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Dec. 08, 2012 – Oahu, Hawaii, U.S. – JAMIE O BRIEN of Oahu, Hawaii advanced into Round 2 of the Billabong Pipe Masters in Memory of Andy Irons at Pipeline. Surfing 2012 – Billabong Pipeline Masters – ZUMAz03
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/imago0012096366h.jpg?width=600)
via Imago
Dec. 08, 2012 – Oahu, Hawaii, U.S. – JAMIE O BRIEN of Oahu, Hawaii advanced into Round 2 of the Billabong Pipe Masters in Memory of Andy Irons at Pipeline. Surfing 2012 – Billabong Pipeline Masters – ZUMAz03
Situated about 2000 miles from the U.S. mainland, Hawaii is the core of the surfing sphere. Therefore, thousands of surfing enthusiasts congregate at this paradise every year from all over the world. Beyond, the scope of surfing competitions like the 2023 Billabong Pro Pipeline, where many well-known surfers came together to pay their tribute to Andy Irons, many tourists simply come to the islands for a vacation and have fun in the swells.
Nevertheless, the recently clicked photographs of Hawaii showed the islands unusually crowded with tourists. It seemed like something else beyond the allure of the natural beauty on the island had beckoned them. What was the reason for this unexpected surge?
Decoding the unexpected surfing hordes in Hawaii
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As per pictures published on Hawaii News Now, the island was full of tourists. Surfers love the feeling of maneuvering their boards on the massive waves all by themselves. The thrill of riding alone out in the open sea is a magnificent attraction for pro surfers.
However, this week professional surfers will have to share the waves with amateurs and irregular surfing enthusiasts. The waters around the island were teeming with people as monster waves hit the break one after another.
The National Weather Service issued a High Surf Advisory some days back. The advisory read, “a large north-northwest (340 degrees) swell will bring dangerously high surf” to the north-facing shores of the Big Island.
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True to the forecast, the swells reached the height of 16 feet. Although the pictures showed these surfing enthusiasts enjoying the massive waves, the risk of the sport kept the authorities on their toes.
Authorities are concerned about surfing injuries
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The Hawaii County Civil Defense was on high alert for the four days of the high surf advisory. They even went on to plead with the surfing enthusiasts to avoid taking unnecessary risks. In a radio message, the Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense asked the beach-goers, surfers, and swimmers to “exercise caution and heed all advice given by ocean safety officials”. The lifeguards on duty were always on the lookout for any mishaps.
Read More: Tragic Shooting Forms Dark Cloud Over Surfing Community As Hawaii Enforcer’s Son Passes Away
During the high surf warning thousands of surfing enthusiasts paid heed to the call of their passion. The island did not disappoint as they got to experience waves that reached the heights of 22 feet. Maui and Molokai on the northern shores of Hawaii experienced the highest surf.
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However, the risks of injuries were heightened during this time. Thankfully, no major accidents were reported but things could have gone wrong just as easily. Due to the alertness of the officials, Hawaii is the best place now to learn some new tricks on the board safely at this surf haven.
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