The Oahu Seven (2)

They’re back. A couple of weeks ago I wrote about the Oahu Seven, a group of groms about to set off on the trip of a lifetime. Thanks to the efforts of surfing coach and North-East surfer Joel Gray, the seven – some of Britain’s top juniors – would spend two weeks surfing on Oahu’s North Shore. This, for the uninitiated, is the scene of surfing’s Holy Grail. Breaks such as Pipeline, Off the Wall, Waimea and Sunset not only represent a surfer’s proving ground, they define surfing, making for a mecca that is vicariously enjoyed the world over thanks to surfing magazines (not an issue of which, it seems, can function without a shot of North Shore paradise), or, for the truly committed, experienced first-hand over several seasons. Gray’s initiative meant that the pilgrimage many surfers feel compelled to undertake one day came at a very tender age for seven lucky home-grown talents. So, how did they get on?

Gray takes up the story. “We stayed on the beach between Rocky Point and Sunset Beach, an amazing location that saw everyone stoked just to be there. We surfed everyday and had waves from overhead on the smaller days to solid Hawaiian 8ft. There was a lot of north swell that made for some classic sessions at Laniakea, Sunset and Monster Mush as well as Rocky Rights.” Variety was, evidently, the spice of life, as Gray made sure that his charges surfed as many different spots as possible, but so too was the cultivation of ties that will stand the groms in good stead as their surfing careers develop. “We nearly all got surfboards from Jeff Bushman and John Carper and so made some connections there,” explains Gray. “We also had a day of community work with the North Shore Oudoor Circle, helping to maintain the famous North Shore Ke Nui Bikepath.”

At the end of each day’s surfing, Gray would take his surfers through video footage filmed during the day, pointing out mistakes and making suggestions for the next day’s session. There was also a competitive element, with a vote for the surfer of the day. Prizes were suitably non-commercial, says Gray – “riding shotgun in the big Dodge Caravan, or not having to help put the boards on, that sort of thing.”

What were the highlights of the trip? Gray’s answer is immediate: “Getting out there in the big surf. We had a couple of big sessions at Laniakea, and I also got them in the water for their first session at Sunset Beach, straight after the final heat hooter of the XCEL Pro. Amazing to think that they were all out there catching waves, some more than others but still getting the experience and putting some demons to rest in the process.”

The groms concur unhesitatingly. Kathleen Spears, 15 and sponsored by Rip Curl, says she loved the trip and singles out special praise for St Ives’ 12-year-old Tassie Swallow: “To think that she was out at Sunset at her age in a good-sized swell – that takes nerve.” Similarly Billy Norways, 17, who has deals with O’Neill, Vans and Ocean & Earth: “It’s much more powerful and tricky to surf. The waves break really quickly and you have to have perfect timing.” And as XO2, XCEL and Odessa longboarder Lyndon Wake, 16, puts it: “Two weeks on the North Shore opens your eyes to a whole new definition of surfing. Being there can’t help but improve your surfing.”

A good time was had by all, but will the experience of the Oahu Seven help British surfing? Gray thinks it will: “The purpose of the trip was to get some experience, open some eyes and set some new goals. Going to Hawaii is like learning to surf again. It can be an intimidating place, because there is so much power and so many excellent surfers, but the fact is that if you spend a bit of time there, and work hard, you can’t fail to improve as a surfer. The waves and the water teach you about the bigger picture. You learn – often the hard way - that movement in the water among the rips, wave choice and positioning is key, and that your timing and technique have to be spot on. Spending time on the North Shore gives a surfer a bedrock of experience that forms the backbone of everything you do, no matter where you go on a surfboard.”

Gray hopes that his groms will return to Hawaii each year – and that they will inspire other young surfers in Britain and Ireland. And he has high hopes for the development of the Oahu Seven’s own surfing careers. As he puts it: “They have a head start. Next time they paddle out at Sunset they’ll feel that little bit more confident. That kind of confidence has got to be good for our surfing.”

For more information on Joel Gray's surf coaching see www.surfsolutions.info

Comments

[Lyndon wake]

Hi there, i was on the trip just letting you know what it was like from a prospective of a young surfer taking that giant leap in getting yourself known and out in the open.
It was incredible arriving there and seeing all the crazy things which you'd seen on the vids. wave wise the difference in power is an absolute joke, even a 2 foot wave there is fun and rippable unlike the 1 foot slop we've had back here in 'sunny' england the last few days.
Also seeing the big names was a standout point for me, freddy p, john john,coco ho and pancho sullivan absolutely killed. i didn't no 15 year old girls could surf like fully developed men with smooth flowing styles. Also seeing the 'CT' standard was good so you know what you'd have to get to in able to make the step.
Anyways getting an early night for the BPSA in newquay tomorrow.
Lyndon