Surf the North Shore

Hawaii, United States

Hawaiians know that riding the ocean requires the rare combination of calm, confidence, and utter respect for the power of the sea. That’s how the best surfers in the world ride down the face of waves that, every now and then, reach 40 feet (12 meters) at the mother of big-wave breaks: Waimea Bay (pictured) on the North Shore of Oahu. It’s warmer and more predictable than other breaks of its size, which makes it a favorite among pro surfers. But it also forms a perfect stadium for aspirants looking for a glimpse of some of the world’s biggest rides.