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Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Teahupoo

Teahupoo is located of the coast of tahiti, and is known for being the worlds heaviest wave. Surfers travel from all over the world to tackle this amazing feat, however if a rider doesn't have the necessary skills, he probable wont be returning from this one of a kind break.

Teahupoo is a 15 minute paddle from land, and has claimed the lives of many. It is a hallow reef break that is constantly closing out, making this the most difficult wave to ride as well as the most perfect barrel anyone has ever seen. This wave can range anywhere from double overhead to quadruple overhead. Typically only the best of the best have surfed this wave, but there are still a number of locals that are crazy enough to charge it.

In its area of tahiti, teahupoo is completely undeveloped, which means no sky-risers or fast food restaurants here. The locals have fought to keep this spot natural and beautiful, and this spot will continue to be a hidden mystery for many years to come.


Jaws


Jaws is located off the coast of Maui, Hawaii and is 4 miles east of Kahuli Airport, Maui. The wave is one of the scariest in the world, only being surfed by the few daring enough to dabble with death. The waves can range anywhere from triple-overhead to ten-times overhead, tending to be best in the fall and winter months. This wave is known for its strong currents, harsh rip-tides, and hazardous rocks. Jaws should definitely only be surfed by big-wave, experienced riders.

The wave is a right-hand reef break, and it is necessary for the rider to use toe-in boards or rhino guns that range from 10-12 feet. Typically this surf spot can be impossible to paddle into, so toe-in surfing tends to be necessary and considered a norm at Jaws.


Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Cape Hatteras, North Carolina



When thinking of east coast surfing, a few places come to mind, one of them being Cape Hatteras, of the Outer Banks North Carolina. With its huge beaches and laid back fishing towns, it can be considered one of the most fun and relaxing surf destinations in the country. There are tons of activities to do, miles of beaches to surf, and some of the nicest people you will ever meet.

Cape Hatteras is a beach break that can produces both lefts and rights, chop and swell, and ankle high to triple overhead sized waves. This area of NC is not very populated, nor is it a huge travel destination for surfers. One can catch perfect waves here, all to themselves. The best time to catch this break is during the winter months, which bring in freezing water but beautiful barrels. Another great time for this break is hurricane season, running from the end of June to the beginning of October. This brings in some of the biggest wind chops the east coast ever sees. Also in Cape Hatteras, the water temperature can be as unpredictable as the surf. Waters can run anywhere from the high 70s to the low 30s; one may definitely want to check the surf report before traveling.

Cape Hatteras is also known for its beachside camping. Although there are numerous hotels in the area, camping here is the way to go. Another special thing about this break is you can park your car right on the sand, making it nice, seeing that it's easier to load tents, coolers, chairs, etc.

If driving to Cape Hatteras, make sure you know the ferry schedule, Not timing out the right ferry can make your trip longer than anticipated. If flying, you can right onto Roanoke Island, which is only a short drive and a ferry ride away from the Cape. If you're into history, fishing, surfing, and outdoor beach activities, this is the right beach for you!

Pavones, Costa Rica


Pavones could be considered the ultimate wave for all surfers. It is known as the world's longest left that can run up to 3/4 of a mile, and rides can be up to 3 minutes long. This break can be surfed by intermediate to expert surfers, and is a point break with several sections. These sections allow various barrels, speed, and carving.

Pavones is known as a hidden gem. The waves are not always breaking, making it more special when they do. Pavones is one of the most remote areas in all of Costa Rica, making it somewhat hard to find, but well worth the search. This spot is located in one of the most southern points in Costa Rica, and is a 6-8 hour drive from the San Jose International Airport. The quickest route is to take a small plane from San Jose to Golfito for $100 each way. However, the airplane will not transport any surf boards over 7 feet.

Another drawback to this one-of-a-kind surf spot is the locals. These native Costa Ricans tend to be less than accepting to outsiders because of its remote location. However, one can go further down the beach and be completely secluded, still catching a ride over 1/4 of a mile.

Pavones has very few hotels in the area, making it somewhat difficult to find accommodations during your stay, however there are a few campgrounds in the area. One is better off pitching a tent than going through the hassle of finding less than adequate accommodation. One will not find many restaurants or bars either, if any. If you're looking to come to Pavones, you're coming to surf, not to live the "high life of luxury."

Although Pavones is very remote, it is one of the top surf destinations, so don't look over this gem because there aren't hotels or a popular nightlife scene. The water is warm year round, and you can catch the ride of your life. When you travel here, be ready for the long waves; get yourself excited about the memorable rides. However, make sure you do your planning and make sure to check the local surf report; it can be a long ride to a very remote destination. If there are no waves, you'll be left with nature and that's about it.