Tag Archives: Hawaii

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Top Surfing Destinations: Do You Have What It Takes To Surf The Banzai Pipeline?

English: A surfer navigating a wave at Banzai ...

English: A surfer navigating a wave at Banzai Pipeline, North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

So you think that you are really good at surfing and that you have what it takes to be one of the legends in surfing? You might want to think again. If you haven’t tried surfing the Banzai Pipeline yet, then you haven’t really experienced what surfing is really all about.

The Banzai Pipeline is located at the North Shore of Oahu. This particular surfing spot offers the world’s most spectacular tubular wave that expert surfer‘s dream of surfing. Just imagine yourself inside the tube of the wave. It would be like being somewhere different. You can’t really describe what it is really like until you try it for yourself.

This tube is what surfers’ dream of riding. It is what they compete for in the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing. In fact, most surfers wait for days and even weeks in the Banzai Pipeline just to get the perfect wave.

If you want to test your surfing skills and see if you have what it takes to be one of the greats, then you may want to experience the Banzai Pipeline. Located at Ehukai Beach Park which is located on Ke Nui Road that is just off Kamehameha Highway, you will see that it is very easy to find. In fact, this surfing spot is very popular in the area that you can ask the locals for directions.

Because of its fame, you will see that the 1.2 acre beach park gets a lot of visitors especially during the winter months where the waves really get huge. From surfers like you, to journalists, to photographers, to your average Joe who wants to see the action, you will see that this place will definitely be packed.

You might want to remember that this surfing spot is only for experts. If you are just a beginner to advanced surfer, then you will have to wait until spring and summer in order for you to ride smaller and much gentler waves.

However, you might want to remember that even in summer, the waves near the shore and the rip currents are something that you should be careful of.

Here, you will find complete services and amenities. It has lifeguards, showers, parking, picnic areas, restrooms and even phones.

The Banzai Pipeline is indeed the scariest wave to surf on. If you aren’t an experienced surfer and you are only good at smaller waves, then you might want to look for another place to surf. The Banzai Pipeline isn’t for the fainthearted. It is very dangerous and is only reserved for expert surfers. In fact, even seasoned pros gets wiped out extremely hard, which can be nerve-wracking for beginners.

However, if you think that you already have what it takes to surf the Banzai Pipeline, then you may want to go visit the Ehukai Beach Park during the winter months. With big waves, fantastic crowd, awesome scenery, and exciting surfing, you can be sure that you will be able to have a lot of fun surfing the world’s most popular wave.

So, stop waxing your surfboard and stop making excuses why you haven’t tried surfing the Banzai Pipeline. If you really believe that you are good enough for the Banzai Pipeline, then start packing your bags and your board and head out to Hawaii and surf the Banzai Pipeline.

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Texas: Providing You with a Fantastic Surfing Experience

Corpus Christi Bay - Corpus Christi Bay (right...

Corpus Christi Bay – Corpus Christi Bay (right), Nueces Bay (top), and Oso Bay (bottom) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

When you hear the word surfing, you will normally think about Hawaii, California, and Florida. However, did you know that Texas is also a surfing destination which is getting more and more popular today? Texas has a lot of surfing spots that you will surely love. With fantastic waves and plenty of activities, you can be sure that surfing in Texas will be a lot of fun.

Among some of the popular beach towns in Texas that can provide you with great surfing experience are Corpus Christi, Surfside, South Padre, and Galveston. The great thing about Texas is that this state doesn’t rely on hurricanes to provide big waves. In fact, you will be able to surf all year round. Some waves can be as tall as 6 to 7 feet, which are very common in Corpus Christi and South Padre during the summer months. However, most of the waves will only be waist to chest high during the rest of the year.

You will also be able to have a great time surfing in Galveston and Surfside as it will be able to provide waves that are knee to waist-high. These waves are perfect for beginners and advanced surfers who are looking for a bit of fun in Texas.

If you really want big waves, then you may want to visit Texas during the winter months. You will find head high and above waves in Corpus Christi and South Padre. Galveston and Surfside will also provide you with waves that can go higher than 6 feet.

Because of the sizeable waves and speed of the current in Texas, you may want to use long boards for surfing. This will be able to provide you with smoother and longer rides. However, you can also use shorter boards or fish board if you want. This will provide you with more control and more speed.

