North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii is the Surfing Capitol of the World In More Ways then One. Surfing lessons are offered daily in safe small wave coves. In the winter season would be surfers can watch spectacular waves crashing on white sand beaches in safety. Always, always consult a lifeguard or hire a water safety professional guide to keep you safe when entering the ocean on the North Shore of Oahu.
Marvin Foster, 1962-2010
North Shore surfing legend, father, brother and super cool person Marvin Foster passed away May 18th, 2010 in Haleiwa on the North Shore of Oahu, finding peace at last. He was a fearless surfer with a true North Shore style. Earning the nick names Carving Marvin and Marvelous Marvin he was a master at surfing the Pipeline and set the standard for carving in the early 80’s. In 1980, he was named Rookie of the Year by ASP World Tour. Always a daredevil, he was the first person to go left at big Waimea Bay, and was one of the original invitees to the Quiksilver Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational surfing contest.
A straight “A” graduate of Waialua High School, Hawaiian to the core and intelligent, Marvelous Marvin looked you straight in the eye and told you like it was. Loved and respected by his family and friends he will be truly missed.
Marvin is survived by his daughters Vai Tiare Marr-Foster and Zjayna Foster, brothers Daniel, Cyrus, and Kalani Foster, and sister Pua McCormick.
It’s been a long, long time since I’ve seen surf like this past week on the North Shore. The last time in 1998 it was too big for the Eddie Aikau, this time it was just right – “a solid 35 ft.” to quote Sol Aikau. BTW – Waimea Bay at this size is not a good time to learn to surf. In the days leading up to this giant swell all of Hawaii was on high alert – predictions of a double swell as big as the one that devastated the North Shore community in 1969 had everyone nervous and excited. So early Monday morning I awoke and checked to see how the boats where handling the swell in Haleiwa Harbor. Fortunately they where not rocking too hard and no waves had rolled over Kamehameha Hwy. fronting Surf and Sea. All’s well so far, so I loaded Mom and Michele one of my North Shore Surf Girls and we drove on a recon mission up to Sunset Beach to pick up Jenn Marr ( a famous unknown) to give her a ride back to Honolulu, she was supposed to help Squidy cook for the Eddie but it was […]