Christmas might come early for surf fans, with reports of “extremely dangerous and life-threatening” surf expected to hit Oahu’s iconic North Shore over the next few days. These conditions promise thrilling social media footage of tourists getting swept off their feet by giant waves, but more importantly, they could signal the arrival of the legendary Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational. Organizers have issued a yellow alert, with the event potentially set for Super Bowl Sunday, a date already circled by surf enthusiasts worldwide.
Top surfers like Kohl Christensen, Koa Rothman, Kai Lenny, and Kelly Slater are reportedly preparing for the big waves, getting their surfboards ready and eyeing the horizon with intense focus. While these professionals are gearing up, officials are urging caution for the general public. Lt. John Hoogsteden of Honolulu Ocean Safety stressed the severity of the waves, calling them “life-threatening” and advising people to stay out of the water and off the sand.
Visitors like Amy Purdy, a tourist from Colorado, shared her experience at Waimea Bay, where she was awestruck by the sheer power of the waves. She noted, “You don’t realize it’s (the wave) going to come over the berm where you are standing and then suddenly it does,” admitting she quickly ran off when the waves surged unexpectedly. Similarly, Alex Tao from San Francisco expressed disappointment, as he hoped to snorkel in calmer waters but was confronted by the overwhelming force of nature instead.
For those not participating in the action, the warning is clear: respect the ocean, as these waves are not to be taken lightly. But for surf fans, this swell could deliver some of the most exciting big-wave action of the season, possibly culminating in a thrilling Eddie Aikau competition.