NORTH SHORE KNEEBOARD GATHERING 2005

Smokin Rock · Post by **Smokin Rock** » Fri Sep 03, 2004 10:07 am

John,
i know at the last gathering Bill L had probs with hawaiian air over excessive board charges. i've heard other people with complaints as well so i'd stay away from them.

Bud · Post by **Bud** » Thu Sep 16, 2004 10:47 am

Think it'll be too expensive of a trip?
Try this budget accommodation option for the North Shore Kneeboard Gathering 05.

This is the link for Oahu Camping information.
http://camping.about.com/gi/dynamic/off ... /oahu.html
This is the information from that page, for the area of interest to any visiting kneeboard surfer.

Malaekahana State Recreation Area

Off Kamehameha Highway (Highway 83), Malaekahana Beach: Kalanai Point Section 0.6 mile north of La'ie town; Kahuku Section 1.3 miles north of La'ie town. (also just at the South end of Kahuku village)

Wooded beach park with swimming, bodysurfing, beach-related activities and shore fishing. Picnicking and camping a Kalanai Point Section. Picnicking, lodging and fee camping at Kahuku section--call 808-293-1736 for lodging and camping reservations.

PARK HOURS. Entrance gates of certain parks on O'ahu are closed at nights. The open hours are 7 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. from April 1 to Labor Day, and 7 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. from the day after Labor Day to March 31.

Here's review from an elderly couple who visited Hawaii and stayed in the camp ground February 04. (They must have been there during the strong storm I mentioned in my NSKB 04 Gathering article.)

Malaekahana State Rec. Area, Oahu, Hawaii
Submitted by Barbara Fisher.

Primitive, peaceful, pretty, yet just off a major highway and on a good bus route. Secure (people don't take things, they leave things!), user-friendly and inexpensive ($5 per person per night). A real alternative to Waikiki (yuck!) and a very pleasant place to spend two weeks for a pair of low-income Canadian seniors. Hope to return sometime, just wish we could have stopped the rain!

We stayed in the Kahuku Section, February 2001.
...........................................................................................................
They have cabins and yurts to rent as well as camp sites. It is just a 15 minute drive to the North Shore.

At times (especially that time of year) there is very good surf (some of the best in the whole state !) within walking distance or just a short drive up or down the coast.
The area is really beautiful and my favorite part of the Island.

red · Post by **red** » Thu Sep 16, 2004 2:12 pm

Thanks Bud,

It's good to know.

Will keep site updated about arrival times, etc.

The thought of surfing Hawaii again (but over 3' this time) brings butterflies to my belly.

Red

Smokin Rock · Post by **Smokin Rock** » Thu Sep 16, 2004 3:50 pm

Bud did'nt mention the hot showers which are so nice and a bit of a rarity for primitive campsites. my acommodations and rental car per day are less than most pay for just a place to stay which then allows me to eat out more. hale'iwa cafe for breakfast, ku'a aina burger for lunch, teds bakery anytime( the chocolate macadamia nut pie is really awesome). i'm getting a little off track here. good place to stay.

red · Post by **red** » Thu Sep 16, 2004 9:37 pm

Smokin,

What's security like?
I see reviews call the security good, but with 4 boards outside the tent?

I'm looking at the Plantation hostel accomodation (for some of the time at least - 4 weeks in a pup tent can be a drag). In Haliewa, so it's a bit further to the big breaks. +-$18/night with 7th night free.

May consider Sharks Cove Hostel at $25 a night, but then I'll definitely have to camp a bit or take to catching my own food

Any feedback on this from you local guys?

Bud · Post by **Bud** » Thu Sep 16, 2004 10:54 pm

Here's a link to Fromers Travel Guide about campinng permits on Oahu.
http://www.frommers.com/destinations/pr ... 0009020175

Good information and it shows camping fees to be US$5 per night per person.

Maleakahana State Park is the place I suggested before.
There are others listed as well. At US$5 a night for a camp site, it's pretty cheap.

The other "near by" area is West of Haleiwa out in Mokuleia. There are many, many other "Big Spots" you've never head of near both places. The reason you don't see them in the mags is because they are difficult to photograph.
If you paddle out to cranking 7th Hole in Kahuku or out Mokuleia way to Army Beach or Day Star , you'll not think your missing anything by not being at Sunset , or Haleiwa.
In Haleiwa alone there are several insane breaks.
Alii Beach Park holds Haleiwa and Avalanche and Walls. Each incredible surf spots.
Puena Point is another Haleiwa break.....2 breaks actually. The channel section (like a Tahiti reef pass) and outer point.....(think J-Bay on Steroids!)
5 minute drive North towards Sunset there is Hymalayas, Laniakea, Holtons, Jocko's, Chunn's Reef, plus a host of others that go off.

