As we transition into summer, we look back and remember this past surf season in the mecca of wave riding. Every season is different and unique in its own special ways. We endured one crazy stormy January and a frustratingly blown out February. It seemed like the huge onshore swell that wreaked havoc on our coastlines and buoys opened a faucet of northeast swells and nonstop bad winds for what seemed like forever. Thanks to nature’s little miracles, March and April saved us from what looked like a doomed surf season with incredible weeks of perfect waves, friends, photos and footage.
Photography is the study of light, but it is also an eternal quest for perfection. This ultra wide-angle watershot called our attention for so many reasons: the crazy positioning of the water shooter, the amazing evening golden light, Makana Pang's stylish yet aggressive approach to such a beast, and the sharp vision of the fabled North Shore... It’s such a balanced image. Well done Chachi!
Photo Ryan "Chachi" Craig
Kala Grace surfing Pipeline, Zak Noyle capturing it.
Photo by Keoki
During some of the best days of this season, master cameraman Zak Noyle went out to document big Pipeline with his AxisGo water housing and his iPhone. His Instagram live streams were legendary, full of memorable moments while he was dodging wash-through sets on fast rising swells. We have a feeling the AxisGo / iPhone fever is taking off (check out our section “Stuff We like” for more info on AxisGo).
Nathan Florence, Waimea Bay
Photo by Nick Gruen
In the past five years, the proliferation of drone documenting has been a reality on the North Shore of O’ahu. As a result of the trend, new angles are changing the traditional way we grew up watching the waves, and surfing in general.
Gabriel Villarán, Pipeline
by Mike Latronic
Distinguished member of the Inka team, Mr. Gabriel Villarán travels to the mecca of surfing every winter, sometimes twice. His clean backside approach to Pipeline is a product of decades of research and practice at the most important wave in the world. He has a spot in the lineup every winter.
Gabriel Villarán, Pipeline
by Mike Latronic
Distinguished member of the Inka team, Mr. Gabriel Villarán travels to the mecca of surfing every winter, sometimes twice. His clean backside approach to Pipeline is a product of decades of research and practice at the most important wave in the world. He has a spot in the lineup every winter.
Kai Mana Henry, Pipeline
by gOnzo
Kaimana Henry living the Pipe dream during a big day last January.
Gavin Beschen
By Dave “Nelly” Nelson
Hawaiian blue shorebreak can be deceiving. There were some crazy outside sets this morning, but Nelly and Gavin connected a few times to create their own legendary wide-angle magic.
Jonah Morgan
by gOnzo
Lunchtime fun at Pipe.
April's lack of rain on the North Shore sometimes creates moments of remarkable water clarity like this one of Jamie O'Brien at Backdoor. Photo: Austin Moore