Texas is also an ideal destination for people who are interested in learning how to surf. With smaller and manageable waves, it will make it the perfect classroom in surfing. You will also find a lot of surf shops around the beaches in Texas. Here, you will be able to find people who know the area and will also happily guide you in surfing in Texas. You can also purchase boards and wax here.

If you really want to learn how to surf, then Galveston is your choice. Here, you will be able to learn how to surf in just a single session. The waves here are perfect for learning how to surf as it is small and very manageable.

As you can see, Texas can also provide you with a fantastic surfing experience. But, if you are an expert surfer who is looking for a bit of a challenge and bigger waves, then this place is really not for you. Texas is perfect for beginners and advanced surfers. However, it really doesn’t provide enough challenge for expert surfers. You can try other popular surfing destinations that provides bigger waves, such as Oahu particularly the Banzai Pipeline. Or, you can also try California.

However, as a beginner or advanced surfer who wishes to have a lot of fun in the water, then Texas is the place for you. The beaches here are not that crowded and there are plenty of other activities to do besides surfing.

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Take Surfing to the Next Level: Where to Go To Experience the Best Surfing

English: 2010 Mavericks surfing competition. T...

English: 2010 Mavericks surfing competition. The image was taken from a boat. Here’s Shalom’s description of his experience: “The boat was very rocky. Many people got sea sick though. One guy (photog) never even got any pictures he was so sick.” Français : Compétition de surf de Mavericks édition 2010. Photo prise depuis un bateau. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

If you love surfing and you are willing to spend money to travel in search for the best surfing experience, then you will definitely want to visit the following surfing destinations. Here, you will be able to find that Hawaii isn’t the only place that will be able to provide you with what you normally refer to as the surfer’s paradise.

One great place that you should go to in order for you to experience the best surfing that you will ever experience is in Gold Coast City, Australia. Here, you will see that this place is known for its excellent surfing conditions. With sub tropical weather and sunny skies almost all year round, you can be sure that you will be able to have a lot of fun when you visit this surfer’s paradise. Here, you will see that there are a lot more attractions other than surfing.

Another great place to experience the best surfing is in Jeffery’s Bay, South Africa. Known to be very popular among a lot of surfers, you will see that this place even hosts the annual Billabong Pro World Champion Tour. Not only will it be able to provide you with the best surfing conditions, but you will see that it will be able to provide you with fantastic scenery. The waves will also shock you with its variety and sustainability as well as its consistency.

For expert surfers, you will surely love the Banzai Pipeline in Oahu. Known to provide some of the best and the most dangerous waves, you can be sure that you will be able to have a lot of fun whenever you hit the water in this surf spot. This place is definitely not for beginners as even pro surfers shy away from the intense waves. In fact, more surfers have died surfing the Banzai Pipeline than on any other surf spots. This spot is definitely not for the faint hearted. If you have nerves of steel and that you have the skills of an expert surfer, then this place is definitely for you.

If you dream of surfing big waves, and you know that you have the skills for it, then you will want to go to Teahupoo, Tahiti. Here, you will be able to live your dream of surfing waves reaching past 10 feet, perfect barrels, and heavy current. Because of this perfect condition, almost every professional surfer has been here at least once and other surfers dreams to. As a surfing enthusiast, you will have to at least try surfing here at least once in your life.

Mundaka, Spain is another surfing destination that is very popular among a lot of surfers, particularly experienced surfers. Because of the large waves, speed and strong current, you will be able to experience what most surfers crave for, which is a smooth ride on a near perfect wave. However, you have to remember that only expert surfers should head to Mundaka to surf as the conditions itself is what makes it dangerous to surf on.

These are the places that you should visit if you are really a surfing enthusiast. If you have the money for it and you are a die-hard surfing fanatic, then you will want to visit these places.

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Top Surfing Destination: Experience the Waves of El Salvador

Surfing in La Libertad, El Salvador.

Surfing in La Libertad, El Salvador. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

When people hear the word surfing, a lot of people associate it with Hawaii. However, you have to remember that Hawaii isn’t the only place where you will be able to go surfing. There is quite a lot of surfing destinations that you will be able to find in the Americas and some of them are even better than what Hawaii has to offer.

If you really want to experience surfing like you never experienced it before, then you may want to consider going to the small country of El Salvador. Today, it is slowly but surely gaining reputation as one of the best surfing spots in the world. In fact, because of the near perfect surfing waves it offers, surfing professionals visit this country just to surf.

