On Oahu’s North Shore, surfing competitions are back … and so are the crowds

HALEIWA (HawaiiNewsNow) – Oahu‘s North Shore is celebrating its first major surfing competition since the pandemic began.

The World Surf League’s Michelob Ultra Pure Gold Haleiwa Challenger kicked off on Friday and expectations for more competitions, gatherings – and traffic are high.

Community members say the competition is attracting a much-needed crowd and that it’s surreal to finally enjoy high-level surfing again.

“It’s definitely nice when people get out and meet in town,” said Jennifer Quan, a North Shore resident.

“It’s definitely a breath of fresh air after everything has been closed for so long.”

The conditions for competition were also favorable. According to World Surf League officials, surfers experienced 6 to 8 foot swells during their lineup.

“We haven’t had a competition here for almost 18 months,” said Marty Thomas, WSL regional tour manager. “It’s great to see surfers all over the world return to Hawaii.”

Not only the residents enjoy the waves.

California visitor Kush Kakaiya was originally scheduled to visit Hawaii in April but had to postpone the appointment after receiving the wrong test for the Safe Travel program.

So now he’s celebrating Thanksgiving week in the islands.

“I am grateful that I am allowed to be here just to experience something,” said Californian visitor Kush Kakaiya. “We wanted to come back. It is an honor to be here and to see one of the competitions here. “

Companies were also happy about the rush. Surf N Sea Hawaii is trying to make up for months of pandemic losses.

“It’s great to have a surf competition right there,” said Anneke Kincaid, a sales rep for Surf N Sea. “The last months have been tough”

But Kincaid will admit that it’s a win-lose situation for local residents: more business means more traffic.

“The traffic has been insane lately,” said Kincaid. “It was stop-and-go, especially on the beaches.”

“I’m not going to lie if I say it was beautiful with no traffic,” said Makua Kai Rothman, contest commentator and professional surfer.

“But many companies have suffered as a result, and tourism is a major economic boost, especially on the North Shore.”

Others agreed.

“I think it’s good for the community and the economy,” said Robert Wallon, a North Shore resident. “And just the spirit of competition, everyone loves to see it.”

Copyright 2021 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.