Editor’s note: If you had the chance to surf every great wave in the world, which one would be your favorite? My Favorite Wave is a new series that asks that question to people that have had that chance. The first installment is with Granger Larsen, Airwalk team athlete and six-time NSSA National Champion.
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Sunset Lineup, Honolua Bay. Photo: Quincy Dein
My favorite wave conjures a lot of nostalgia for me. It takes me back to my stomping grounds on the Northwest side of Maui, Hawaii. With a right hand point break and five different peaks, Honolua Bay is one of the best waves in the world. The way the break faces makes this wave consistently clean and offshore due to the trade winds.
My number one kind of wave is when there’s a legit barrel section with a huge wall for turns and speed lines – and the waves at Honolua Bay have all these qualities and more. Another reason why I love this wave is because the ride varies, depending on the size. When the wave is smaller, the ripple side is unreal, but when it gets larger, you’re on the search for the barrel, which is the best feeling in the world. With its incredibly blue waters and spectacular rock formation, it is one the most photogenic waves you will ever see.
Thinking about Honolua Bay reminds me of a memorable experience I had a few years ago. There was a really nice swell that afternoon, and my three friends and I ended up surfing the entire rest of the day. I didn’t even want to leave after the sun set. Lucky for me, it was a full moon that night, so even though the water was dark, the entire sky was lit by the moon, giving us just enough light to stay out. My friends and I stayed out on the wave for hours, and every time we got barreled, we could see the moon light right through the wave. It was probably the coolest thing I have ever seen. I was hooting and howling wave after wave. We were just having the best time of our lives, catching waves right in our own back yard. We ended up surfing until nearly midnight.
In my mind, it was by far my most unforgettable session ever. And you know what the best part about it was? I had the chance to experience this with my best friends.
