Author: Mark McCarthy
9th April 2007
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Hawaii 06/07
Arriving in Hawaii on the 28th November, I could never had imagined the experiences and good times that awaited me. Surfing Pipeline/Backdoor with all the pros, seeing Ben Player take off so deep, Hubb busting so high and Mike Stewart charging from deep second reef. Just being out there was a thrill on its own! Now and then picking up an insane wave.
The crowds were really bad! We had to get on it every morning in the dark before light. But that would last for an hour before the crowds get on it. The locals, well lets just say they just dominated any wave they wanted. They were not really the friendliest bunch of guys. I tried my best to not even look in there direction ... it was like a feeding frenzy out there, only the strongest well survive! But after a long day of surfing it only took one wave to make your day ... one wave to make it all worth it.
Riding for Science helped out so much, getting to meet the 9 time World Champ, Pipe King and total legend Mike Stewart. Drawing all the information and wisdom that he had to share. There is no one else that knows more about the sport of bodyboarding than Mike. Everyone looks up to him like the godfather of the North Shore so it was such an advantage cruising with him.
Going to Maui to surf my first international competition was the high light of my year. Getting the chance to surf against the world’s best bodyboarders. Surfing in the trials was an advantage for me as I have never surfed the surf spot before. I soon got a liking to the right wedge named "ledges" with lots of ramps which made it really competitive. After making it though 8 heats I made it to the final which was a dream come true. Padding out with Mike and in the final was too good to be true. Mike picked up a 2 really good waves in the final to win it with myself in second, Dave Winchester 3rd. It was an amazing experience, and I got to compete with the worlds best and with the live judging updates and on beach bites so everyone around the world could watch it.
Big thanks to Mike for all the help and support and the S.A. crew for their support too!
Mark McCarthy
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 | Lisa Spooner 18th April 2007 18:16 |
| Love the artical! Can't wait to see you in Bali, Much love xx | |
 | Nicholas Kruger 18th April 2007 14:16 |
| Whaz happening my cuz. Sick to see you starting to write some articles. Bought time!!!!! Hey whaz the story about Oz and Bali, check your myspace. Later . Sick invert ...... still remeber that one as clear as day. | |
 | floris 16th April 2007 10:12 |
| Well done Mc, Its good too see S.A riders ripping, to the max up in Hawaii2... you my 2nd new hero! There are plenty of fresh talent in S.A, so more competition for the locals at pipe.. Ha Ha! And more opportunities for us.. Its my dream too be in the same water as BigMike, but caming second with him is crazy mate keep it up dude. You'll her about my hawaii story2 one day, through the offshore sprays... | |
| Darryn Stephen 11th April 2007 13:48 |
| I cant believe that i am the only comment so far. That must be the most amazing thing in the entire world! I know guys that would give up vital body parts for a chance like that, me being one! well done Mark! Man thats a cool story! | |
| Crew: |  Mark McCarthy |
| Location: |  Kahului Harbor (Ledges)Backdoor |
| Photographer: | Neels Smit |
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