And, the best thing about El Salvador is that it is easily accessible. From New York, it will only take you 5 hours to reach El Salvador by plane. Also, there are daily scheduled flights to El Salvador from the United States in all major airports in the country. This means that you will not have any difficulties when it comes to traveling to El Salvador.

El Salvador is even considered by a lot of surfers as the perfect place to surf. Some even considers it as a surfer’s paradise. And, when you visit El Salvador, you will see that there are quite a lot of things that makes the beaches of El Salvador preferred by a lot of surfers from all over the world.

The first reason why surfers love this place is because of the un-crowded beaches. Unlike other popular resorts where the beaches are crowded by tourists and surfers, El Salvador’s beaches are not. Also, this country is blessed with perfect surfing weather as well as friendly and very helpful locals. And, perhaps the best thing about the beaches of El Salvador is the long barrels of waves that you can ride all day and all year-long.

If you plan on going to El Salvador to surf, keep in mind that there are surfing seasons that you should be aware of. If you are more into large waves that produce barrels, then you may want to go between March and October. If you go during the months of January and February, the waves will be smaller but many surfers still consider it as a great surfing experience.

Basically, you will see that El Salvador is divided into two regions. The first is La Libertad and the second is referred to as “The Wild East”.

In La Libertad, you will see some of the most spectacular beaches which are only located at about 45 minutes to an hour’s drive from the airport. The beaches here are dubbed as the surf capital of El Salvador and surfers even compared it to Rincon. Here, you will experience a relaxed and laid back atmosphere with plenty of restaurants to choose from. You will also find hotels and surf shops along the beaches.

El Sunzal and Punta Roca are two of the most popular surfing spots in the La Libertad region. With powerful waves, this is the place to go to if you are an experienced surfer.

In The Wild East region, you will find Punta Mango, which provides perfect waves for experienced surfers. Las Flores is another place in this region that you will want to try out. Las Flores is perfect for all surfers with all skill levels.

As you can see, surfing in El Salvador is indeed a must. If you love surfing and you want to experience something new, then El Salvador is the place that you should go to.

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Four Great Surfing Destinations That You Never Knew Existed

English: A California surfer. Santa Cruz and t...

English: A California surfer. Santa Cruz and the surrounding Northern California coastline is a popular surfing destination; however, the year-round low temperature of the ocean in that region (averaging 57ºF/14ºC) necessitates the use of wetsuits. Français : Un surfeur à Santa Cruz en Californie. La côte du nord californien est réputée pour ses spots de surf, mais la température de l’eau est toujours basse (14ºC) et nécessite le port d’une combinaison. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

As a surfing enthusiast, you know how great the experience is whenever you are out in the water. It can be very exciting and you will feel free and no one will be there to stop you from enjoying your time in the water. You may have been to many surfing destinations to practice your skills and also to have some fun and you know that you relish every time you get in the water and ride the big one. However, this can easily be messed up if there are just too many people in those places you surf on.

So, here are some of the best kept secret in the world of surfing. If you really want to surf in peace, then these four destinations are the places that you should try visiting the next time you plan on hitting the waves. Some of these places are secluded while others are just beginning to get discovered. Just take note that the name of the exact spots will not be disclosed as it will no longer be a secret. Just follow the clues and try to ask around a bit.

The first is Honolulu, Hawaii. We all know that Hawaii is known to be the surfer’s paradise and that you think that you will find it hard to find a secluded beach to surf in. However, there is a surf spot around Honolulu, Hawaii that is just beginning to be discovered. It’s just a little way off downtown and you will need to look a bit in order for you to find this beach. You will need to trek a path that is considered to be a bit dangerous. Also, the waves here aren’t packing all the time but when it does, you will experience some of the best surfing there is on the entire island.

The second is Lanuza, Surigao del Sur, Philippines. This spot in this island country is one of the best kept secrets in surfing. Despite the fact that this place is known to host major surfing competitions, you need to consider that it’s quite hard to get there. In fact, it will take you five hours or so from the airport just to get there. Siargao is also known to be the country’s top surfing destination, which overshadows this spot.

You can also expect that the place will be virtually empty aside from the locals and a few tourists. And, because there are 10 surfing grounds in the area, you can be sure that you will be able to find a spot where you can surf as much as you want. If you want the best surfing experience, then you should go there between the months of November and January. This is a tropical country, which means that you will be able to enjoy a tropical warm weather and waters the whole year.

