Page 6 - MidWeek West - March 8, 2023

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MARCH 8, 2023
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BY GARY KEWLEY
Paddle Out Celebration Of Life Honors Legend
loha surfers and beachgoers,
pyin more than a decade, pywith the smallest north- pywest swells in 55 years. pyThere were no high-surf pyadvisories besides the usu-
reefs and get Waimea Bay and Pe‘ahi (otherwise known as Jaws) chomping again. These iconic big-wave reefs have not broken since the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invi- tational on Jan. 22.
90% certainty. Visit surf- newsnetwork.com for the latest update.
The wave-riding commu- nity also had the Pipeline Bodyboarding Challenge plus the Pipeline Bodysurf- ing Classic, which was held Feb. 25.
an indescribable vibe.
It was challenging get- ting into a giant circle with those roughly 350 people holding hands, remaining steady until the splashing and cheering for our icon- ic friend. It was a beautiful
spire and lead the surfing world.
py
pyary was the windiest one
Folks shared, hugged, shook hands, did thousands of shakas and smiled a lot. Each soul felt great grati- tude. It was hopeful and to- tally energizing — just like Larry. Thanks, bro.
This Febru-
February was eventful in many ways. For example, Carissa Moore and Jack Robinson won the Billa- bong Pro Pipeline on Feb. 8, kicking off the 2023 World Championship Tour.
al northwest deep-water swells from Japan, but we did have about 18 days of high-surf advisories for the East side. I’ m pretty sure that’s a record, too.
Right now, models pre- dict a low pressure system could generate 30-to-35- foot swells and nosing to under 1,000 miles to the northwest. This proximity leaves little time for swell decay in the open ocean. So, we could get near-20- foot surf by March 9.
Then, Molly Picklum and Filipe Toledo took their talents to The Hurley Pro Sunset Beach to win on Feb 19.
Also, last month, we sad- ly lost a well-loved legend, surf cinematographer Larry Haynes, on Feb. 9. He was only 61 and had just finished surfing at Laniākea.
day.
We entered the brisk
GQ, droppin’ in 4 U!
His paddle-out celebra- tion of life took place on Feb. 26 with more than 350 people in the lineup at Sun- set Beach. I’ ve never seen so many out there at once. It was a sea of humanity and
beautiful ocean with the likes of John John Flor- ence. Even “da GOAT” Kelly Slater hit the lineup. My dearest friend, surfer Joe Teipel, of course, was there. There were so many youngsters, too. They are our next generation to in-
gary@surfnewsnetwork.com
Now, what to expect in March? It looks like we might see extra-large north- west surf crack the outer
By the time you read this, we will know with
The West side celebrated the 46th Annual Buffalo Big Board Surfing Classic on Presidents’ Day weekend.
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