SURFING SOAPBOX: North shore tests surfers’ mettle

For decades now, in the world of professional surfing, it has been said that the proving grounds take place each year on the island sands of the north shore of Oahu, Hawaii. This was perhaps never better displayed than in the winter of 1976 when a brazen group of young Australians, who had fantastically coined themselves the “Bronzed Aussies,” ambushed the hallowed surfing grounds of the north shore.

The group — which consisted of Mark Warren, Ian Cairns, Peter Townend and young upstart Cheyne Horan — had made a name for themselves by charging big waves and placing well in the Hawaiian events.

These were considered to be the most challenging of events on the world tour.

Ironically for Horan, the Hawaiian waves would prove to be the surfer’s Achilles Heel in his quest to win a world title, as he was runner up four times.

This season is no different on the north shore, where careers are made and broken.

A place where a nobody will become a somebody. Dreams are made and lives lost, as all eyes in the surfing world turn to the north shore.

Last week in epic, if not perfect, waves it was Tahitian Michel Bourez who came up victorious at the Reef Hawaiian pro at Haleiwa. Bourez defeated world tour surfer Jihad Khoder in the finals.

With the victory, Bourez has also qualified for the 2009 ASP World Tour, as has Khoder.

The O’Neill world cup of surfing is happening until Dec. 6 at the famous Sunset Beach. The tour end with the Granddaddy of all, the Pipeline Masters, Dec. 8 through 20.

Until next time, stay healthy, keep surfing.

Peace.

JAMES PRIBRAM is a Laguna Beach native, professional surfer and John Kelly Environmental Award winner. His websites include AlohaSchoolofSurfing and ECOWarrior Surf.com. He can be reached at Jamo@Aloha SchoolofSurfing.com