Everyone takes note of the changing seasons this time of year. But us surfers don't pay attention to the local forecast to see how warm it will be tomorrow, or whether it will rain; we watch the slowing down of the North Pacific on our swell forecasts, and the rising of the South. It's been a great springtime so far in Hawaii, but things are finally starting to slow down up by the Aleutians, and it's this time of year that our attention shifts to the ocean around New Zealand. We've already had some decent south swells this season, and as far as anyone can say, the next month looks pretty darn good.
As Pipeline begins to look like a pond, the Southern Hemisphere's answer to Pipeline is just starting to roar. Teahupo'o just had the first massive swell of the season, and they're due for more waves once the Billabong Pro Tahiti begins on May 8. Whether you're a SUP surfer or a shortboarder, Teahupo'o is still an amazing wave to (watch other guys) surf, especially when the conditions are 15-25' and perfect, like they were last weekend.
Terry Ahui in Tahiti
Though there's no SUP division in this event, C4 still has a presence anywhere the ASP World Tour goes. Luke Egan, the contest director, uses a C4 paddle. Raimana van Bastolaer, a member of the famous Tahitian Water Patrol, is a C4 Team Rider-- and the Water Patrol was trained by Terry Ahui and none other than Brian Keaulana, one of C4's co-founders.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the equator, the racing season has begun. Dave Parmenter and Archie Kalepa just set a new record in the Maui-Molokai Challenge, a harrowing 30-mile race from Fleming Beach on Maui to Kaunakakai Pier on Molokai. Both C4 Team Riders, Dave and Archie broke all records on one of my company's newest boards, the Vortice XP. The race season gets into full swing starting this month, with events all aross the Islands, and up and down the Mainland coast, as well. The Epic Molokai Championships on May 18 kick off the famous Molokai-Oahu paddle route, and the SUP Race For the Reef debuts on May 25.
Archie Kalepa and Dave Parmenter on the Vortice XP.
You can check out our calendar for more events and information, including entry forms. Meanwhile, C4 has come out with a line of racing boards for all events, paddleboard and SUP. The Eleu and Eleu XP have won acclaim, and I've already mentioned Dave and Archie's accomplishments on the brand-new Vortice XP.
It's always hard to watch the North Shore of all our Islands going flat this time of year, but it's got it's sweet side, too. There's plenty to look forward to; playful south swells, beautiful weather, and a new round of summertime race and competitive events. Our brethren in California have had a blessing of amazing weather and fun waves roll in, too, and if you're on the Mainland and want to race, there's plenty to satisfy.
All in all, it's an exciting time of year to be on SUP, or a paddleboarder.
More Goings-On in the Surfing World
Hilton Alves, C4's Featured Artist and my personal friend, has just finished a mural on Waialua High School. Part of the project Surf Art For Kids, Hilton's project is meant to expose young people to environmental awareness and develop a love of art. Starting the mural on April 21st, the 10-day project invited students and other community members to take part in the piece of art. Here are some photos of Hilton at work; but you have to make a trip to Waialua High to see the completed project!
