It’s that time of year again, yep… Hawaii. Tracks’ first man on the ground Smithy blogs from the rock.

Let your own hands be your guide – barrel brail on an inside drainer at Pipeline.

After loosing a solid chunk of frequent flyer points for my business class upgrade my good friend (and room mate for the season) Luke Stedman and I landed at Honolulu airport fresh and relaxed. From there we drove 30 odd clicks northwest past the Schofield Army Barracks and into Haleiwa. Ten minutes later we were dropped at our beachside abode. Our crib we were stoked to discover is neatly positioned half way between Pipeline and Rocky Point. From this vantage point we can sleepily walk to the front yard and check pipe on our left side or Rockies on to our right with a multitude of fun beachies in between.

Normally for the first few days on the North Shore I like to get familiar with spots like Backdoor and Pipe before plunging myself straight into it – this year however was different. Surfers and photographers alike were all thrown into the deep end of some of the biggest quality Pipe I’ve seen in years.

There were definitely a few heart-starting moments swimming my heavy camera housing towards the channel when the big old lumps of water rolled on in blackening the sky. When you see the pack heading for the horizon it’s both exciting and scary – but always worth it.

I’m sitting down writing this blog now because of two things, one, Parko won yesterday so a few beers and some great food (cooked up by Luke Egan) has been enjoyed. Two, the waves have slowed up. But in saying that, it’s still four feet and sunny with light trade winds… not that perfect really!

Got to go, my turn to mix the Margaritas… I’ll sling some more shots and words soon

Aloha, Nate.

Rocky Point is one of Luke Stedman’s favourite waves in Hawaii, little wonder with airs like this… he made it.

Unknown splits the Rocky point peak and goes right.

A lone stand up paddle boarder contemplates life.

Luke Stedman and a man’s best friend on the North Shore, his bike!

Perfectly tapered left at Banzai Pipeline proper.

Adam Robertson, big bloke cutty.

Sunset on the North Shore.