The North Shore surf season is here — along with big waves, wavering trades and a spate of shark attacks. It’s a time of excitement and danger, with big fun and feats of athletic prowess.
The World Surfing League’s competitive season in Hawaii kicked off Oct. 28 with high waves at Sunset Beach and the call to begin the HIC Pro. Maui’s Ian Walsh owned the contest this year and won the title for a second time.
"It’s a good start to winter," Walsh said, celebrating his win. Next up: Walsh competes in Haleiwa at the Hawaiian Pro, the first event of the Triple Crown of Surfing. The holding period of the Hawaiian Pro begins Thursday.
"We’re going to see all the best surfers in the world," said Kaipo Guerrero, a commentator for the Triple Crown.
Surfers form a temporary community during surf season, said Guerrero, a lifelong surfer himself.
"It’s a gathering," he said. "You see many of the same people year after year — a cultural tribe. It’s a great tradition and it has kind of snowballed. Even 10 years ago this scene was a lot smaller."
The World Surf League organizes Triple Crown events, and Jodi Wilmott, league general manager for the Hawaii/Pacific region, said many long days were spent setting up the events, and she has now turned her attention to the contests and the needs of surfers who arrive to participate.
Wilmott, who took over management of the event from Randy Rarick this year, has been involved with the Triple Crown for many years. One day might go smoothly, she said, another may be spent at a hospital, sorting out care for an injured competitor.
"We’re going to be at work every day through Christmas," Wilmott said, keeping the machinery in motion.
Get updates on events at worldsurfleague.com. Check for Oahu updates and surf conditions at vanstriplecrownofsurfing.com.
In addition to surf contests, the North Shore season includes awards dinners, a golf tournament and other events. Look to our TGIF calendars for more.
>> Thursday: Hawaiian Pro waiting period begins at Alii Beach, Haleiwa. The first competition in the Triple Crown runs on the biggest and best four days of surf, through Nov. 23. Contest days begin at 8 a.m. and end at 4 p.m.
>> Nov. 15: Na Kama Kai Day at Alii Beach, spotlighting youth ocean programs in connection with the Hawaiian Pro. Info: nakamakai.org.
>> Nov. 21: Target Maui Pro, final event in the women’s championship tour at Honolua Bay. Contest window closes Dec. 4.
>> Nov. 24: Vans World Cup of Surfing waiting period begins at Sunset Beach.
The event will run on the biggest and best four days of surf through Dec. 6.
>> Nov. 28: West Side Stoke-A-Rama at Makaha Beach, hosted by Na Kama Kai (tentative).
>> Dec. 3: Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau opening ceremony, 3 p.m. at Waimea Bay. Contest waiting period ends Feb. 28.
>> Dec. 6: Surfer Poll Awards at Turtle Bay Resort. Invitation only; livestream at surfermag.com/surfer-poll.
>> Dec. 8: Billabong Pipe Masters waiting period begins at Ehukai Beach Park. This is the third and final competition of the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing and the culminating event of the WSL Samsung Galaxy Championship Tour. The event will run on the biggest and best four days of surf through Dec. 20.
