Waimea Bay
Edit SpotAbout
Gets crowded when small (15ft !!), not unusual to see 5+ guys on one wave - maybe they're just good friends, who knows? Bigger days, it gets less crowded - but thats hardly news!.
Atmosphere:
Legendary wave - you've seen those photos of 6+ guys on *huge* guns, looking insignificant against a solid 30+ft wall of water?? Well this is it!
Additional Info:
Waimea can actually be split into three waves, 'Waimea' itself - a mountain of water, Pinballs (along the rocks on small days), and the Waimea Shorebreak, which is just about unsurfable (unless you have a bodyboard and a death-wish).
This is the original big-wave spot: it requires big boards, big balls and big arms. Just paddling out would be too much for most people on big days. Once out watch the rips, they are evil and can get you into big big trouble very quick.
Location
Loading...Access
Off Kam highway look for Waimea Falls Park, the beach here is Waimea Beach Park.
| Walk | Instant access (<5 min) |
|---|---|
| Public access | Yes |
| 4x4 required | Unknown |
| Boat required | Unknown |
Wave Characteristics
| Type | Point break |
|---|---|
| Direction | Right |
| Bottom | Reef (coral, sharp rocks etc.) with sand |
| Power | Fast, Powerful |
| Frequency | Don't know |
| Normal length | Short (<50m) |
| Good day length | Normal (50 to 150m) |
Ideal Conditions
| Wind direction | South |
|---|---|
| Swell direction | NorthWest |
| Swell size | 3ft-5ft - 16ft and over |
| Tide | Don't know |
| Tide movement | Don't know |
Crowd
| Week | Few surfers |
|---|---|
| Weekend | Crowded |
Dangers
Rips / undertow, Localism
Videos
Nearby spots
0.73 miles away
| Direction: | Right and left |
| Bottom: | Sandy with rock |
| Frequency: | Regular (100 days/year) |
1.70 miles away
| Direction: | Right and left |
| Bottom: | Reef (coral, sharp rocks etc.) |
| Frequency: | Very consistent (150+ days/year) |
1.85 miles away
| Direction: | Right and left |
| Bottom: | Reef (coral, sharp rocks etc.) with sand |
| Frequency: | Very consistent (150+ days/year) |