High Surf Warnings!

On January 9th, 2008, the first surge of 2 large wave swells came through and pounded the North of Oahu. The wave heights reached close to 20 foot faces and North Shore locals reported seeing ocean water washing up on Kamehameha Highway. This has been the first large swell for the winter season and it has all big wave surfers excited.

On Wednesday, the 6th annual surf contest, Da Hui Backdoor Shootout (holding period from January 2-13) day one was underway. Located at the Banzai Pipeline at Ehukai Beach Park, this surf contest is unique because of the large participation of Hawai’i born surfers with its special ‘no-elimination’ judging format, which involves three rounds of non-elimination with four man heats and only your best three waves scored. Wednesday brought excellent waves of 8-15 feet to Pipeline for contestants like Jamie O'brien who was one of the day's standout barrel-riders. This week the contest will continue pending wave conditions.

The next large north swell is expected to arrive Sunday January 13th peaking late afternoon. This swell is expected to be larger than Wednesday's at wave heights in the 18-25+ foot face range. North Shore residents and visitors are urged to exercise extreme caution near shorelines and nearby beaches during these high surf warnings. For an daily updated Oahu surf report call Surf News Network Hotline 808.596.7873

Go to Hawaii Surf Session Report to watch video. Then come back and join us.