PLEASE NOTE:

MOST OF THE SURF SPOTS ON THE NORTH SHORE ARE VERY NEAR EACH OTHER...........Like paddling distance.
NO PLACE IS FAR AWAY.
There are over 50 surf spots within a 30 minute drive from the end of the road in Mokuleia to the Tutle Bay Resort on the North tip of the island.
Sometimes. especially during February, they all go off at once.
Then there is the East shore which holds many treasures.

surfhorn · Post by **surfhorn** » Fri Sep 17, 2004 4:01 am

Smokin' Rock - You're NEVER off track when you're talkin' food!!!!

Smokin Rock · Post by **Smokin Rock** » Fri Sep 17, 2004 11:12 am

Red,
security is good but i'll qualify that. i would'nt leave anything of value like surfboards there unattended. tents, coolers and camping gear are safe. also more importantly it's nery Laie which is the Mormons home town. the vibe in this area is very dominated by the church which is great because they don't like all those things that can making camping a nightmare. like a bunch of drunk teenagers blaring hip hop at 2am scoping out all your gear hoping to finance their next meth purchase.
this alone makes it my choice. the locking of the gates means a quiet safe nite. i have always had someone to leave my gear with who lives there. i stash it somewhere like under their house and if i need a different board i go grab it. i'll keep one in the car. word is there is a world renown shaper at sunset who is notoriously accomodating to traveling kneeriders.
i mentioned this in an earlier post www.hennesseyhammock.com
it's a camping hammock. it's got a rainfly and is completely enclosed with no-see um mesh so it's dry, bug free and very comfortable. also compact. it's maybe 14"" x 7" in a stuff sack. all you need is 2 trees 10-15' apart. i use mine all the time on surf missions. way better than the ground.

ghnasi aka Craig Stokes · Tue Sep 21, 2004 12:20 am

Hey Buddy, That's pretty awesome that you have posted those photos at Jockos. Thanks.This will be my tenth year coming up. For the info I now live in Vancouver Canada,,, pretty keen snowboarder, motorbike rider and usually surf once a year untill this year.. that's in Hawaii...I started surfing in Nambucca Heads 1970>>> kneeboarding... we were called cripples back then. Surfed consistently on BAD boards untill 84 ( 6 years at Mereweather beach Newcastle Aus). Believed I was a really bad surfer. Had a good wave at Cactus near Ceduna SA Aus in 1976.
Surfed some typhoon waves with a friend Eric Berg in Japan in 1990 on an old friar tuck board (thanks Dave Bruce from Curl Curl). Went to his wedding in Hawaii in 96 with a loaner Outer Island board (thanks Billy <BOMBA> Barnet) this board had been the first to make every takeoff in 26 years. First surfed Alligators with Eric in 96...Haw10~12 feet... thought I was going to die just getting over those rocks...the monuments to the deceased were another thing. I made the first takeoff and haven't stopped paddling for them.Then Ordered a new Outer Island in 97 Shaped my first 7 footer in 99. Dramatic helicopter/Jetski rescue at Sunset in 2000. (theres video footage... very humbling experience. Still go after After those big Sunset like drops hmmm. Sunset is a shifty wave... caution to all newcomers... watch out for the crowd attitude and the WEST PEAK> 2001 30 plus stitches..... someone elses skeg broke of in my ankle on a a solid Haw 12" Maille POint takkeoff. Webster and I are good friends now.
2004 saw me fly out a new Outer Island ( thanks Mitchell Rae) 7 footer almost identical to my own shape,,, double glass and 1/2" stringer....snapped it on the tenth wave on the west side.. broke two boards in 8 days. Broke two ribs at sunset..Thanks for you help in the repairs Buddy. That broken board is the one used at Jockos... had my butt kicked paddling out the first time on the little 6'2" outers.
To all of the fellow kneeboarders who I didn't know existed untill this year, you can have an inexpensive trip by renting from VIP car rentals or as I do,,, purchase a decent car on arrival (yes from a car dealer) This year it cost me $300 after resale plus a new water pump for 1990 ford station wagon for three months.
I put my money into good equipment,good food and gas. Take some quality campgear and meet people. Public camping is free and others are from $8 ~$15 a night. Some years I rent a room at one of the many surfhouses. Macnamarras for example is really clean, safe, good facilities and about 120 a week.
A tip with regards to safety...... don't rent a new car.. bring a flex bike lock so that you can lock your boards to the steering wheel while out on your third board.
My ritual is to paddle out at Waikkiki on a longboard the same day I arrive. Give my thanks... and to all kneeboarders, surfers and longboarders don't live this life without surfing the northshore... do what it takes to be out there... met some good human beings.

