[dan ze'l-ik-man]

Rock n’ Waves – Waimea

Posted on 12. Apr, 2010 by Dan Zelikman in Surfer, Wanderer

So even though I traded in my rock climbing gear for a surfboard when I moved out to Hawaii, it didn’t mean that I stopped climbing. I’ve been climbing mountains and rock walls since I was fifteen, and trees and houses before that. I once climbed a tree in my front lawn and stayed there for a couple of hours, just so my parents would see me in it.  Conquest at eight years old.  In Hawaii, my focus always seems to point towards the ocean. But every time I drive the windward side and see those amazing slabs staring back at me, I can’t help but wonder what it would be like to scale one of those bad boys.

One day maybe, but unfortunately I haven’t made a strong enough commitment to pursue climbing in Hawaii (other than the black rocks at Waimea) but that’s something I’m planning on changing really soon.

On this one day we got a chance to climb with some sizable swell to our backs. Mark and Suzi were visiting us from Colorado and although Mark wanted to surf, Suzi wanted Mark to live. Being that the three of us were all climbing guides in the Adirondacks, some bouldering at Waimea turned out to be a great (and safe) alternative.
Pipeline in all its glory, firing barrel after wicked barrel.

Waimea wasn’t so glorious that day, but it was big. So big that most of the beach was closed to the public and almost nobody was in the water. Except of course for the crazies that enjoy getting pounded into the sand by some 20+ foot beach break. Somehow, you can’t help but appreciate it.

Mark OPT trying to get a better look at the waves (while simultaneously trying to show off his bouldering skills).

Things can get pretty competitive when you pin ex-teammates back together again.

Some others joined in the fun, and some climbed too high and needed our help to get down.

We had a blast with Mark and Suzi… wish you were still, here.

Tags: Hawaii, rock climbing, surfing