Are you on your way to Hawaii, a surf Mecca, right now to test your abilities to ride the waves this time of the year? If you are waiting for swells as big as 15 to 20-feet, you are in luck. Swells these big are enough to make lesser mortals cringe and stay away from the sea and its shores, but not experienced big wave surfers. They are constantly awaiting forecasts such as the ones that are coming to Hawaii mid-January this brand new year, 2015. The news that West Hawaii is getting its own share of big swells is welcome, but not to everyone.
The article Swell Times: 15- to 20-foot Waves Forecast for West-facing Shores written by Bret Yager for West Hawaii Today for the Telegraph Travel News warns you that, these must not be taken lightly as it can cause hazards to human life.
“… A very large, long period swell train is expected to arrive on West Hawaii shores with 15- to 20-foot waves forecast to peak on Wednesday (January 21), bringing hazards to human life and the potential for property damage.
Anyone entering the water could face significant injury or death,” according to a coastal hazard message issued by the National Weather Service. “Inexperienced persons should remain off beaches and adjacent beachfront areas.”
… Large surf, shore breaks and dangerous currents are expected — and with that, surges across beaches, lava shelves and roads. Strong harbor surges and large breakers are likely at harbor mouths such as Honokohau …”
Even mariners are advised about the risks if they will plan on sailing or entering the rough choppy waters from this side of the island. The waves hitting the western shores will drive the whitecaps even on those beaches that are typically sheltered from winter swells. For public safety, the authorities are considering to close state beach parks depending on the predictions using offshore buoy reports. The situation and threat on those communities in low-lying areas are being continuously monitored. So if you are coming, check out first how safe it will be for you.
Around this time last year, the Largest Swell in Decades Hits Hawaiian Shores, 40-50 foot Waves Roll In. As the giant waves slammed the north shore last January 21, it was reported in Hawaii News Now. These are monstrous waves double the size of what experienced big wave surfers can safely ride. This forced the authorities to close the affected beaches like Waimea Bay for safety reasons. This was said to have been rigged by a brewing storm northwest of Hawaii. Meanwhile, the west shore around this time was pounded by smaller 10 to 15 feet swells. These kinds of swells persisted for the next couple of days.
If you are waiting for reasonably sized swells to ride, January can be a good month if there will be no raging storm to give you more monstrous and dangerous waves. If you are coming to Hawaii for this purpose, it will be smart to monitor the swell forecasts of the National Weather Service before you go for your safety.
