Bonus Month of surf for both North and South shores. The North shore had little waves trickling in through the first half of the month, but it wasn't over until the fat barrels sung one more tune. On June 11th the North shore saw 6 foot sets by evening and then the next day proceeded with solid 6-8 ft consistent surf.
Pipeline
Pipeline had some spitting tubes that you just wouldn't believe for the middle of June, but even with the sneaky summer backwash and strong trades blowing up the face, Hawaiian surfers made it seem perfect. There were however some wipeouts which were almost as amazing as the tube rides, but surfers from every side of the island made their way to the North shore to get a taste of it. The whopper of a swell lasted about three days and the North shore went into hibernation.
Just after that we got the best waves so far this summer in town, and Ala Moana Bowls was still vacant with some lonely tube rides (and for good reason). Surfers have been suffering from serious staph infections and boils; I know of at least two guys who had to have surgery on their staph wounds, one who told me personally that he had to get 4 surgeries and is currently on his 4th strain of antibotics because the others didn't work. Others of us were suffering from an itchy rash for most of the month due to a type of a bacterial infection of the skin. Ironically, most of us kept coming back for more, despite it all, to take advantage of such uncrowded surf at the Bowl. The water quality has cleaned up a lot and either the smell is gone or I have just gotten used to it.
By the end of the month however, business was getting back to usual as locals skeptically made their way back out to the sewage ridden break. This is a time that will never be forgotten at Ala Moana and all for different reasons. The Hawaii State Championships were not afraid to brave the toilet Bowls and persevered with their contest. Winners were Ola Elogram, Kekoa Cazimero, Casey Brown and Lani Hunter. The King of the Grom Competition marked the fourth day of competition at Bowls on King Kamehameha Day and was fittingly won by John John Flourence.
JohnJohn Flourence
The Hurley Grom search went off at Kewalos and the annual Military Surf Contest prevailed at White Plains on the west side. The Ladies enjoyed some of that fun south shore surf in China's 10th Annual Wahine Contest at Queens.
China's 10th Annual Wahine Contest at Queens
A far cry from Queens, Banzai Betty just received the official documents from the state granting her the permit for her women's Pipe Contest next year. I think the new dates are March 6-16, 2007. Check www.banzaibetty.com for frequent updates on the contest.
Melani Bartels
Andy Irons won the Rip Curl Pro in Mexico in epic rights. Another neck and neck showdown between Kelly and Andy so far this year.
Surfrider Oahu participated in this years International Surfing Day by inviting the public to participate in the newly formed Wastewater Spill Response Committee. Get involved and save our surf www.surfrider.org/oahu.
Our summer Monk Seal has made her way back to Turtle Bay with a little Pup. Fans from everywhere have been making the journey to see her.
Monk Seal and Pup
Long time north shore residents, Mike and Kristina Hemperly got married this month.
The Hemperlys
Don Tiki played at Turtle Bay which is like an old school Jazz style music. Emcee Talib Kweli and Erika Badu played at Pipeline Cafe presented by Dig Lifestyles entertainment who have recently formed a dope new urban lifestyle boutique in town. See www.diglifestyles.com to stay tuned for future events. Hip Hop Mogul Russell Simmons paid a visit to the islands to promote his new Golf collection by hosting an event at Fashion 45.
Surfers definitely made up for lost water time last month. Waves have been pretty much non stop, which is a good thing since the ocean looks pretty quiet for the near future, our typical July.
Pupukea
I myself am off to Minneapolis to participate in the second annual B-Girl Be; an all women's Hip Hop art exhibit where my new Us Girls urban apparel range will be released. Check it out the new collection at www.usgirlshawaii.com.
A hui hou. Lane Davey
