Menehunes and monsters
Friday - April 20, 2007
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Win or lose, these HASA Menehunes are all smiles
Aloha, surfers and beach-goers! Most of us just made it passed our tax deadline so now it’s time to celebrate in the surf. There are plenty waves to go around on all shores.You’ll ride plenty 3-foot SSW energy through the weekend and good-sized NW swells for Saturday and early next week. Trades should be moderate with enough sunshine to go ‘round.When I hear of storms in the Pacific Northwest or water temps in the 50s there’s a rush of gratitude. I love this place we call home.
First wave: We just finished Hawaii Amateur Surf Association event No. 9 at Ehukai last weekend in small but rip-able 3 footers. Conditions were sweetened with trades,sun and sandbars.Our amateurs turned out in full force and had to jump into the surf from the beach after the horn signal. Usually they first paddle out into position then wait for the horn to blow. But with Ehukai’s waves breaking very near to shore, directors decided to throw in the new twist. It was fun to watch - and good for getting into shape.
Congratulations to Menehune division victor Eala Stewart and Boys winner Matty Costa. Kekoa Cazimero - this week’s cover boy - is still on a roll in the Junior Men’s. Jared Clapper won the Men’s, with Jon Jon Florence taking Open Men’s honors. Yukiko Whiteside tore it up for women while Coco Ho won the Girls division.For complete results check out HASASURF.org or SNNHAWAII.com. As always call 638-RUSH for on and off status. A million mahaloz! go out to Bernie Baker for the photos and for always supporting surf. Don’t forget to rest, my friend!
Hawaii’s very talented and competitive surfers are getting closer and more amped for the Burger King State Championships at Ala Moana Bowls on June 7-9.When you Look straight into the lefts of Ala Moana Bowls from Magic Island it’s ... well ... magic. It’s such a fantastic venue for a surf meet and just hanging out with friends and family. Don’t miss it! And, oh yeah ... pray for surf.
Second wave: EXTRA LARGE CONGRADZ to Hawaii’s North Shore resident and No Fear/Don Joy team rider Garrett McNamara! Friday the 13th was not an unlucky day for ‘G Mac’ Daddy as he won Best Overall Performance at the Billabong XXL Global Big Wave Awards - for the second time! The banquet was held in Anaheim.
To be honest, I’m not surprised! In my opinion he’s been one of the G-narliest big wave riders for many, many years. Garrett’s just finally getting the recognition he deserves.
I recall being out on a huge 15-25-foot day at Waimea Bay and barely making it to shore. As I peered out in adrenaline-exhaustion,I saw Garrett take off extremely deep (behind the bowl) on one of the biggest waves that late afternoon. It was the kind of man vs. wave moment that suspends your thinking and your breathing. He drew the perfect line all the way to the shore break ... gulp!
The huge rip and shore break had to be timed perfectly to get in or else. Garrett waved off the life guards who wanted to assist him ... but, no way ... was he coming in on his own? Sure enough, he made it! It was the first time I met Garrett and I complimented him. His response to the whole thing was “No big deal ... a day at work.” I, on the other hand, was pretty amazed.I had a feeling that this guy was up to something huge... and this was 20 years ago!
On his nomination of Monster Paddle-in and Biggest Tow-In Waves leading to his overall victory, Mr. McNamara said: “I’m so stoked, I didn’t expect to win it. I go out there and surf for fun, but I do try really hard. That wave was the heaviest wave I have ever had at Maverick’s. It’s really an honor I like to represent Hawaii, that’s where I come from.”
Thanks for thinking of us, Garrett, while risking your life!
Stay tuned as I plan an interview for my favorite readers right here in MidWeek!
GQ, dropping In 4 U!
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