Page 6 - MidWeek Windward - July 13, 2022

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JULY 13, 2022
Aloha surfers and beachgoers,
Howzit? Well, we’ve been in a bit of a slump with south swells last week. July has started off relatively slow.
BY GARY KEWLEY
Stoked To See Fourth Of July Weekend Events
(Above and right) Blair Thorndike participates in The Da Hui Fourth of July Paddleboard and Stand Up Paddle Race at Waimea Bay. Thorndike paddled into third place. PHOTOS COURTESY MAGGIE SHEEDY
unusual, even for me. Nor- mally, I go for anyone who can go up against the Brazil- ian Storm. This phenomenon has been going on now for over a decade with astonish- ing dominance.
many times. Toledo is such a passionate person, a likable guy and a solid family man.
We’ve gotten pretty spoiled this past May and June so it makes these smaller days more frustrating. That’s hu- man nature, isn’t it? Our ex- pectations fluctuate.
Right now, for the first time, based on the current top five ratings and the man wear- ing the yellow jersey, I have to give my vote to 27-year- old, 5-foot, 9-inch Filipe Tole- do, who is one of the world’s most progressive, fastest surf- ers ever.
He’s one who has been through ups and downs, wins and losses — and even mental anguish — only to come out stronger on the other side. His story is about the best of what it means to be human.
Luckily this week it’s going to pick up again, reestablish- ing our high standards.
For them it’s a splash, for some others it’s a rescue. Don’t be fooled by the small- er days. Respect Sandy’s and Makapu‘u and when in doubt, don’t go out.
Regatta back in Waikīkī. Ca- noe paddlers join thousands of visitors and spectators for the Outrigger Canoe Club’s annu- al event.
of course, and she’s in the No. 1 spot right now. Fingers crossed that she can hold on to her yellow jersey.
Many are sharing their feel- ings that destiny is at play this year for “Holy Toledo.” There is something in the air, and it’s not just the man in the yellow jersey.
Now, I must make honor- able mention of our east and southeast sectors like Maka- pu‘u and Sandy’s.
He’s been on the tour near- ly a decade — since 2013 — and he’s been close to the top
GQ, droppin’ in 4 U!
They’ve been pumping out plenty of fun thanks to sum- mertime trades for days on end with nice sandbars at both spots.
Well, the Fourth of July weekend and especially In- dependence Day felt like we were really back to normal —anoddmixofoldandnew normal. Events are all back in action. I’m stoked.
It’s the only wave race of the O‘ahu Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association. It’s also the oldest annual outrigger ca- noe race in the world, starting in 1943.
gary@surfnewsnetwork.com
COVID-19 vaccines now available for keiki 6 months and older
For the men, my choice is
There have been days when the parking lot at Sandy’s has been full as early at 6:30 a.m. when our Surf News Network observers cruise down for a spot check. That tells you a lot right there. It’s been good and busy delivering stoke for thousands.
After a pandemic pause, The Da Hui Fourth of July Paddleboard and Stand Up Paddle Race kicked off for hundreds.
Canoe racing in Hawai‘i’s state sport where more than 2,000 paddlers compete in the MacFarlane regatta races. There are a total of 46 events with girls and boys 12 and un- der as well as master men and women to 70.
Smallest dose,
Now, for those of you who don’t have much experience at these shore break sandbars, please note Sandy’s has the most spinal injuries! Another important note is that these usually occur in surf that’s 3 feet or less.
There were two starting points: Turtle Bay Resort (the long course) and Sunset Beach (the short course) to Waimea Bay. It went off with- out a hitch and it’s a sight to behold as you look out into the ocean with so many pad- dlers.
The World Tour kicks off soon with event No. 9 in South Africa for the Corona Open J-Bay.
So, when you see the lo- cals who have grown up body boarding and body surfing here since they were in di- apers work their magic and make it look easy, it’s not! Our local talents also know how to wipe out.
Congrats to my friend and SNN reporter and observer Blair Thorndike for his third place finish for the 50-plus crew. They’re hardcore and an inspiration. Good job to all who participated.
This is what many argue is the most perfect right hander in the world. And at its best, it’s not arguable. Pray for swell and an epic event.
YOUNG KEIKI
KEIKI
ADOLESCENTS
We also had the Walter J. MacFarlane Memorial Canoe
There are only two more contests to go, after our go at Jeffreys Bay. The world’s best will go to Tahiti in August and then California for the big fi- nal day in September.
HawaiiCOVID19.com/Vaccine
I’m rooting for Carissa Moore to win her sixth title,
The FDA has authorized COVID-19 vaccines for children ages 6 months and older