Waimea Bay
North Shore, USA
Reef breakExpert
Surfing's original big-wave proving ground, a wide, powerful break that sleeps until the ocean sends its biggest swells, then wakes in spectacular, terrifying fashion.
Typical Conditions
The Surf Window
Swell Window
OptimalN (0°)
WindowNNW–ENE (330°–60°)
Size3-8ft
Wind
NE
Offshore
Tide
Mid to high
LowMidHigh
Season
October–March
JFMAMJJASOND
The Wave
Type
Both (right preferred)
Bottom
Rock and sand
Shape
Massive, cresting walls, not a barrel, a moving mountain
Length
100–200m
Skill Level
- •Who it's for: Expert big-wave surfers only
- •Why: The shore break alone is capable of killing an unprepared swimmer; the wave face is measured in storeys.
Hazards
- •Violent shore break, the most dangerous shorebreak in Hawaii
- •Wipeouts are measured in seconds of hold-down underwater
- •Strong rip running along the cliff
- •Rocks and boulders on the beach
Local Tips
- •The Eddie Aikau Invitational runs only when waves consistently exceed 20ft, attending as a spectator is a once-in-a-decade experience.
- •The bay is an excellent swimming and snorkelling spot on flat days, the contrast with storm days is extraordinary.
Location
21.6414, -158.0668