Cruise of a lifetime with Ocean Joy

On a perfect Saturday afternoon in September, Ocean Joy Cruises sponsored a group cruise for HLWSF. We chose to bring some teens from Waianae’s Ke Ala for Youth Program. Even though a snorkeling cruise is an every day event in Hawaii, these kids had never been on one.

Coming out of the harbor at Koolina on the catamaran Ka Oli Oli, it was easy to see the kids were thrilled. They took great joy in the ocean spray hitting them and the feeling of freedom as we moved across the ocean was evident by their constant smiles.

Our destination was a spot off of Makaha. It wasn’t long after we started that we saw the pods of spinner dolphins everywhere. I was amazed at how many there were and they were just a few hundred yards off the Nanakuli shores. The kids were thrilled as the dolphins raced along in front and beside the vessel. The crew was exceptional on this cruise. Patrick explained that we would not be swimming with these dolphins as too many snorkelers in the water could stress them out.

We cruised on up the coast getting a nice narration about the coastline and some of its history from Captain Maureen. When we arrive at our snorkeling destination we were given some snorkeling safety rules and told what to expect in the water. Of course Ocean Joy provided all of our equipment including vests to help us float easier.

The water was deep and at first I thought “where’s the fish”, but as we calmed down in the water the fish started swimming closer. The highlight was a family of sea turtles swimming below us.

There were at least five of them. The kids had already been told not to try touching them as it can lead to the turtles getting a disease. This snorkeling was excellent! After the snorkeling we were all given an enjoyable lunch and we ate all we could.

The crew allowed the kids to go up and visit the Captain in turns. Not one person turned that opportunity down. It was very cool that they allowed the kids to see things from the driver’s point of view and learn a little about operating the vessel.

Our cruise lasted three hours and when it was over the kids all said it was the best time ever. Events like this can make such a difference in a teen’s life. It can change the way they think about themselves, their future and how they feel about the environment around them. HLWSF would like to thank Shane at Ocean Joy Cruises and his most excellent crew for this “Cruise of a lifetime” experience they gave these teens from Ke Ala for Youth.

Poipu Beach Park

Also known as Brenneke’s beach is a gorgeous lifeguarded south shore beach that is popular with visitors to Kauai. The beach is basically protected by the`rock jetties so it’s great for swimming and snorkeling. There is surf outside the jetties, but we recommend you leave that to more advanced surfers who are familiar to the area, unless of course you are out there with a certified instructor.

If you choose to play in Poipu HLWSF wants you to be aware of the hazards. Strong currents are often found inside the barriers especially if the outside surf is big. It’s better not to walk on the jetties as the rocks are slippery and the waves breaking are probably hitting those rocks with more power than you realize. The reef is sharp so don’t walk on it. These are just some safety tips for current and recent safety information always ask your lifeguards on duty about the conditions. That’s the surest way to have a fun and safe time. J.R.

Hanalei Bay

Hanalei Bay is a lifeguarded beach on the beautiful coast line of Kauai’s famous north shore. It’s a crescent shaped bay that has about two miles of sandy beach. In the winter months, September – May, it’s not uncommon to see big waves and epic surfing. Of course on these winter swell days it is suggested that only the more advanced surfers brave the strong currents all others should enjoy watching the expert surfers rip it up from the pier or the shore.

Because it is a sand bar area HLWSF does not recommend snorkeling, There is not enough reef to support the fish snorkelers like to see; however, if you visit when the bay is calm it’s a great place to swim, go sailing or paddling. There are also plenty of days with smaller surf suitable for the beginner, we recommend to never count on your leash or surf vehicle to save you in the ocean, only count on your own swimming ability. Know your limits, If you don’t know don’t go! J.R.

