Late April on the North Shore

The forecasts had a building NW swell showing up on the north shore beginning Monday.  I had last been there a little over 14 months ago and it was, as they say, "the real deal".  I didn't expect anything like that since the locals were characterizing the swell as "playful".  But I've learned that "playful" here is not the same as "playful" in SoCal.  So, while it was nothing like the above photo, it was plenty powerful.  

First stop, Sunset.  Not Sunset big, but not all that small either.  The offshores were grooming the peaks to perfection.  

Not the shore break but not outside Sunset either

This dog took his coconut everywhere.

Next stop was Ehukai beach, which, as you can see, had some size and crowds to go with it.  Also home to the Pipeline which actually wasn't breaking all that well and was swarming with spongers.  But Backdoor was pitching some peaks that were breaking about 100 feet from shore.  Late, late under-the-lip take offs.

Da Boyz at Backdoor

I don't know who this guy is but he was snagging most of the waves.  If anyone recognizes him let us know.  Check out the size of his board.

And a little further down the road, Rockpile

The impact zone is the impact zone no matter what part of the world you're in.  About to get munched at Backdoor.

Couldn't help myself; this guy was getting some amazing rides.

Coming off the bottom; setting up for the drive

He knows he is in about 4 feet of water; that's why his eyes are closed.  He doesn't want to see what's coming.

Bust 'em loose!

The one and only long boarder.  

Ok, that's it for today.  Traveling into Honolulu this morning to visit the KoAloha ukulele factory.  Made arrangements to pick up some Koa wood for the ukulele I'm making.  More on that later.

Have a good one

Aloha

Gary

All photographs copyright Gary Erbeck Photography