The North Shore of Oahu is being battered today by the onslaught of a strong storm track that moved in during the early hours of the morning. Waves are currently in the 15-foot (Hawaiian scale) range and rising, forecast to hit 20-plus feet (Hs) tonight and higher than 25 feet (Hs) by tomorrow morning. The National Weather Service is warning local residents of possible road closures and property damage for shoreline areas.
The big negative for big-wave riders is the strong side-shore winds associated with this storm front. Presently, winds from the WSW are clocking in at speeds of up to 40mph, and the ocean resembles a bowl of wild cool-whip. Also associated with the wind, heavy rain squalls are intermittently soaking the North Shore. There have already been several community power outages today.
All in all, it looks like we're in for a spectacular storm show from Mother Nature, but not the kind of quality waves that the Quiksilver Big Wave Invitational in Memory of Eddie Aikau requires to run. There's definitely size, but unfortunately no quality form.
"If the winds were to turn straight from the south, it could clean itself up, but that's not what we're expecting at the moment," said Contest Director George Downing. "It's more a case of what-you-see-is-what-you-get, and that's a pretty wild ocean right now.
But, of course, we will continue to monitor the reports for any changes right throughout the night."
The holding period for the Quiksilver Big Wave Invitational in Memory of Eddie Aikau began December 1, 2006 and runs until February 28, 2007. Check www.quiksilver.com/bigwave for updates.
About the Quiksilver Big Wave Invitational in Memory of Eddie Aikau
The Quiksilver Big Wave Invitational In Memory of Eddie Aikau gathers 24 of the most accomplished paddle-in big wave riders from around the world. The Quiksilver Big Wave Invitational takes place each winter at the hallowed ground of Waimea Bay, on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii, on a single day when open-ocean swells measure a minimum of 20 feet - translating to wave face heights of more than 30 feet.
Unlike most of today's big-wave events, The Quiksilver Big Wave Invitational In Memory of Eddie Aikau remains true to big-wave riding's roots and does not allow the use of Personal Water Craft (jet-ski) to tow riders into waves. Competitors must paddle (as opposed to tow in) themselves into heaving mountains of water, up to six-stories high, under their own arm power, then successfully make the drop and ride out the thundering waves.
Twenty-four surfers will each compete in two rounds during the one day of competition. Depending upon the conditions, competitors will be allowed to ride three or four waves per heat in each round. Their four best scoring waves at the end of two rounds will make up their total.
About Quiksilver
Quiksilver, trailblazing guide to boardriding* culture, is committed to providing tools for uncovering, expressing and expanding your personal style. Our mission is to foster the sense of individual expression and excitement - the stoke that is the essence of boardriding. We're also here to spread the word because the only thing better than finding stoke is sharing it.
* Boardriding is about timing and style. It’s youthful, active, casual, and free flowing. There is no wrong way to ride a board. The goal is simply to learn, progress, improve, and give it your own interpretation.
www.quiksilver.com/bigwave