Monk Seals – Give them room

The Hawaiian monk seal is found on the sandy beaches and in the surrounding waters of the northwestern Hawaiian Archipelago, known as the Leeward Chain: Kure Atoll, Midway Atoll, Pearl and Hermes Reef, Lisianski Island, Laysan Island and French Frigate Shoals. Small populations also occur at Necker and Nihoa Islands. However, little is known of their offshore habits or distribution.

Threats to the Species
Like the Caribbean and Mediterranean monk seals, the Hawaiian monk seal was easily exploited by hunters, whalers and fishers in the 1800s. Today, anthropogenic threats include: incidental capture in fishing gear, ingestion of fisheries debris or toxic substances, intentional kills and a decrease in food availability for some subpopulations (e.g. French Frigate Shoals). The Hawaiian monk seal, like the other monk seal species, is sensitive to human disturbance and habitat loss. These factors, along with shark attacks, mobbing (a behaviour where females and immatures of both sexes are wounded, sometimes fatally, by the aggressive sexual behaviour of some males), and an inherently slow reproductive rate continue to threaten the remaining Hawaiian monk seal population. Conservation strategies include: the protection of critical habitat, identification of main reproductive habitats, research on the survival of various age and sex classes, rehabilitation and release of undersized pups, removal of marine debris and the mitigation of human disturbance. A captive breeding program is also advocated by some scientists.

Natural History
Hawaiian monk seal females reach a length of 2.3 m and weigh up to 273 kg; males are slightly smaller, measuring up to 2.1 m and weighing about 230 kg. Adults are silvery-grey on the back, fading to cream on the throat, chest and belly. Additional light patches may also be found on the body. Over time, the coat looks brown above and yellow below. Males, and some females, turn a dark brown or black with age. Some Hawaiian monk seals have a red or green tinge from algal growth. Monk seals tend to be solitary, both on land and in the water. The breeding season occurs between December and mid-August although most pups are born from March to June. Pups, weighing approximately 16-18 kg and measuring 1 m, are born with a long, woolly, black coat which is shed at about six weeks of age. At about this time, the pups are weaned. Females reach sexual maturity at 5 or 6 years of age, and may live to be 20-25 years old. Monk seals, like most monachines seals, walruses, fur seals and sea lions, have four mammae. Monk seals feed on a variety of fish, cephalopods and crustaceans.

Status

In 1976, the Hawaiian monk seal was listed as endangered under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. They are also listed as endangered in the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. Hawaiian monk seals are also listed on Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Between 1958 and 1996, mean beach counts of the main reproductive populations declined by 60%. Current population estimates range from 1300-1400 animals and the population continues to decline; from 1985 to 1996 the rate of decline was about 4% per year. While different island subpopulations exist, they are all managed as a single stock by the US National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS).

I was going for a surf at a popular west side beach, when I saw this monk seal. It hadn’t been on the beach earlier when I was there. The signs posted pretty much say it all but let’s go over it any way. If you spot a monk seal remember there are only a few hundred of them left in the world and they are a protected species.

• Do not approach or try to touch the seal. You should give the seal as much room as possible.
• If you’re on a guarded beach, tell the lifeguards.
• They will take the necessary steps to protect the seal.
• Do not aggravate or try to feed the seal.
• Keep dogs away from seals.
• Remember seals need to rest undisturbed on land to survive.

To report Hawaiian monk seal sightings: call 220-7802 (Oahu) or email PIFC.monksealsighting@noaa.gov

2008 Annual Jr Lifeguard Championships

More than 200 junior lifeguards from around the state will be competing in the annual Junior Lifeguard Championships.

 

It will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2008 from 9 A.M. to 2 P.M. at the Ewa end of Ala Moana Beach Park.

The junior lifeguards will be competing in five events throughout the course of the day. The events include a 1,000-meter beach run, beach flags, run-swim-run, a paddleboard relay, and the 200-meter swim. Teams from Oahu’s five program sites, and those from the neighbor islands, will be displaying their skills learned throughout the summer program. They will compete in individual and team events in two age divisions, 13-14 and 15-17.

