Triple Crown up and running at Hale'iwa

Great week to start a blog on surfing with the Triple Crown finally getting under way out on Hawaii's North Shore. Conditions have been tiny but enough swell picked up yesterday to get through a few more heats of the Reef Hawaiian Pro with some quality waves being scored by Sunny Garcia and Clay Marzo.

Here's what we think about Hale'iwa:

"When it's on, it is one of the heaviest, fastest, hollowest rights imaginable. The main peak is about 300m out to sea, and the wave forms heavy sections all the way across to a shallow close-out spot (Toilet Bowl). Best a 6-8ft with prevailing Northeast trades and Northwest to West swell. When bigger, can get very rippy and bumpy, but quality is possible up to 10-20ft plus. Watch locals paddle out to gauge the current and best route. Flirt into the zone to get your wave, then hang wide between sets. Beginners can check the inside shore break. Crazy crowds in winter and for experts only, unless it's small.

Several hundred yards further out to sea lies Avalanche, a big wave with lefts up to 30ft not uncommon in winter. Tow-in-spot except Dec-May (whale season). An unreliable end section means that floggings are common even if you make the initial drop. Moving peaks mean constant paddling to reposition, and outside bombs are a constant risk - an avalanche of water on your head. Experts Only."

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