Page 6 - MidWeek West - Feb 15, 2023

6
FEBRUARY 15, 2023
Aloha surfers and beachgoers, February has not matched January’s kickoff, but that’s not a fair compar- ison. Any month that deliv- ers waves like Jan. 22 when The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational took place will pretty much be unsurpass- able for decades to come.
the 2023 World Champion- ship Tour.
upsets with the elimination of Australia’s eight-time world champ Stephanie Gilmore, plus Hawai‘i’s very own reigning winner Moana Jones Wong.
Day one of the men’s competition (Feb. 7) saw the GOAT, eight-time Pipe mas- ter and defending 2022 champ Kelly Slater eliminated in the opening round!
The women had several days off before jumping back in the competition Feb. 6 on a new 3--to-4-foot, occasionally 5-foot, west northwest swell. The issue was consistency and shape. This building swell had super long periods (think thickness and speed). This had a tendency to make Pipe- line “wall up” and “jack” too much. The contest organizers only ran four heats before calling it quits for the day.
oneer big-wave surfing in the 1950s. The others were George Downing, Greg Noll (my uncle) and Buzzy Trent.
Now, let’s compare the North Shore to the rest of the planet’s surf spots. Jan- uary had about five separate swells that averaged rough- ly 5 feet before the month was half over. That pretty much puts us in the driver’s seat.
Dealing with and depend- ing on the ocean is one of the challenges that makes our sport unique. It’s the cost of admission. But when Moth- er Nature delivers, it’s all the more rewarding.
The icon was one of the first members of the Windan- sea Surf Club, which would go on to become one of the most infamous surf clubs in history.
As I write this, I’m watch- ing the Billabong Pro Pipe- line. It’s men’s first shot at a little bit of glory. So far, Pipe has been below nor- mal standards. But again, that’s relative. Pipe is still a dangerous and challenging wave even at 5 feet.
Just in case you might have missed this sad news, surfing lost a true legend recently.
In 1955, Curren made his first visit to Hawai‘i, and it would change his life forev- er.
The women hit the water first on Feb. 2, kicking off
Bettylou Sakura Johnson surfs the first backdoor barrel of the women’s event at the Billabong Pro Pipeline.
PHOTO COURTESY WORLD SURF LEAGUE/TONY HEFF
Family & Cosmetic Dentistry For Your Whole Family With A Smile
Dr. Jay T. Kanegawa, D.M.D.
Welcomes...
Susan Shiroma D.D.S.
He was the last surviving member in a group of four other surfers who helped pi-
GQ, droppin’ in 4 U!
gary@surfnewsnetwork.com
BY GARY KEWLEY
2023 World Championship Tour Kicks Off On O‘ahu
Pipe’s always nerve-wrack- ing as you just never know who’s timing is going to be “on.” Day one saw two huge
Pat was born in 1932 in Carlsbad, California. He grew up mostly in Mission Beach, San Diego (my hometown). At 16, he dropped out of high school, then, at 18, he moved to La Jolla and started surfing — instant adrenaline junky.
Pat Curren died at 90 years old on Jan. 22, the same day as The Eddie. Pat always had incredible timing.
His impact on surfing will last forever, too. Just ask his son, three-time world champ Tom Curren.
Thanks Pat.
PRE SPRING SPECIALS!
B
B
B
B
$3,500 OFF
U U
ROOM
Y ACCESSIBLE SHOWERS OL
C AA LL
BATH
WALK-IN TUBS
U
U
U
Y OL
NON
SLIP FLOOR
(808) 593-2000 ServingHawaiiforover63Yearswith
Windward(808) 263-1252 Leeward.. (808) 456-4892 Honolulu.. (808) 396-0971
Thousands of Satisfied Customers VISIT OUR
Lic #BC-27653 C Lic #BC-14660
Tropical Wholesale Inc.
www.twoahu.com
SHOWROOM:
1351 S. Beretania St., Honolulu, HI 96814
􏰀
􏰀
O PV Cleaning
􏰀
O Gutter Cleaning
􏰀
O Soft Wash Roof Cleaning 􏰀
O Spot Free Window Cleaning O Soft Wash House Cleaning
􏰀
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
Monday 8am-6pm Tuesday 8am-5pm Wednesday 8am-5pm Thursday 6:30am-4pm Friday 8am-5pm Saturday 7am-2pm
AIEA FAMILY DENTAL
FAMILY & COSMETIC DENTISTRY 808-488-4017
AIEA: 99-155 Moanalua Rd.
O Concrete Cleaning
CALL NOW FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE (808) 313-9000 Find Us On:
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS!
w
www.AieaFamilyDental.com
CONVERT TUB TO SHOWER IN DAYS!
NEW MILDEW FREE!
FREE Handi-bars with any Shower/Tub Conversions
SPECIAL!!
Mention this ad to claim your 10% discount