“I think the popularity and success of the City’s Junior Lifeguard Program speak volumes,” said Elizabeth Char, MD, Honolulu Emergency Services Department Director. “For more than 15 years this program has not only been teaching the teens of Oahu about ocean safety, but giving them a safe and productive way to spend their summer.”

“We are delighted that Oahu will be hosting this year’s championships,” said Mayor Mufi Hannemann. “It provides an opportunity for the participants to demonstrate their newly acquired skills and showcase why the Hawaii Junior Lifeguard Program is respected world-wide.”

The City and County of Honolulu’s Ocean Safety and Lifeguard Services Division conducts the Junior Lifeguard Program with support from the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association.

2007 Junior Lifeguard State Championship Results

1000 METER RUN (Event #1)

GIRLS 13-14 BOYS 13-14 GIRLS 15-17 BOYS 15-17
1 Breanna Bean (Oahu) 1 Pierce Murphy (Kauai) 1 Noe Vargas (Hawaii) 1 Scott McGrath (Kauai)
2 Sarah Faraola (Kauai) 2 Bryen Philips (Kauai) 2 Carolyn Broyles (Kauai) 2 Ryan Knott (Oahu)
3 Tiare Welborn (Kauai) 3 Jonathan Tangalin (Kauai) 3 Leah Shizuru (Oahu) 3 Chase Long (Oahu)

100 METER RUN/SWIM/RUN (Event #2)

GIRLS 13-14 BOYS 13-14 GIRLS 15-17 BOYS 15-17
1 Emma Raufch (Kauai) 1 Ryan Ross (Hawaii) 1 Noe Vargas (Hawaii) 1 Nick Garrett (Hawaii)
2 Jade Morton (Hawaii) 2 Kinney Gandall (Hawaii) 2 Meaghan Sims (Kauai) 2 Sean McCaulley (Oahu)
3 Sarah Faraola (Kauai) 3 Evan Uy (Hawaii) 3 Casey Ford (Kauai) 3 Jordan Brown (Oahu)

200 METER SWIM (Event #3)

GIRLS 13-14 BOYS 13-14 GIRLS 15-17 BOYS 15-17
1 Jade Morton (Hawaii) 1 Kinney Gandall (Hawaii) 1 Noe Vargas (Hawaii) 1 Nick Garrett (Hawaii)
2 Kylan Mullineaux (Hawaii) 2 Ryan Ross (Hawaii) 2 Karen Dastrup (Kauai) 2 Andy Matsuyama (Oahu)
3 Anya Littlefield (Kauai) 3 Kaikea Nakachi (Hawaii) 3 Meaghan Sims (Kauai) 3 Matt Ross (Kauai)

BEACH FLAGS (Event #4)

GIRLS 13-14 BOYS 13-14 GIRLS 15-17 BOYS 15-17
1 Lily Frederickson (Kauai) 1 Christian Carlos (Oahu) 1 Courtney Cabral (Kauai) 1 Junior Fischer (Hawaii)
2 Sarah Faraola (Kauai) 2 Matt Milbrand (Kauai) 2 Carly Matsumoto (Kauai) 2 Kapena Acacio (Oahu)
3 Sweden Kealoha (Kauai) 3 Kona Johnson (Oahu) 3 Alex Shae (Oahu) 3 Daniel Bizik (Oahu)

100 METER PADDLEBOARD – INDIVIDUAL (Event #5)

GIRLS 13-14 BOYS 13-14 GIRLS 15-17 BOYS 15-17
1 Sweden Kealoha (Kauai) 1 Kona Johnson (Oahu) 1 Alyssa Wooten (Oahu) 1 Daniel Bachman (Oahu)
2 Brooke Roy (Oahu) 2 Noa Ginella (Oahu) 2 Casey Ford (Kauai) 2 Jedediah Pacheco (Oahu)
3 Jade Morton (Hawaii) 3 Evan Uy (Hawaii) 3 Keoki’ana Smith (Kauai) 3 Jackson Kyne (Oahu)

