North Shore (Oahu)

[[Image:Nshore.jpg|320px|right|thumb|A sign announcing the entrance to the community of [[Hale'iwa, Hawai'i|Haleʻiwa]], the North Shore's largest settlement.]] The '''North Shore''', in the context of geography of the [[Oahu|Island of O{{okina}}ahu]], refers to the north-facing coastal area of O{{okina}}ahu between [[Kaena Point|Ka{{okina}}ena Point]] and [[Kahuku, Hawai'i|Kahuku]] Point. The largest settlement is [[Haleiwa, Hawaii|Hale{{okina}}iwa]]. This area is best known for its massive waves, attracting surfers from all around the globe. ==Surfing== [[Image:Surfer at Banzai Pipeline, North Shore (Oahu).jpg|320px|right|thumb|A surfer navigating a wave during an amateur competition at the North Shore's [[Banzai Pipeline]].]] The northern hemisphere winter months on the North Shore see a concentration of [[surfing]] activity, taking advantage of swells originating in the stormy North Pacific. Notable surfing spots include [[Waimea Bay]] and [[Sunset Beach (Oahu)|Sunset Beach]]. The spot of Ehukai Beach, commonly known as the [[Banzai Pipeline]], is the most notable surfing spot on the North Shore, and is considered a prime spot for competitions due to its close proximity to the beach, giving spectators, judges, and photographers a great view. The North Shore is considered to be the surfing mecca of the world, and every December hosts three competitions, which make up the [[Triple Crown of Surfing]]. The three men's competitions are the [[Reef Hawaiian Pro]], the [[O'Neill World Cup of Surfing]], and the [[Billabong Pipeline Masters]]. The three women's competitions are the [[Reef Hawaiian Pro]], the [[Roxy Pro Sunset]], and the [[Billabong Pro]] on the neighboring island of [[Maui]].[http://triplecrownofsurfing.com/] [[Waimea Bay]] plays host to the [[Quiksilver Big Wave Invitational in Memory of Eddie Aikau]]. This is an exclusive competition and participants must be invited. The competitions has a scheduled window of dates each winter, however the competition has a minimum requirement of 20 foot waves. Therefore, the competition is not held every year. == Learning to Surf== Although the North Shore is known for its large winter surf, there are a number of [[surf schools]] that can teach a beginner the basics of surfing in coves that are protected from the larger waves. ==Television and Film== Due to its natural beauty, proximity to [[Honolulu]], and large waves, the North Shore is a popular area for filming. The [[Fox Network]] TV show ''[[North Shore (TV series)|North Shore]]'' was filmed in the area, as were the last few seasons of ''[[Baywatch]]''. [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]]'s ''[[Lost (TV series)|Lost]]'' was also filmed almost entirely on O'ahu, with much of it filmed on the North Shore. The area of [[Turtle Bay, O'ahu|Turtle Bay]] features rock formations and constant rolling surf, making it ideal as a backdrop for ''Lost''. The North Shore was also the setting for the movies ''[[North Shore (film)|North Shore]]'', ''[[Blue Crush]]'', and ''[[Forgetting Sarah Marshall]]'', as well as being fictionalized for the animated film ''[[Surf's Up (film)|Surf's Up]]''. ==Accommodation== The North Shore only houses one large commercial hotel, the [[Turtle Bay Resort]], which also has 2 world-class [[golf]] courses. Other accommodations are available in privately run condos, house rentals, and a [[youth hostel]]. == External links == * [http://www.oahusurfforecast.com/ O{{okina}}ahu Surf Conditions, Radar, and Forecasts] * [http://outsideonline.com/outside/magazine/0497/9704feswell.html 'Life Among The Swells']: William Finnegan from ''[[Outside (magazine)|Outside]]'' magazine gives a detailed insight into the professional surfing world on the North Shore of O{{okina}}ahu. * [http://gonorthshore.org/ O{{okina}}ahu North Shore Chamber of Commerce] * [http://www.hanahou.com/pages/magazine.asp?Action=DrawArticle&ArticleID=568&MagazineID=35 "The Drive-By Coast."] ''[[Hana Hou!]]'' Vol. 10, No. 2 (April/May 2007 issue; 7 pages). Article by Curt Sanburn, photographs by Dana Edmunds. {{coord missing|Hawaii}}