Abundances of caution on the horizon?
Climate change, or not, amirite? The Hawaiian Island chain, home to Maui, Kauai, Oahu amongst others and surfing’s “spiritual home” is being battered with nasty storms one day ahead of the HIC Pipe Pro, at the iconic Banzai Pipeline, and… you know I don’t actually know if Sunset is still an event or just a video thing, to be honest.
In any case, much chaos. According to USA Today:
A powerful storm system pounded Hawaii on Monday with heavy rain, and forecasters warned of a chance for “dangerous” and “catastrophic” flooding in some parts of the state throughout Monday night and well into Tuesday.
More than 2 feet of rain is possible in some areas; widespread amounts of 10 to 15 inches are likely.
“Expect widespread heavy rainfall with this system, especially under the large heavy rain band, capable of producing catastrophic flooding, and strong gusty southerly winds through Wednesday,” the National Weather Service in Honolulu said.
Flood watches have been issued for all of the islands and will remain in effect until Tuesday, AccuWeather said. Oahu and Kauai islands face the greatest threat of flash flooding, according to the National Weather Service.
Hawaii will certainly survive, a hearty stock, but will professional surfing at the very highest level? The World Surf League, based in sunny Santa Monica, has made it a point to flex “an abundance of caution” for the last few years. Will this abundance now stretch to bigger waves, as was hinted at the just-wrapped Haleiwa Challenger, or rain/snow slicked roads leading in/out of contest sites?
Much to ponder.
Peru, surfing’s other spiritual home, waiting patiently in line (buy here).
More as the story develops.
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When you mention the island’s of the Hawaiian Chain you can start with Oahu ,, And next you include the second most populated island of Hawaii the Big Island … The island with two of the tallest mountains in the world … Several volcanos and bigger than all the other islands put together … Next beautiful Maui and Kauai … To not include The big island and to leave it out like you did is strange .
Pretty sure the islands have been battered with ‘snow’ regularly for quite some time now!…
Somebody sneezed at the airport. The mentally ill will shut the place down.
Maybe Sophie Goldschmidt can organize a dual WSL surf event at Banyans and a World Cup ski race up on Mauna Kea after this storm dumps a few feet of snow.
You mean it’s winter in Hawaii?
Ya don’t say…
12 inches of snow hey. Well its not niseko but its enough to build some fun kickers and practice some back 3s
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