Big Wave Surfing

In a big wave wipeout, a breaking wave can push surfers down 20 to 50 (6.2 m to 15.5 m) feet below the surface. Once they stop spinning around, they have to quickly regain their equilibrium and figure out which way is up. They may have less than 20 seconds to get to the surface for a breath of air before the next wave hits them. Additionally, the water pressure at a depth of 20-50 feet can be strong enough to rupture one’s eardrums. Strong currents and water action at those depths can also slam a surfer into a reef or even the floor, which can result in severe injuries or even death.

One of the greatest dangers is the risk of being held down by two or more consecutive waves without the chance to reach the surface for air. Surviving a triple hold-down is extremely difficult which is why it is important to know how to swim out of these situations.

Despite these hazards, very few big-wave surfers have ever died in the practice of the sport, with the notable exceptions of Mark Foo, who died surfing Mavericks on December 23rd, 1994, Donnie Solomon, who died exactly a year later at Waimea Bay, and Todd Chesser who died at Alligator Rock on the North Shore of Oahu on February 14th, 1997. A possible explanation for the relatively low fatality rate is experience; most big-wave surfers are highly skilled in the water and have likely trained themselves to handle the difficult conditions.

How to avoid a sunburn

Sunburn can cause more problems than just some temporary pain and redness. Over time, frequent sunburn can contribute to premature aging of the skin, and can even lead to deadly skin cancer.

By following the simple steps below, you can have fun in the sun and still protect yourself and your family from sunburn and keep your skin healthy and young looking.

The sun’s rays in Hawaii are one of the strongest in the world. Don’t ruin your vacation by getting a bad sunburn.

Here are our tips on how to avoid a sunburn.

• Stay out of the sun completely. That’s not easy to do in Hawaii!
• Limit outdoor activities between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Play golf, lay in the sun, swim, etc., in the early morning or late afternoon.
• If you must sunbathe get some sun before you visit Hawaii. The Hawaiian sun is very dangerous to pale skin.
• Beware of cloudy days. Clouds and particulate matter in the air scatter sunlight. You can still burn even on a cloudy day.
• Wear a good pair of sun glasses and some kind of protection — the looser the better — on your head.
• If you are among those likely to burn, use a sun block with a SPF of 15 or greater. An ounce of sun block will effectively cover your entire body.
• Apply sun block at least 15 to 30 minutes before venturing out into the sun and re-apply at least every two hours especially if you have been swimming or perspiring.
• Use sun blocks with higher PFs on areas that need extra protection like the tip of your nose, your ears, the tops of your feet, and your shoulders.
• Do not use sun block on your lips. Instead, use only sun protection products designed specifically for lips.
• Protect your children. Keep them from excessive sun exposure when the sun is strongest and apply sunscreen liberally and frequently to children 6 months of age and older.
• Do not use sunscreen on children under 6 months of age. Parents with children under 6 months of age should severely limit their children’s sun exposure.

T & C GROM Surf Contest

By Michelle Cabalse
After a week of flat conditions, Queens surf break surged to life when nearly 200 groms hit the water for the 11th Annual T&C Surf Grom Contest on July 12-13.

The event encompasses two days of surfing and beach games at one of the South Shore’s premier surf spots, giving groms and mini groms a competitive experience without the pressure of rated surf contests. Champions were crowned in longboard, shortboard and bodyboard divisions.
“It is really exciting to see the event continue to get bigger and better every year,” says T&C Surf president and founder Craig Sugihara. “ We are stoked to see the kids enjoy the ocean and friendly competition.”

 

 

With prime-sized waves rolling in at Queens and sweet little reforms gently breaking at Baby Queens, surfers age three to fourteen paddled out to enjoy the waves.

