For surfers on the North Shore, summer is a bit rough. Sure, a lot of them are able to take their strike missions to wherever, whenever, but the North Shore is where their hearts lie. That’s certainly the case for Koa Rothman, so when the North Shore’s first swell of the season arrived, he was excited, to say the least.
It’s been a hell of an autumn, swell-wise. The coast of much of California is basically washing away. Hurricane after hurricane is forming, spinning their way across oceans and serving up waves the likes of which Californians haven’t seen in a long time. If that’s any measure of how things are going to shape up, the North Shore is going to be absolutely bombing this winter. But Mother Nature is fickle, so only time will tell.
“Definitely our first swell of the season,” Koa said while waxing his board at Rocky Point. “It’s kind of pumping right now… light little onshore crumble that’s actually making the waves look even more fun… we’re back. North Shore season has started.”
Rocky Point is an absolutely amazing wave. It’s a little more user-friendly than Pipeline or big Sunset or Waimea. It barrels. Its shape is what wave pools are going for. It’s an easy paddle out. And if you are a local with a last name like Rothman, it’s not hard to get waves.
Now, the first nine-or-so minutes is not full of great waves. It’s full of fun ones, but not great for Rocky Point by any means. But the last few minutes? That’s a different story. Not easy or perfect, but big and wild.
“It looks really good. It’s maxing size for Rockies,” Koa said. “Barreling lefts and rights everywhere. Super rippable and a great, great start to the winter season.”
