When the forecast calls for massive swells rolling in from the Pacific, it’s time to prepare for one thing: monster waves. In early December, I had the opportunity to join legendary surfer, and XTRATUF Pro Team member, Mike “Mikey” Anderson on an unforgettable mission to Hawaii in search of the perfect barrel.
The charts were lighting up with predictions of a huge swell pushing through the Pacific, and the excitement was palpable among the crew. With an epic swell shaping up for both California and Hawaii, it was a tough decision. Do we stay on home turf in California, or do we take the chance to score bigger waves in Hawaii? After a quick discussion, Mikey was set on heading to Hawaii, and I was all in to join the adventure.
That night, we booked our flights to Honolulu for the next morning. Mikey, myself, the fearless photographer Sarah “Sasha” Lee, Hawaiian waterman Kaipo “Kai” Kaleo, and local legend Kimo Nakamura, were all packed and ready for a legendary strike mission.
The next morning, we met at the airport bright and early, ready to catch the first flight out to Oahu. Upon landing, we drove straight to the North Shore, where the magic was about to unfold. As we cruised along the highway, the iconic waves of Pipeline were already visible in the distance, towering and roaring as the swell started to build.
As soon as we arrived at the break, the ocean was alive with energy, and the waves were already firing. We met up with some of the local crew, including the one and only Jamie O’Brien, who was already out there warming up. The vibe was electric, and it was clear that today was going to be something special.
The conditions were perfect: clear skies, a light offshore breeze, and the kind of swell that sends adrenaline coursing through your veins. We got out on jet skis, making our way to the lineup just as the first set rolled in. There was no time to waste; we were right in the thick of it from the get-go.
Within minutes, we were getting towed into some of the biggest and most pristine barrels I’d ever seen. The waves were coming in fast and powerful—some of them reaching 20 to 25 feet, but perfectly groomed for that ideal ride. Mikey was on fire, pulling into deep barrels with incredible style, while Kai and Kimo were getting amazing wave after wave, pulling off huge airs and clean, critical maneuvers.
After a few hours of trading waves, we took a short break, but the swell was showing no signs of slowing down. The tension was palpable—this was the day every surfer dreams about. As we paddled back out, a massive set came in, and I knew this would be my moment. The biggest wave of the session loomed in front of me, and as I dropped in, I could feel the sheer power of the ocean beneath me. The barrel was perfect—hollow, steep, and glassy—and I tucked in, threading the needle as I disappeared inside the wave. I emerged from the barrel just in time to see Mikey pulling off a massive air. The stoke level was unreal.
By the end of the session, everyone had scored some of the best waves of their careers. The wipeouts were heavy, but nothing could take away from the sense of accomplishment we all felt. We stayed out there for over four hours, catching waves, sharing laughs, and living the dream. The local crew, as always, was incredibly welcoming, and their support made this trip even more special.
As the sun began to set over the North Shore, we packed up our gear, reflecting on what had been an unforgettable day. The mission was a success. We had found the waves we were looking for and experienced a level of stoke that only big wave hunting can provide. Huge thanks to Mikey, the crew, and the North Shore locals for making this trip one for the books.
This was a strike mission to remember—a perfect mix of adventure, camaraderie, and, of course, some of the best waves in the world.
