A much anticipated NW swell began to show itself Thursday at Haleiwa on Oahu, and though it wasn’t as pulse pounding as we’d like, it was enough to get the first 12 heats of round one done of the Reef Hawaiian Pro. More important, it sets up an epic day two for tomorrow. In the dying seconds of the last heat of the day, Mason Ho nabbed the first proper set to hit Haleiwa, scoring a double tube, the only tuberide of the entire day. Safe to say the swell is set to pump for tomorrow.

Small surf and pesky side-shore tradewinds made much of the day a challenge for all competitors. Low scores, paddle battles, and groveling were the story for the majority of today’s heats.

Excitement builds as the next two rounds feature the likes of Dane Reynolds, Mark Occhilupo, Julian Wilson, John John Florence, Josh Kerr, Gabby Medina, Miguel Pupo, and Kelly Slater, who is set face none other than Sunny Garcia in round three. The currently building swell is expected to last into Sunday, when the event organizers hope to wrap everything up. The forecast for the second half of the waiting period is looking dismal, so the next two-and-a-half days will be packed with heats.

Photo of Cory Lopez at Haleiwa courtesy ASP