The first title of the day went to an all-around water girl, Honolua Blomfield, 9, of Haleiwa in the bodyboard 9 & under division. Skilled in longboarding, shortboarding and bodyboarding, she posted a 7.5 out of a possible ten to earn the highest score in her heat. Titus Lafradez of Honolulu grabbed the bodyboard 10-14 title by opening a solid three-point lead the others couldn’t close.

Keola Auwae, 7, of Wai`anae successfully defended his shortboard 7 & under title against a formidable field of six little rippers, including seven-year-old runner-up Makana Pang of Hale`iwa, who kept the heat on through the finals. Dane Rust, 11, of Honolulu ripped his way to first place in the shortboard 8-11 division, earning an average of more than three points per wave more than his competitors. Cole Yamakawa, 13, of Honolulu scored two perfect tens from two judges to take the shortboard 12-14 division win.

 

In the contest’s newest division, created to meet a growing demand for girls’ competition, T&C crowned its first queen of the waves in the shortboard 9 & under division. Moana Jones took the high spot on the podium against a fully-stacked heat of little mermaids. The older girls in the 10-14 division had their work cut out for them as the waves subsided and good sets were harder to come by. Cayla Moore of Honolulu took home the big girls win in a tough paddle battle for the best waves.

Finn McGill, 8, of Haleiwa, who has already earned a reputation for his distinct longboarding style, repeated his 9 & under division win against a tough contingent from all four shores of O`ahu. Eala Stewart, 13, of Waikiki took the backyard advantage all the way to the top to earn the longboard 12-14 title.
Six new T&C surfboards were given to the top non-sponsored surfers, and new bodyboards went to the top three bodyboarders.

2008 OFFICIAL RESULTS

BODYBOARD GIRLS & BOYS 9 & UNDER
1. HONOLUA BLOMFIELD
2. KAINEHE HUNT
3. NOAH BRADBURY
4. DYLAN ELLIS
5. DEVIN BRUEGGEMANN
6. NAHE APO

BODYBOARD GIRLS & BOYS 10-14
1. TITUS LAFRADEZ
2. KALEI AKIONA
3. BRANDON LEE AMAYA
4. KEONE BLOOMFIELD
5. RENESH WAINSCOAT
6. KAWENA AKIONA

SHORTBOARD BOYS 7 & UNDER
1. KEOLA AUWAE
2. MAKANA PANG
3. KANIELA STEWART
4. REEF TSUTSUI
5. ISAAC BLAKE
6. RIECE MYERS

SHORTBOARD BOYS 8-11
1. DANE RUST
2. KEONE BLOMFIELD
3. FINN MCGILL
4. WENDELL LEONG TITCOMB
5. BARRON MAMIYA
6. D`ARMAN NOTOA

SHORTBOARD BOYS 12-14
1. COLE YAMAKAWA
2. CONNOR JENSEN
3. LUCAS GODFREU
4. TYLER MCCOY
5. GEN ASANO
6. THOMAS WILLIAMS

SHORTBOARD GIRLS 9 & UNDER
1. MOANA JONES
2. KAHANU DELOVIO
3. KAILEE GRAF
4. HONOLUA BLOOMFIELD
5. NAMIKA COURTOIS
6. GABRIELA YESTER

SHORTBOARD GIRLS 10-14
1. CAYLA MOORE
2. J-SEA PALIRACIO
3. AMBER BADE
4. MAKANI ANDRIC
5. KINI SHARPNICK
6. KELLY GRAF

LONGBOARD BOYS & GIRLS 9 & UNDER
1. FINN MCGILL
2. HONOLUA BLOMFIELD
3. KAINEHE HUNT
4. KANIELA STEWART
5. GABRIELA YESTER
6. KEOLA AUWAE

LONGBOARD BOYS & GIRLS 10-14
1. EALA STEWART
2. SETH MONIZ
3. JOSH MONIZ
4. MO FREITAS
5. ELIJAH GATES
6. EJ MITSUI

Rescue at Sunset Beach

Paul Smith is a manger at Cholo’s Mexican Restaurant and teaches Yoga. His classes range from 30 – 60 people. Paul is originally from California, where he surfed in places like Mavericks. He has lived on the North Shore of Oahu for 20 years now. Here’s his story.

