Waimea Bay, Oahu, Hawaii

Wayne catches one from behind the main boil. Photo by Scott Hartvigsen                                                                                                               

One of the most feared waves in the world for 40 years, it is still the proving ground for any big wave aficionado. There may be scarier spots discovered in the last 15 years, but It is still a dangerous wave that lurches out of the depths, spills into a narrow bay, and demands respect. Just the paddle-out is enough to add or subtract sack to any human. It is hard to describe to the average surfer who has not witnessed it how much water gets processed. It can be deadly, and the wave should be left to experienced waterman. Wayne is well-known at Waimea Bay, and other spots by the regulars, as he has spent  years and many epic swell events at spots like Waimea....waiting for the biggest and best set-waves he could find.

Wayne has chased large swells to other spots on Oahu, as well as Northern California big-wave spots such as Mavericks, Steamer Lane, and Ocean Beach, just to name a few.

Here I Photoshopped out a few of my friends so it looks like Im getting one to my head...haha

Waimea Bay Feb. 2005- 25 foot closeouts in the morning..... an unruly 20' by noon.     

"Before you paddle out.... are you willing and able to take the absolute worst? Can you handle the intense beating that may be handed to you? Don't paddle out if you think you won't get beat. Be careful out there.....work your way up. Ride a little bigger wave every day!" Wayne Kelly

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