remaining surfers a final spurt as they paddled from side to side trying to catch up.

Despite some strong gusts Ho’okipa’s ‘Point’ was packed with spectators perched on the grassy cliff, watching the windsurfers fly across waves. The lookout on the other side of the beach park was also full with visitors who  spent hours watching the waves while playing guitar, eating, selling handmade jewelry, and talking story with tourists.

Pink was a popular color for both men's and women's sails during a Sunday windsurfing session. Photo by Madeline Ziecker.

Maui windsurfing pioneer Mark Angulo, multi-faceted Renaissance surfer Francisco Porcella, and young up-and-comer Bernd Rodiger were spotted among many others at the Point rigging their gear on the grass.

After his session, Angulo mused, “I think this will be one of the last big swells of the season.”

He may be right, in which case a lot of serious surfers and windsurfers will soon be packing for their summer vacations to chase waves elsewhere.

ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW AD Sets coming in to Ho'okipa on Sunday, April 15. Photo by Madeline Ziecker.	Mark Angulo after a satisfying session. Photo by Madeline Ziecker.
A spectator gets bored while waiting to watch the next big set and turns Ho'okipa's lookout into a jungle gym. Photo by Madeline Ziecker.	Photo by Madeline Ziecker.