Pipeline's Pumping and Lifeguards Rescue 15 People as Huge Surf Hits the North Shore
Winter on the North Shore has officially kicked off as a huge swell with waves reportedly maxing out at 25 to 30 feet hit Oahu's northern coastline.
Pipeline was firing on all cylinders with a "fair to good" rating from Surfline yesterday and today. The lineup was packed and a crowd of people watched from the shore.
Local news teams were on the North Shore reporting live on the surf from spots like Pipeline and Laniakea. Lifeguards rescued 15 people and took over 800 "preventive actions" to keep people safe.
KITV Island News captioned the video above:
"As massive swells hit Oahu's North Shore, Ocean Safety makes 15 rescues. Out in the water, it looks like winter because that's when huge swells hit our shores -- that's what we're seeing today."
Paul Drewes reported from Laniakea, a surf break located between Waimea Bay and and Haleiwa.
"Earlier today, lifeguards on jet skis had to go out and assist one of the surfers who lost his board in the big waves, just one of a number of assists and rescues on this big wave day," he said.
A woman swimming at Sharks Cove, a large tidepool popular with snorkelers, was also pulled out into the ocean and saved by lifeguards.
Drewes said that for the numerous spectators from out of town, the waves "did not disappoint."
"We're from Arkansas, and these are by far the largest waves we have ever seen," said one visitor watching Pipe.
But an ocean safety team member said experienced surfers need help too:
"Surfers will get injured, they'll need assistance. Sometimes guys will not have surfed all summer long then to jump into waves like today's is a daunting challenge."
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