Maui Surf

Maui surfers Albee Layer and Billy* shared their opinions with Maui Now on how surf politics work on the north shore, where the waves are as big as some surfers’ egos.

With mast-high waves and winds over 25 mph at Hookipa Beach on Saturday, February 11, windsurfers took the risk as a challenge and sailed out.

Strong winds ruined big wave surfing potential on the North Shore today, but West Side surfers at Honolua Bay snuck in a satisfying afternoon session.

On Friday, February 3 a good wave was still hard to find, but when wind speed dropped and waves could reach their full potential, a congregation of afternoon surfers rushed to Ho’okipa and Lanes.

Waves at local big wave surf spot Peahi (Jaws) were smaller than many expected Wednesday morning.

When the wind blows in too strong for good North Shore surf, some surfers opt-out on bigger, messier waves for smaller, better formed waves at West Maui surf spot Honolua Bay.

Though surfers of all ages convened for a worthy session at Tavares Beach in Kuau on Wednesday afternoon, the majority were groms, spotted ripping waves alongside the pros.

Franck Berthuot met with Maui Now to speak about how he went from a passionate hobbyist to a highly-sought surf, underwater, and fine art photographer.

Meola met with Maui Now to share a little bit about his personal life from both in and out of the surfing spotlight.

North Shore surfers convened at Hookipa Beach Park to surf of 8 to 15 foot afternoon waves.

Several known Maui surfers scored big waves at Honolua Bay in this video, shot and edited by Matty Schweitzer.

The paddle-in feat in conditions described as 50-feet-plus, is considered a first for an Australian, according to Rowley, who called the ride “unbelievable.”

On Wednesday, January 4, talented big wave surfers both new and familiar paddled into 15-20 foot waves until the early afternoon.

Surf is expected to be in the 12 to 20 foot range along the north facing shores, and 8 to 12 feet along the west side, dropping below advisory levels by daybreak on Friday.

The forecast calls for 25 to 35 foot surf along the north shores, and 15 to 25 footers along the west shores. As large swells approach this winter season, big wave surfers are monitoring conditions for size and consistency on Oahu’s North Shore.

Both Ho’okipa and Baldwin Beach Parks were packed this weekend with holiday beach-goers celebrating the end of last year and the beginning of the auspicious year 2012.

A High Surf Advisory is in effect for the East facing shores of Maui and Molokai until 6 a.m. on Tuesday, December 27, 2011. Forecasters from the National Weather Service say surf will be in the 6 to 8 foot range, and remain elevated through Monday night.

Surfers on Maui took advantage of prime surf conditions early Sunday morning as the National Weather Service extended a High Surf Advisory until 6 p.m. Sunday along Maui’s north shores.

Wave-riders wrapped up competition at Pipeline this weekend, with Kieren Perrow taking the title at the Billabong Pipe Masters, and John John Florence winning the overall 2011 title for the Vans Triple Crown.

Pro surfers are back in the water today for day two of the Billabong Pipe Masters in Memory of Andy Irons. A large swell that peaked on Thursday afternoon will persist across the Hawaiian islands today with 10 foot waves expected at Pipeline.