Oahu, Hawaii is also another place where you will find a secluded place to surf in. You will be able to find this secluded area east of Oahu, where you will experience fantastic beaches, and clean waves. The place is virtually empty of people and like other secret surfing spots, it will be hard to get there that only surfing fanatics will really face the challenge. The place can be a challenge to get to but when you get there, the rewards are regular waves, fantastic beaches, and great scenery. Summer is the best time to visit as the waves will be a lot cleaner and bigger.

Lake Michigan, Sheboygan, Wisconsin is another surfing destination that houses a secret surfing spot. Known as The Elbow, this place is only for experienced and bravest surfers. The water is freezing cold and that there should be a storm nearby in order to generate the big waves. The danger itself is what stops most surfers from visiting but if you are the type of person who loves a challenge and you consider living life to the edge, then you should definitely try going to this place.

So, if you really want to surf in peace, you may want to try out some of the mentioned destinations. You can be sure that these places will be able to satisfy your cravings for surfing.

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Surfing Etiquette: Learning What’s Cool and What’s Not Cool

English: A big wave is breaking in Santa Cruz,...

English: A big wave is breaking in Santa Cruz, California. Français : Une grosse vague déferle à Santa Cruz, en Californie. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

Surfing seems like you just go out in the water and ride every wave that passes you by. However, if the beach is crowded with other surfers, you might want to remember that you need to follow certain rules. This is why you may want to know what’s cool and what’s not when it comes to surfing in a crowded beach. Or, you may want to know about the surfing etiquette.

Basically, there are different rules in different surfing location. However, most surfers will agree on the most basic rules.

First of all, you may want to remember that the beach belongs to no one and it also belongs to everyone. What this means is that anybody can surf but you should do it in a way where it will not make it impossible for other people to surf. You may have heard about surf Nazis who push anyone out-of-the-way and where violence and threats are their method of intimidating people not to surf in a particular area. This is considered to be not cool.

Surfing has an unwritten rule about who surfs first. Basically, the person closest to the breaking wave has the first choice whether he or she surfs first. However, it doesn’t entirely mean that other surfers on the water should wait forever. In most cases, other surfers just wait for the next wave while in other situations, they wait their turn only after the surfer has popped up and has caught the wave.

After that, they will now be able to pop-up and catch the same wave provided that they will not interfere with the first surfer who caught the wave. Another unwritten rule is that if two surfers are unable to decide who is on the inside, the surfer who pops up first is the one who has priority to surf first.

In some beaches, waves can break both left and right. However, some surfers will surf across the wave as well as in front of the wave. This means that it increases the possibility of collisions, which is really no cool. In this situation, another big rule in surfing should be kept in mind, which is communication.

It is important that you should make eye contact with the other surfer. Then, you should signal the other surfer which way you plan on going in order to avoid crossing over to their path. You can shout if you want but you need to remember that not every surfer can speak English. So, you may want to do hand signals and shouting just to make sure.

Surfing means that you should watch the back of other surfers. Even if the other surfer is a complete stranger, you should always advisable that you should watch out for their safety as they will also do the same with yours. Always be on the lookout for rocks, high reefs, jellyfish and other dangerous marine life. Warn them if you see anything that can be dangerous for the surfer.

All in all, you just need to be fair or cool. This way, everyone will be able to enjoy their day at the beach surfing. These are some of the few unwritten rules that you should try following whenever you go out to surf. By following these rules, you can be sure that everything between you and the other surfers will be cool.

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Surfing: Exercises To Keep You in Shape for Riding Those Waves

English: Mavericks Surf Contest 2010. Français...

English: Mavericks Surf Contest 2010. Français : Édition 2010 du concours de surf de Mavericks. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

As a surfer, you know that physical fitness aspect can affect the way you surf. Basically, it will affect your wave count as a surfer. If you noticed that you are catching fewer waves that what you were used to before when you were younger and fitter, then it only means that you are getting out of shape. Maybe it’s all those late night parties you had with other surfing buddies after a day of great surfing? Or, maybe you just got lazy to exercise?

