MIDNIGHT CALL
‘12.01am: The midnight Windguru update is calling for a 2.5m at 16 seconds N/W swell and 20-30 knot N/E trades. It’s a great forecast for Ho’okipa, solid mast high swell and some pretty strong and gusty winds. For the likes of Fanatic/ North, NeilPryde and Simmer, it’s a no brainer, Ho’okipa is the ultimate location for shooting, despite the crowds; it has the best vantage points, waves and lighting, a photographers dream ! Chances are its going to be a very hectic day with plenty of sailors jostling for waves.
6am: The predawn glow in Hawaii before sunrise is an awesome time to be out on the water. While some of us are sound asleep, the hungriest surfers are already paddling out in order to score the early session before the wind and crowds lock in for the day. I am up early checking the weather and making sure the swell has arrived as predicted.
7am: As first light hits the West Maui Mountains and bathes the slopes of Haleakala, Maui’s dormant volcano, this beautiful island comes awake. Morning traffic passing Ho’okipa seems to be busier year by year as many people commute from their idyllic homes in rural Haiku into the bustling commercial centre of Kahului down the coast. Back on the water, the early birds have already scored their fix of waves as the first sign of the trades kick in and ruffle up the surf.