That Tuesday after my class I drove to Sunset Beach. It was good surf. There were about four or five guys paddling out when I got there so rather than follow the crowd I ran down shore to paddle out form Mothers Beach through the inside surf was about four to six feet ( 10 – 15’ faces) about 2/3 of the way out. I see this guy floating on his board (to the left).

 

At first, I didn’t think anything of it. You know, maybe he just got a long ride in and was kinda just resting. Then I saw a wave hit him and he got knocked off his board. At this point I was still about 50-60 yards away and I was thinking this guy doesn’t know what’s up. His board was floating in front of him and if he wasn’t careful it was going to hit him. I hollered “Hey man watch out for your board!” and then a third wave broke right on him and took him down. The wave tumbled him to the inside. That’s when I realized something was definitely wrong and this guy needed help. I paddled after him trying to get to his board which was tumbling with him attached to the leash.

When I got there he was still under so I reached down and pulled him out. He was all purple in the face. There was foam coming out of his mouth and it was obvious that he had taken in a lot of water. Looking up, I decided to paddle him across the inside towards the lifeguard tower. I needed to get some help and that was the quickest way. So I tried to put him on his back on his board, but he kept falling off. So I laid him face down and started moving him towards help. I was doing everything I could to get attention: yelling, waving my arms, but we were still a long ways from the tower. Then I could see Kyle the lifeguard in the tower, sitting up. But he hadn’t seen us yet. A couple of surfers paddled to us and asked what they could do to help. So I asked them to yell for help with me to get the tower’s attention.

Then another guy helped me by putting two boards together and getting the victim (Peter) on his back. We checked for a pulse, but couldn’t find it. At this point I could see the lifeguards were on the way, so I started yelling at Peter to hang on help was coming. By now it had been several minutes before anyone else saw us and helped so he was like my kid, you know? I couldn’t let him die. By this time Kyle was on his way with the paddle board. I thought I could paddle Peter in on it, but he fell off the board again. Kyle took over at this point and laid Peter face up on the paddleboard. Then Kyle lay on top of Peter and with the help of the other guys in the water got him to shore. When they got him to shore several surfers on the beach helped Kyle Pao carry Peter to the tower, where the lifeguards immediately began CPR. The lifeguards on duty were Kerry Atwood, Tom Jenny, Victor Marcal, Matt Sack and Dave Yester.

Peter was barely showing any signs of life, it looked as if he had been under water too long and might not make it; the guards did not give up. Everyone kept assisting with CPR and getting the water out of his lungs and breathing life back into him. Finally the EMT’s arrived with the ambulance and took over. The medics hooked Peter up to the machines and found a slight pulse. Peter was taken to Wahiawa General Hospital where the doctors did all they could – the waiting game started. Over the next day or so Peter’s vital signs improved and the doctors removed the air tubes as he started breathing in rhythm. By the second day Peter could recognize his family and by the third day he was speaking clearly. Peter was lucky, thanks to Paul Smith’s determination in getting him on his board and to the lifeguards – he survived.

Ho’okipa

Drive along Maui’s north shore on any day surf’s up with a brisk trade wind and you’ll wonder why a plethora of photographers are aiming1000 mm lenses at the water. Pull into the cliff top or beach parking lot and you’ll likely see superstar windsurfers doing back flips on the breakers while TV crews in helicopters shoot footage for the Extreme Sports channel. Mix in the traditional local surfer crowd who’ve been catchin’ waves at Ho’okipa since they were keiki’s and it’s clear why they call this place the world’s water sports Mecca.

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