Surf forecast
concerns lifeguardsThe Eddie Aikau surf contest
at Waimea Bay could be held
if conditions are acceptable
Giant waves that could reach heights of up to 35 feet tomorrow and Tuesday are expected to begin arriving on the north shores of all islands except for the Big Island today, the National Weather Service said.
The swell is expected to bring 8- to 15-foot surf to the north-facing shores this morning, which could become as high as 20 feet by the afternoon, said meteorologist Frank Musonda. West-facing beaches could see waves of 8 to 15 feet today.
It's the fourth large winter swell in the last week.
Last Sunday, 25- to 30-foot waves created a spectacular show for observers on the beach, but also led to about a dozen rescues, including a man who cut his neck and had to be taken to the hospital. More swells arrived Tuesday and Thursday.
A high surf advisory was issued yesterday afternoon for north and west facing shores of Kauai, Oahu, Maui, Molokai and Lanai in anticipation of the new swell.
Jim Howe, operations chief for the city and county of Honolulu's Ocean Safety Division, said lifeguards are monitoring the beaches and off-shore buoys closely. The buoys can give safety officials a six-hour lead on incoming surf heights.
Waimea Bay would be closed once the swell comes in if water washes over the park's picnic area and into the parking lot, he said. Other measures could be taken by Oahu Civil Defense and the state if the waves were to wash over roads. Warning signs could also be posted at some beaches, he said.
Howe said the 8- to 15-foot waves set to start coming in this morning are much harder for lifeguards to manage than larger surf.
That's because "it's not as obvious to people how dangerous it is and many, many more people are in the water," he said.
"We strongly advise no swimming at all other beach areas whenever we get large surf like this. We also advise people not to walk onto the beach," because of shore breaks.
Organizers of the Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational contest are also watching the coming swell.
The contest, which requires waves of at least 30 feet, has been held only five times since it was created in 1986, the last time in 2002.
"It's sounding good for shaping up to have the size," said Jodi Young, the event spokeswoman.
Last week's swells were not consistent enough to hold the contest.
Today's swell, generated by a winter storm with hurricane force winds near Japan, will bring its biggest waves late tomorrow or early Tuesday, but waves in the 15- to 25-foot range should still be around by Wednesday, Musonda said.
Waimea Bay, which is relatively secluded from wind, is a best bet for big waves, said weather service forecaster Bob Burke. He said moderate kona winds are also expected which could make some North Shore surf choppy.
If the winds were to increase by 10 mph or more, ocean water could begin washing over the road in some areas along Kamehameha Highway, he added.