Catch a wave and you're sittin' on top of the world

• Get-wet adventures await Islanders, visitors alike

By Zenaida Serrano Espanol
Advertiser Staff Writer

Jake Paterson competes in the Vans Hawaiian Pro contest held at Hale'iwa last year. The annual event will happen again next month. Advertiser library photo Nov. 2002 Vans Triple Crown of Surfing Men's events: Hawaiian Pro, Nov. 12-23, Hale'iwa Ali'i Beach Park Rip Curl Cup, Nov. 24-Dec. 7, Sunset Beach Pipeline Masters, Dec. 8-20, Pipeline Women's events: Roxy Pro, Nov. 12-23, Hale'iwa Ali'i Beach Park Turtle Bay Resort Women's Pro, Nov. 24-Dec. 7, Turtle Bay Resort Billabong Pro, Dec. 8-20, Honolua Bay on Maui Note: The men's and women's competitions are held at separate times, said Triple Crown executive director Randy Rarick. Also, competition will take place within the holding period based on surf conditions.

The big-wave season is November through February, sometimes through March.

"The big winter storms (in the North Pacific) are what cause the surf for the North Shore," said Stephen Gould, Pupukea resident and curator of the North Shore Surf & Cultural Museum.

Popular surf spots include Sunset Beach, Hale'iwa, Chun's Reef and Laniakea, Gould said. Maps — laminated or foldable — of surf sites with their popular names are available at Hale'iwa surf shops such as Surf N Sea.

"The No. 1, prime location is 'Ehukai Beach Park," said Randy Rarick, executive director of the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing. More specifically, Pipeline, which is about 200 yards west of the beach park, Rarick said.

"The breaks are 75 yards from shore, and the action is right there," he said. "Also, when surf is very big, any vantage point from Waimea makes for great views of big-wave action."

Also consider checking out any one of the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing events (see box), where serious competition for major cash prizes adds to the thrill of the show.

No matter where surf-seekers choose to go, they should get there before 8 a.m., said Jodi Young, a Waimea resident and Triple Crown spokeswoman.

"I think the first thing I would do is check a surf report," Young said. She suggests calling the Surf News Network at 596-SURF or 596-7873, which provides information on where the big waves are and where contests are being held.

Going early — ideally at dawn — means finding the best surf conditions, beating crowds, avoiding traffic and finding parking, Young said.

Consider making a day of it, and bring food and water, she said.

"If you're someone who really appreciates good waves and surfing, it's riveting," Young said. "It's easy to just sit there and be glued to the spot all day."

Vacationers can also up the experience a notch by talking story with surfers, who are usually very approachable, Young said. North Shore surfers come from all parts of the world; local and Mainland wave riders mingle regularly with those from Australia, Brazil, New Zealand, England and Switzerland.

"The average surfer is someone who has a great outdoor personality and who's going to be very open to fielding your questions or offering you a little bit more information," she said.

Keep in mind that both average and professional surfers are more accommodating when getting out of the water, Young said.

When they're not catching waves, surfers can be found hanging out at places like Cafe Hale'iwa, Cholo's Homestyle Mexican II and Sunset Pizza, even the Pupukea Foodland Super Market and Starbucks Coffee. "Anywhere there's food," Young said, and laughed.

Reach Zenaida Serrano Espanol at zespanol@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-8174.

Get-wet adventures await Islanders, visitors alike

Here's a guide to water activities on the North Shore. Big-surf season may curtail some ocean activities. Call ahead for information and weather conditions when making plans.

Swim with sharks

The two-hour North Shore Shark Adventures take visitors three miles offshore from Hale'iwa Harbor to view sharks in their habitat. Sharks usually seen are grey reef, sandbar, Galapagos and hammerhead varieties. A viewing cage is tethered to the vessel Kailolo, allowing spotters to get into the ocean and close to the sharks in a safe viewing environment. Green sea turtles, dolphins and humpback whales (November through May) may be a bonus. Cage tour, $120; boat tour, $60. Tours from 8 a.m. daily, depending on weather conditions. Slip 35, Hale'iwa Boat Harbor. Reservations: 228-5900, www.hawaiisharkadventures.com.

Ocean activities

Many North Shore companies offer scuba rentals and diving trips for both introductory and certified divers. See the activities registry for O'ahu at www.bestplaceshawaii.com.

Deep Ecology offers six-passenger boat dives for certified divers, four-person introductory dives and snorkel and whale-watching trips from an inflatable boat. "Our clients tend to be adventurous, sports-minded and environmentally aware," said Pat Johnson, owner of Deep Ecology. "Our aim is to give back to the ocean what we derive our living from and leave it intact; we try to educate about the ocean on all our trips." Whale-watching tours (from December) are $49, children $29; boat dives for certified divers, $119; introductory dives $109. Discounts for kama'aina and those with own equipment. Deep Ecology, 66-456 Kamehameha Highway, Hale'iwa (next to Café Hale'iwa), (800) 578-3992, www.deepecology1.com.

North Shore Catamaran Cruises (25 passengers maximum) leaves Hale'iwa Boat Harbor at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. daily beginning mid-December. $42 ($21 for ages 2-12). Ray Beatty, 638-8279.

Snorkel

Pupukea Beach Park is part of a marine life conservation district and, being fronted almost entirely by reefs, is a popular snorkeling spot year-round. High winter surf makes nearby Shark's Cove off-limits, but it's worth a visit in spring and summer. Always check with the lifeguard about ocean conditions.

Surfing

Surf N Sea, in Hale'iwa offers surfing lessons at 1 p.m. daily, $69 for three- to four-hour lesson; and board rentals 9 a.m.-7 p.m. daily. 62-595 Kamehameha Highway, Hale-'iwa, 637-9887, www.surfnsea.com.

North Shore Eco Surf Tours' Stan Van Voorhis offers small-group surfing lessons daily for $65 and rents wet suits and boards. 638-9503.

Fishing

Surf N Sea sets up fishing charters for mahimahi (dolphin), 'ahi (yellowfin tuna), aku (skipjack tuna) and a'u (marlin). Trips are usually 8 hours, $625 for groups up to five. Reservations. 637-9887.