Photo of the Week

This is what can happen if you don't know what you're doing at Pipeline.  Picture was taken a few days ago at the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii. Wonder if his head is still hurting?

Bozaii Pipeline: Locals only, shitty wipeouts and one of the best experiences of your life!

Hawaii’s most known spot has been getting off to a good start this winter with waves reaching 20 ft!  The famous Bonzaii Pipeline located on Hawaii’s sister island is one of the many surfing beaches located on the island’s vigorous North Shore.  Larger than usual swells have been hitting Pipeline since the beginning of November which is unusually early compared to previous years.  One thing you won’t hear from the North Shore locals are complaints.  Early morning surf sessions have been packed as usual even before the sunlight hits the water’s surface.  I’m sure Kala Alexander and the rest of the Wolfpak gang are taking full advantage of blocking the waves for local surfers.

The infamous Kala Alexander, one of my favorite surfers, is the known creator of the Wolfpak.  The Wolfpak is a group (they have even been called a surf gang) of local surfers who live next to or close to Pipeline and try to spread the idea of respect for the local surfers.  The idea they try to promote is to live up to their ancestor’s name.  For years Hawaiian surfers have been very particular in who paddles out into the line-up of waves and where they are doing it.  Out-of-towners were always easy to find at Pipeline because of their stylish boards, rash guards with a perfect fit and even “cocky” attitudes which are often picked up by Kala and the boys.  The Wolfpak has been known to show aggressive localism (not letting others catch waves) and have even taken things to physical measures.  Kala Alexander has stated several times, “Me and the boys aren’t looking for fights, we just want the same respect from people as if we were surfing at their home spot.”

Within the past couple of decades there has been an abundance of surfers and even viewers going to Pipeline to see what’s going on.  People travel hundreds of miles to see some of the bravest surfer’s paddles into 20ft plus sized waves which break over a very sharp coral reef which is not even ten feet deep.  Yes, ten feet deep… big balls and an open mind are needed before even paddling out into what most people call “hell’s doorstep.”

Although both the Wolfpak and the coral reef seem like reasons to avoid Bonzaii Pipeline, the surf spot is legendary and can truly be a one of a kind experience.   Just keep in mind to respect the locals and try and learn about the historical surf scene that has been there for almost a century.  The Bonzaii Pipeline masters will be held a week from today, Dec. 8^th, making it the final and most exciting stop on the ASP tour. 

Check out the links below to see footage from Pipeline...

Clink the link below to see the worst wipeouts of the year!

http://www.surfline.com/surflinetv/featured-clips/pipeouts_50484

Click the link below to see the best rides at Pipeline!

http://www.surfline.com/surflinetv/featured-clips/pipeline-swell-highlights_50284

Photo of the Week

Within a week Hawaii's most known surf spot Pipeline has gone from flat conditions to waves reaching up to 15 feet!  This is perfect conditions from the contests to come...

Check out this clip from REEF's new movie: From Cancer to Capricorn, The Path of the Modern Gypsy

Reef's surf movie can be described in two words.  Grom central.  This movie focuses on the younger guys who travel the world in search of the perfect wave.  Get this movie while it's still in the surf shops, if this doesn't make you want to travel I don't know what will!

Click the link below to see some clips!

http://www.surfline.com/video/video_player/promo-player.cfm?id=48775&slintcid=PB-REEFMOVIE&slcmpname=PROMOBOX-REEFMOVIE-GYPSY

Photo of the Week

Kelly Slater celebrates his tenth world title!  The title was secured after the event in Puerto Rico where Slater made surfing history and is the first ever to win ten world titles.  While receiving the award he stated "If it wasn't for Andy, I wouldn't be here right now," Kelly was one of Andy Irons very good friend who always supported him.  Slater also said, "I'd give this title away in a second if Andy could come back. He was one of the last people I saw in Portugal; he hugged me and said 'I want you to win this thing.'' It is obvoius to see  how he is a true hero.  Congrats Kelly!

A Sad and Shocking Day for the Surf World: RIP Andy Irons

Andy Irons aka Kauai's favorite son has died at age 32.  The three-time world champion was one of the most recognizable faces in the surfing world and his death was not only surprising but very sad to his family, friends, fellow surfers, loving sponsors and myself among many other fans.

It was reported that Andy died from Dengue Fever which was obtained while competing in the Rip Curl Pro Search in Puerto Rico.  Irons was headed back to his hometown in Hawaii from Puerto Rico because he was unable to continue the surf event.  He was unable to board his layover flight from Dallas to Kauai due to the illness and was found dead in his hotel room early Tuesday morning.  His family told doctors and officials that he was severely dehydrated and barely able to stand before he tried to attend the flight home.

Dengue fever is known as "breakbone" fever because of how painful it really is.  The illness can be obtained from mosquito's and have symptoms including high fever, severe headache, and pain in joints, bones and muscles.  All of the following signs gave friends and family members the indication that something wasn't right and Andy immediately pulled out of the surf contest.  He was treated immediately but this rapid moving fever got to the best of him. 

                                                                                                          

Andy will always be remembered not only as a surfing champion and legend but also as a great son, brother and husband.  His pregnant wife is mourning with the Irons family as thousands are continuing to support them for their lose.  Andy's family members have asked to respect their families privacy as well as thanking everyone for their support during this difficult time.  Andy Irons' courageous style of surfing will always be cherished and never forgotten.  Rest in Peace bro. Mahalo.

Photo of the Week

Todos Santos is an Island located a few miles off of the Baja Peninsula, Mexico.  This big wave producing surf spot is also known as a surfers burial ground which can hold waves as big as 50ft.  Surfers can rally test to see how big their balls are because they're not alone out there.  That's right, it's not uncommon to see a few sets of shark fins swimming alongside those waves!