It’s time again for Duke’s Oceanfest
Friday - August 15, 2008
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Howzit, surfers and beach lovers!
The forecast has improved over the first weeks of August. Nothing major ... actually minor ... until a Tazman Sea swell saves the month starting Thursday, Aug. 21. The swell was massive with severe gales (45-50 mph) and 30-foot seas. Now the trick is for these swells to needle their way through hundreds of islands of Fiji and Samoa.
This puts a bigger question mark on the forecast. But the last few such swells have been great, reaching heights of isolated 5 feet local scale (3 to 4 feet overhead). These looked very similar to this current one, with near 20-second periods. (See my Aug. 1 article for an explanation on wave energy). The other great news is that this one coming will last about five days. Stoked!
Well, here we go with the seventh annual Duke’s Oceanfest! The opening ceremony is Sunday, Aug. 17, on the world’s most famous beach.
There are more events than you can shake a board at ... or whatever you’re using to compete with. Is it a paddleboard, canoe, volleyball? Is it a C4 SUP, long or short board or just a swimsuit and goggles? Whatever it is, it’s sure to be off the hook with energy and aloha.
The usual suspects (and more) will be there. The beach boys, Rabbit Kekai Keikis, the tandem teams, the legends, the celebrities, new, upcoming pros, Jim Fulton and logistics crews, volunteers galore, local and visiting spectators, past and future champs ... and more. Of course, the spirit of Duke Paoa Kahanamoku will be there, too. Come down. See it. Feel it!
Yes, it is the father of modern surfing who inspired this week-long festival in Waikiki. He gave back so much, so it is only fitting that we do the same in his honor. All funds raised go to the Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation (ODKF) - this goes to our Hawaii athletic youths as college scholarships and grant programs. Last year alone the event raised more than $30,000!
The BIG news this year: You also can watch it live on the Internet! If you can’t be there 24/7, you can watch 24/7 ... well, almost.
No competition in the dark. Go to dukefoundation.org.
Oh, I’d like to tell you - this year the best tandem teams on the planet will be on display Wednesday through Saturday. Log on for scoops at hawaiitandemsurf.com. Special thanks to Bear Woznick for holding it up!
Also this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, it’s the “Girls Who Surf ” amateur and Sea Hawaii Pro-Am events at Kewalos. Everyone seems to be lucking out as we expect a boost up in the surf all weekend long. This always has a great vibe. And, guys, some girls will be there, to say the least. And many can surf better than you.
So get down there and show ‘em some of your support - maybe they’ll give you some waves!
Log onto girlswhosurf.com. Special thanks to SNN reporter “Banzai Betty” Depolito for handling the pro-am side. Also, to Sea Hawaii and One Love surf shop for supporting women’s surfing.
This weekend I’m jumping over to Kauai to grab the mic a little (and surf a lot) at the 10th annual Kauai Surfing Association Ho’onua O Ke Kai Ocean and Surf Festival! There’s two days of comp at two very different surf spots: PK’s and Shipwrecks. The latter spot loves to get body surfers and boarders barreled a bunch. So that’s where we’re putting these competitors. It’s hollow and over sandstone reef with waves similar to Sandy’s. It’s also on the southeast shoreline.
Then the “regular” surfboarders will hit the wave machine of PK’s on the south side. This place always picks up swells, so it’s sure to be fun. The outside has a left that reforms on the inside right-hander. This is where lots of aerial specialists punt their latest moves.
Plus, the venue is sweet. You sit right on the small coastal cliff of grass fronting the Prince Kuhio condos. It’s a big family affair.
Well, I ran out of space ...imagine that. Guess I’ll have to go surfing.
See you in the lineup, at the events and back here to get covered next week in MidWeek!
GQ, dropping in 4 U!
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