Well Friday was still the biggest day, Sunday dropped but it came back up again and got a little more consistent today (Monday) We have had such a killer run of surf. Of course we want it bigger, but after last summer’s drought, we are certainly not complaining. Today my friend Ronnie Boy showed me a scrapbook he had kept from many days of killer waves and memories on Oahu’s south shore which got me thinking I should share my recent findings of clear cut patterns in south shore surf and try to reclaim some of those memorable days of old. I was amazed as I looked over my personal surf blog from 2006 to 2008 and noticed that for those past three years peak high surf days were within the same day to the same week each year. For the last three years we have had solid swells at the end of April, in the first week of June, middle of June and sometime mid September. Its almost like clockwork. The actual dates I have recorded are June 4, 2006-June 6,2007- June 7, 2008 . Then theres June 14 2006-June 17,2007-June 16, 2008 and we cant forget that huge swell June 18,2003 that closed out the Ala Wai channel and claimed a boat which did not make it out through the harbour until surfers pushed it out past the line up.. Finally Sept 18, 2006, Sept 13, 2007 and you can almost bet money we will have one around that time this year. Also backing up the mid September surf is huricanne Inki which produced huge surf Sept 11, 1992, and a really big swell Sept 14, 2005.  I am going to keep searching and try to make a chart so I am trying to find the dates of a huge swell in either 1995 or 96 which was totally closing out bowls (nobody surfing one night) and it lasted for a couple days. I am also searching for the dates when the poles got knocked down. I can remember those poles fell on a smaller swell that came after a really big swell within about a 2 week time period. I know there was also a memorable swell in Sept 1998. Anyone who wants to join in on building a south shore scrapbook is welcome; just make sure all information is factual. Once we get a good record going, I will probably build a webpage for it. Finally, after looking at these dates, dont be fooled that summer is in July; it is almost always the smallest month running a close race with August. Also dont forget about some of the killer freak swells we get on the south shore late February, Oct, November and even that crazy one on Dec 18,2006 which aren’t really summer dates at all. 

Wow, its like a big Pa’ina everyday down the beach with all the fun waves weve been getting, everyone is just hanging out waiting for the best time to paddle out and then talking story in the parking lot about all their great waves. It seems like a real victory that we at least saved those parking stalls on the heliport because that really is where a lot of Aloha circulates in the summertime. The swell came back up a tad starting Wednesday, was 4 feet by Thursday midday but with onshore winds and then Friday had some solid 5 footers in the Big Bowl, but it was not as big as the last swell. Mid morning the middle started just going off with the south direction and high tide and guys were riding em from outside all the way through on waves that would normally just close out. Check out some of the pics online. Still a couple more pulses of swells brewing. Looks like Hawaii Dads will have a nice Fathers day gift.

What a week! The surf started coming up Tuesday and held through today in town peaking on Saturday with some 6 foot sets. Bowls was inconsistent, but delivered some beautiful brown barrels for the brave and patient. Congrads to Ha’a Aikau and Scott Shimoda for winning their divisions along with 23 others in the state championships this weekend. www.hasasurf.org  China Uemura almost had to cancel his Women’s Longboard Classic this year due to lack of sponsorship, but 88 tees and Steinlager were able to step up and perpetuate this much needed women’s event which Uemura considers to be a stepping stone for the local wahines. The contest benefits Kapiolani Women’s and Children’s center. The Shaka Longboard Series had to postpone their event due to the conflict with running alongside so many other contests. Local Bowls Master Mike Akima and wife Sandy put on a great celebration at Pipeline Cafe for his daughter Aisha. Kapena played while both young and old generations gathered and shared memories. Its great to see good people get blessed! Looks like plenty of surf slated for south shores while the Northshore maintains its current swimming pool status.

Hawaii Grown Barack Obama becomes first African American democratic nominee! We got a little south swell today in the 3 ft range with a couple larger sets on the hour. Hooo, the whole island and other islands were out at bowls today however either practicing for the state championships which start tomorrow or just catching up on waves that we havent had for a week.Got stuck for an hour and a half at a road closure on the east side yesterday. Can we get a state official to post signs every 10 miles so hundreds of drivers like me are not forced to drive 35 minutes from the Northshore only to be told to turn around and drive 35 minutes back and then another near two hours to get around the island. I called the Dept of Transportation who had to call Hawaiian Electric and then called me back, and still couldnt tell me how long it would take for the road to open. Luckily I took the risk of waiting and it panned out, but these traffic jam ups are happening all the time now and it sure seems like we need some better organization so the whole half of the island does not become landlocked because of one egg truck.

We sure did surf into summer last weekend. Its been pretty much flat - 1 foot on all sides of the island last week. It looks like the south shore will come back to life just in time for a slew of surf contests this weekend. Bowls will be bombarded again by the Burger King Hawaii state championships from June 4-6, thats Wednesday through Friday The peak of the swell is expected to either Friday or Saturday so contestants will be hoping it peaks Friday while locals will be hoping it is a day late. Ha Ha. No word yet on whether the event will start at 7am or 8am, but I guess they are giving free Burger King samples for anyone who wants breakfast after the morning session.  The Shaka Longboard Series is also ready to go this weekend at Flies after having to cancel last weekend due to lack of surf. The SUPs are stepping it up with a cool benefit this weekend.  Soljah presents the Primo Standup Challenge which will be a race from Hawaii Kai Boat Ramp to the Elks Club where all who pay the $20 entry will receive a free lunch and tee shirt. All the proceeds will go to benefit Malama Maunalua which is an environmental organization protecting our Hawaiian coral reefs.  The event kicks off June 7 Saturday @ 8am. Sounds like fun if your a SUP, but if your not a competitor hurry up and get some waves before the contests take over and the kids get out of school this week!