when i first pulled up to the contest yesterday, i seen this kid take off backside and before he even did his bottom turn, i already knew it was Taichi Wakita. this kid not only looks like his dad, he surfs like his dad. i was stoked to see him win his heat. good surfing Taichi!

little Wakita. the next pipe master and eddie aikau invitee? he’s on the right track for sure. just listen to your dad and keep on surfing.

it’s Kaito Kurokawa’s first time to hawaii. and also first time surfing a contest here. i was stoked to see him so relaxed and focused.

making your first north shore debut is nerve racking. the waves, the beach, the locals, and the tension. everybody’s eyes are on the newcomers. this is where your surfing career really begins.

haleiwa is the hardest surf spot to figure out. i know so many people who hate this spot because it’s so hard to surf. tricky peaks, strong current, and lots of closeouts. the only way you can figure out how to surf this spot is to surf it, surf it, and surf it. only time will tell.

Kaito had the whole main peak to himself. the other boys, including Seth Moniz paddled out to the other peak and battled it out.

making your debut as a competitor surfer in hawaii and having to surf against this champion surfer kid Seth Moniz must be scary. Kaito did a good job and even though he didn’t advance from this heat, he learned a lot. Seth getting coached by Rainos Hayes. take a look at Seth’s eyes. he’s in competition mode and watching the waves like a hawk.

then Seth paddles out and does the biggest turns of the heat and getting the highest scores. i’m so proud of this kid because i can see the confidence once he hits the water. once you have confidence in yourself, you can beat anybody. this is a world champion turn by a 15 year old kid.

good to see all the supporters showing up.

and good to see the girls ripping the waves too!

Elijah Young was surfing really good! this kid is hungry!

NSA All Japan Champion Hinako Kurokawa is surfing very good too! and if you see her mom and dad surf, you will know why. a true japan surfer family!

i always stress to kids that the bottom turn is the biggest maneuver. once you have a good bottom turn, everything else will fall into place. nice Hinako!

watching the young girls come all the way from japan to compete in hawaii makes me happy. it’s always good to see new faces and new talent.

i remember when i had to check in to get my jersey for my first contest in japan. i was so fricken nervous!!! haha.

go-naminori!

Chinese flight attendant training program. Learn how to do the perfect smile by using a chopsticks. Haha.
Good morning 6:10am Full Moon Friday.
Big waves on the North Shore.
Pipeline 8-10′ with bigger sets and perfect!
Haleiwa 4-8′ and HIO contest ON!
South shores small waist high with Diamond Head biggest.
No wind now so clean conditions everywhere.
Super clear sunny sky today.
I’m going surfing!
Eddie Aikau Update: Possible GO on Sunday. All competitors on STANDBY.
Have a wonderful day!

being a photographer is a hard job. i was on the beach yesterday for about 5 hours taking photos and when i came home, another 2 hours on the computer organizing them. so 7 hours of work but when i see photos like this come out, it’s all worth it. people ask me why i take photos. it’s not for the money, it’s for the love of the sport. and also the love of the family. here is my big 200lbs nephew Micah Moniz showing the little kids how to get up high at rocky point.

after rocky point, i went to haleiwa to shoot the haliewa international contest. the waves and competition were top notch. this longboard girl stood out in the longboard final. i’m pretty sure she won it.

wanted to welcome Hinako and Kaito Kurokawa to hawaii. 2 great kids and 2 great surfers! hey kids, how was the yogurt land dessert?

and wanted to say hello to Miki-chan in hong kong. hey Miki-chan, thank for joining us for M7. see you in april for M8. We Are One.

good news, good weather all week and also good waves!

i finished with work in the evening, just in time for the sunset. so i jumped on the harley, sped 100mph on the freeway, and seen the most amazing sunset in waikiki. and just out in front were 3 huge whales jumping and playing around. i think i was the only one that seen them. i wish i had a beer.

then i ride over diamond head and when i get over the hill, i see the most amazing full moon! what a great way to end the day. i love hawaii and love my life.
more photos and full galleries coming on go-naminori! good night.