La’akea Gonsalves

The greatest surfer and bodyboarder of all time

https://youtu.be/Z_dPv57KiEU

Kelly Slater is from Florida and is an 11-time world champion surfer. Kelly is known as the g.o.a.t. of surfing and very few have been able to compete with him. At 49 years-old, he is still one of the top surfers in the WSL. He also invented his own wave generator which creates the “perfect” wave.

Kelly surfing at his Surf Ranch

https://youtu.be/FI5hDWepeIU

Mike Stewart

A native of Hawaii, Mike was a professional bodyboarder and one of the early pioneers of the sport. The nine-time world champion received the title “Mister Pipeline” for his expertise at the world-famous break on Oahu’s North Shore. Stewart doesn’t compete professionally anymore but is still involved in bodyboarding. He is the face of Science Bodyboards and has been a mentor to bodyboarding superstars like Tanner McDaniel and Sammy Morretino.

https://youtu.be/MK8H6heHiPU

Small waves

Waves will never be the same wherever you go. You need to bring the right equipment to have the most success surfing or bodyboarding.

For smaller waves and longer rides use a long board. The standard long board is about nine feet in length but can vary from nine to twelve feet. These boards are also more thick, this allows you to catch small waves much easier. It is harder to do turns and cutbacks with this type of board. Because the board is too big to duck dive, you need to duck dive at a certain angle. If that doesn’t work you can “turtle roll” which is when you flip and hold your board while your under water, as the wave goes past you. This will allow you to get past where the waves break safely.

https://youtu.be/Mscidy9HG7Q

Big waves

When surfing bigger waves it is safer to use a short board or a bodyboard. Using a short board allows the surfer to perform shorter sharp turns and big airs. Because the wave is bigger it will have a big rail or lip and this is what bodyboarders absolutely love. You will see a bodyboarder wait for the right moment while gaining speed then hit the rail and fly ten feet in the air!

https://youtu.be/JWccGXT3xaQ

Picture of my bodyboard

Jeff Hubbard - Kauai

The three time IBA world champion is best known for his skills on the boogie board. His style and tricks have constantly pushed the boundaries of the sport. Jeff is also one of just a few other bodyboarders to ever land an aerial 720. Jeff and his brother David own their own company “Hubboards” where you can buy bodyboards, fins, wetsuits and other gear.

https://youtu.be/MGsbwHxOWxU

David Hubbard - Kauai

Brother to Jeff, there is only one way to tell the difference between the brothers when they are out in the water. The difference is the style of how they bodyboard. Jeff usually seen riding prone, whereas Dave likes to drop-knee and stand up while riding the waves. Dave won the drop-knee world title back in 2009. It is safe to say that the Hubbards have influenced the sport tremendously.

https://youtu.be/BoVc81ZjHFM

Tanner McDaniel - Honolulu

The local bodyboarder from Honolulu has been a prodigy of bodyboarding since the beginning. He dominated waves at Pipeline back when he couldn’t even drive. He hasn’t won a world title yet but has won many other tournaments. With legend and 8 time world champion Mike Stewart as his teacher, Tanner is bound to win a world title soon.

https://youtu.be/oUpMABk38fc

Sammy Morretino - Kauai

Sammy is the 4 time drop-knee world champion. I saw Sammy bodyboarding when I was about 12 years old. He was standing up catching 5-6 foot waves and doing all sorts of tricks, sprays, maneuvers and airs. He beat both the Hubbard brothers at the Sandy beach Pro tournament back in 2012, when he was just a young teen.

https://youtu.be/vSnGFGAq8c4

Sandy Beach in Honolulu, Hawaii

Sandys is known for big and dangerous shore break. Before going in the water, at any beach, you should always check the surf report. Make sure it’s safe before swimming and see if there are lifeguards on duty. Follow the signs on the beach! If a sign says “no swimming” obey it. Even though it might look calm, there could be a rip current that can pull you out to sea. I also recommend when and if you do go swimming, to make sure you have the proper equipment. If you have fins, you should definitely use them when swimming.

Pine trees surf break in Hanalei, Kauai. During the month of June.

In Hawaii, there are only two seasons, summer and winter. During the summer months the swells hit the South side of the Hawaiian islands. The winter time is when the North side of the islands get extreme swells! If you are planning on surfing on the North side of Hawai’i during the summer, you better bring your long board.

Pine trees surf break in Hanalei, Kauai. During the month of December.

This next photo was taken at the same beach, at the time of a winter swell. This particular swell hit at about 2-3 feet. Although the South shores receive good and big waves during the summer, it never gets as big as the 20-30 foot swells that hit Hawaii’s North shore every year. Below is a video of Nathan Florence sending it on a massive wave at Jaws Peahi, located on Maui’s North shore during the winter!