red · Post by **red** » Tue Sep 21, 2004 3:00 pm

ghnasi

Nice feedback.
Did you surf with Pete Niel and Ozo at Mereweather in the 80's?
Pete was an inspirational tube rider on his visit to SA in '82 or so now lives up in the far north. Ozo is still a Newcastle lad, but knees are shot for kneeboarding.

ghnasi aka Craig Stokes · Wed Sep 22, 2004 3:11 pm

THanks for the reply. No Red I don't know these guys,, the only name that rings a bell is Peter Crawford from my days in CUrl Curl more accurately at Dee Why point,,, off that rock point.
Am now at Lincoln (Oregan Coast. USA) on my way down the west coast. Looking for waves and catching up with myself. JUst found photos of this peak that looks at least 30 foot with a long clean peeling wall. I won't pretend... it's beyond me, 24' 25'is the limit that I can smile at as I go over the ledge after that fear takes a seat.
Looking forward to another season on the North SHore,, seeing Buddy's new house and guess I should order a board too. Rode a BLAST board at backyards,,, generously loant by bill... well a swap out there in the water.
I thought my boards were fast..........................Buddy's boards are very fast and snappy turners. Haven't made a big drop on one but would like too.
sPEAKING OF nORTH sHORE,,, ONE YEAR i SHARED MY CAR WITH ANOTHER FRIEND... WE LIKE THE SAME KIND OF WAVES AND IT WORKED OUT WELL,,, CUT COSTS A LOT AND YOU ALWAYS HAD A SURF BUDDY... reCENT YEARS i HAVE BEEN SURFING WITH A SMALL LOCAL CREW wEBSTER, PHIL, HAYDEN, JIM, JOHN, THESE GUYS ARE LOCAL LOCAL AND HARD CORE ESPESCIALLY WHEN IT ETS A BIT OF SIZE,,, THEY HAVE REALLY HELPED ME WITH FINDING THE DEEPEST TAKEOFF POINT THAT WAS MAKEABLE AT JOCKO'S, MAILLE POINT. ytIME TO GO
GHNASI (craIG STOKES BACK THEN IN aUS)

Greg Little · Post by **Greg Little** » Thu Sep 23, 2004 8:26 am

To answer a few questions about how much it will cost you for your boards.

Hawaiian Air is just plane WRONG! They charge $75.00 per board each way, and they are known to open your bag and count.

American Airlines does NOT charge for kneeboards. Kneeboard is the KEY word. If an agent gives you a little lip, just point them to there own baggage regulations and its right there in black and white. Its also on there web sight.

United is $75.00 each way.

Aloha Air is subjective like Hawaiian. It depends on the mood of the agent.

It really gets under my skin that these airlines DO NOT charge for bikes, golf bags, skies or snowboards. But if you surf your wallet is raped.

Hope this helps out, Greg...

IKAIKA · Post by **IKAIKA** » Thu Sep 23, 2004 11:08 am

THIS IS ANOTHER LODGING OPTION, HOPE IT HELPS.
I'TS NICE & CLOSE TO EVERYTHING.

http://www.keikibeach.com/

SEE YOU GUYS IN FEB.

ALOHA

Bud · Post by **Bud** » Thu Sep 23, 2004 4:03 pm

Sorry.....Forgot to mention that one.

Yes, this place is very nice.

The managers Annie and Greg Gurstenburg are personal friends and run a tight ship.

It is clean quiet and just a mile or so from Sunset and with Log Cabins, OTW & Pipe even closer.

One warning though..........when the swell's big the shore pound beach break out front is DEATH

!!!

Kneeboard Surfing USA Community Forum

NORTH SHORE KNEEBOARD GATHERING 2005

2004 pics/thanks and suggestions

LODGING OPTION