Whatever it is, you have to remember that physical fitness is always important if you are a surfer. So, what should you do to get back in shape? Well, the answer would be to exercise. However, you need to remember that before you start a new exercise routine, you need to first assess your current fitness level. You should also start out slow in order to avoid injuries which will prevent you from surfing altogether.

First of all, you need to remember that the exercise program you do should be tailored to surfing. This means that you shouldn’t do bodybuilding exercises or bulk up. What you need is to be fit enough and stay in shape in order for you to catch more waves. Going through a bodybuilding program will only result in having a stiff body, which is definitely a no-no for surfers.

As a surfer, you need to go for a program that has a good mix of cardio exercises, strength training, stretching, and plyometrics.

For strength training, all you need is 6 types of exercises with 2 sets and 15 repetitions for each set. Cable trainers are great but free weights can also work. Do exercises that will target your abs, chest, legs, arms, and back. With stronger body frame, the more you will be able to handle difficult waves.

Plyometrics will be able to provide you explosive bursts of energy which is what you need if you are a surfer. Exercises will include leapfrogging across the floor, jumping squats, and indoor rock climbing. You can try practicing surfing pop-ups over and over again as this is a good plyometrics exercise.

Cardio is a very important type of training for surfers. Always remember that surfing is all about stamina and cardio exercises can give you more stamina. You have to remember that surfing will involve long stretches of paddling as well as long distance swimming. Using a treadmill is a great way to develop your stamina. And, another fantastic cardio training is swimming. You can also use an elliptical trainer.

Also, you need to remember that flexibility is important in surfing. It will also help avoid injuries. For this, you can take yoga classes. Or, you can simply do stretching exercises before and after you workout. It is also recommended that you should do stretching exercises before you hit the water to surf. This will make you more flexible and also prepare your body for a brutal beating which is exercise.

Being physically fit is very important if you are a surfer. Whenever you workout, you have to monitor your performance level. If you do everything right, you will be able to catch more waves and you will also be able to have a more satisfying surfing experience.

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Surfing Vacation Tips: How to Score Waves on Your Surfing Trip

Surfing_Hawaii

Whenever you go on a surfing vacation, you obviously want to experience the best surfing that the world can offer you. So, how can you narrow down all the potential surf spots? Well, you first need to remember that a fantastic surfing vacation will be different for every surfer. The thing that makes a vacation great will depend on what the surfer is looking for. For example, it may be low-cost, the wave choice, and it can be the travel partner.

Basically, there are three general groups that usually go on a surfing vacation. By knowing which group you belong to, you will be able to find out what makes a satisfying surfing vacation for you.

For hardcore surfers, you will usually be traveling solo. You are also experienced well enough to ride harder and much more challenging waves. So, the experiences that you will usually look for are bigger, faster, and much more challenging waves. Or, you will be looking for some serious waves. This will also involve traveling to various remote locations to find the perfect wave. These places are not easy to get to and will require some trekking.

For serious or hardcore surfers, you will want to go to Teahupoo, the Banzai Pipeline and also in Cyclops, Australia. You are also the type of person who isn’t really that much particular when it comes to the cost of travel. What you want is to experience big waves that will be able to satisfy your cravings.

For family surfers, you will be bringing your family on a surfing vacation. For this trip, you will balance the desires of the rest of the family and your surfing desires. You will also need to go on a place where everyone will have a lot of fun surfing. Unless your spouse and your kids are expert surfers, you can take them to the Banzai Pipeline in Hawaii but this is very unlikely. The best possible place that you can take them would be in Waikiki, Mexico, San Diego, and even on Costa Rica. These places will be able to cater to the needs of the entire family. It will be able to provide waves that is perfect for beginners as well as waves that are more challenging for serious surfers.

Beginner surfers are the easiest surfers to go on a surfing vacation. If you are a beginner, then you will find that there are plenty of locations that will be perfect for you. In fact, you don’t even have to travel out of the country just to find the perfect wave for your skill level. You can go to Hawaii, and even in California. If you wish to travel out of the country, then you can try going to Australia, which also provide a lot of places for beginners to surf on. Mexico is another great option.

After you find out which group you belong to, the next thing that you need to do is to consider other important things and put them on a list, such as your travel partners, the destination you plan on going to, the weather, the crowd, the surfing conditions, and also the pros and cons of each area you list down as a potential location for spending your surfing vacation.

Remember these tips and you can be sure that you will be able to experience the most satisfying surfing that you will ever have.

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