In Pictures: Nature’s Rare Phenomenon at ‘The Mecca of Surfing’ Makes for a Perfect Holiday Destination

The North Shore Oahu in Hawaii, also called the Mecca of Surfing has lured in surfers from all around the world since times immemorial. The island of Oahu has been home to the most magnificent surf breaks on this Earth. In winter, the island transforms into the ultimate surfer’s paradise. Despite attracting crowds from all across the globe, the community of Oahu has fought to maintain the small-town Hawaiian disposition of this coastline.

The North Shore of Hawaii is considered to be the birthplace of surfing, and this archipelago has become a shrine for surfers, swimmers, and even photographers, all flocking to catch the perfect wave or shot. From the Jaws Pe’ahi to the Banzai Pipeline, Waimea Bay, and Sunset Beach, the waves of this region are magical.

Capturing the mystical waves of Hawaii

A photograph recently uploaded on Facebook by a page with the name Dgphotography befittingly showcased the beauty of Hawaiian surf breaks. The snap was of a beauteous double barrel wave on the Seven-Mile Miracle, with the sunlight filtering through the ends, making the water look pearly in contrast to the aquamarine ocean. Sometimes when a wave breaks, it forms a tube, also known as a barrel. This phenomenon creates a gap between the face of the wave and the lip of the wave as it curls over.

Two consecutive barrel waves form a double barrel wave, a rare wave to ride. This is a sight that would make any surfer go “wow”. But then, the islands of Hawaii are full of these spectacular sights. This region has a selection of waves for everyone. The Pipelines offer a perfect avenue for competitive surfing, which is why elite surfing competitions choose this location. Every year, the ASP World Tours’ last leg is the Billabong Pipeline. Besides competitive surfing, big wave surfing also finds an apt home at the North Shore Oahu. The North Shore of Maui gives birth to the gnarliest wave all around. Jaws have always been popular among big-wave enthusiasts.

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During the winters, the waves can go up to a 100-foot high, perfect for adrenaline junkies. In the summers, the Ma’alaea Pipeline has some of the fastest waves in the Pacific. This is probably why they have been nicknamed “Freight Trains” by the surfing community. The North Shore Oahu has witnessed the origin of some of the best surfers on the planet. Duke Kahanamoku, the “father of modern surfing”, Kai Lenny, John John Florence, Nathan Florence, and Jamie O’Brien, all hail from Oahu, Hawaii. All these professional surfers have honed their impeccable skills on the North Shore. 

Two surfing legends go on a North Shore adventure

Viewing a double barrel feels surreal on its own, but riding one would require unmatchable skills. This miracle took place a couple of years back when Nathan Florence and Kai Lenny ventured out into the North Shore sea and managed to catch a double barrel at jaws. According to a report by The Interia, the initial plan was simply to get on the same wave. Little did the surfers know that would be able to ride the first-ever double barrel at Pe’ahi. Being the barrel wizard, Nathan Florence took the lead and Kai Lenny scooched in behind him.

However, according to the surfers, the wave was huge enough to fit a third person inside with them. Kai Lenny was overjoyed with the novel experience, and while describing it, said, “We came out so stoked to have shared a moment like that. [It’s] rare and pretty much never do you get to share an experience like that with someone else.” The stories that come out of North Shore Oahu are often this exceptional, such is the charm of this place.

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