Can you surf at Waimea Bay?

While the surf only breaks big several times a year, Waimea was the most prestigious big wave surf break in the world for decades. The Quiksilver Big Wave Invitational in Memory of Eddie Aikau takes place in Waimea Bay to honor the legendary surfer and the first lifeguard of the North Shore of Oahu.

How big are the waves at Waimea Bay?

Current Surf Report for Waimea Bay Current Conditions

What is the Waimea River break?

When the waimea river fills up to capacity it breaks through the sand and flows into the ocean. It starts with a trickle then turns into a raging river. Once the water is finished flowing, the waves from the ocean build up the sand again and block the river from flowing into the ocean.

What happened to the sand at Waimea Bay?

Our major conclusion on erosion at Waimea Bay is that since being cut off from sand supplied by other sections of the coast- line, the bay is not producing enough sand to replace that being lost. The major cause of the loss appears to be sand moved into deeper water by occasional events such as the December 1969 storm.

What does Waimea mean in Hawaiian?

reddish water
Waimea is a common place name in Hawaii and New Zealand. In Hawaiian, it means reddish water; in Māori it means forgotten or hidden stream.

Can you bring home sand from Hawaii?

It is illegal to take sand from Hawaii beaches, state Department of Land and Natural Resources spokeswoman Deborah Ward said. The law contains a limited number of exceptions that do not include personal or commercial sales. Fines for illegally collecting Hawaii sand can reach upward of $100,000.

Is Waimea Bay manmade?

The Waimea River Wave The goal is to create a path for the water to flow and, more importantly, to create one of the largest stationary waves in Hawaii. The waves can be ridden for several hours, and the man-made phenomenon attracts thousands of non-surfers and tourists.

Where are the big waves at Waimea Bay?

Waimea Bay is a spectator-friendly big wave surfing spot. When the surf’s up at Waimea Bay, fans and media professionals can easily witness and capture the intensity of the breaking waves from a close distance. During high surf warnings, waves might roll past the rocks and boulders and reach the roadside above. The Waimea River Wave

Where is Waimea Bay in Oahu, Hawaii?

Waimea Bay is a legendary surf spot located on the North Shore of Oahu. A hectic and dangerous place during winter, and a quiet portrait of the Hawaiian ocean life during summer. Welcome to “The Bay,” a surf break known for its mammoth waves and death-defying rides.

When does the Waimea River break into the sea?

There’s a time in the year when the Waimea River reaches its maximum capacity and breaks through the sandy beach, and flows into the sea. To accelerate the process, local surfers use hands and shovels to dig up the sand and connect the river mouth to the Waimea shore break.

When does big wave surf start in Hawaii?

The world-renowned big wave surf spot comes to life during Hawaiian winter (November to April), when long period, deep water NW swells suddenly hit the local lava shelf located 100 meters off of the northern headland.