A wa’a (outrigger canoe) catches the shoulder of a wave to ride it to shore at Keauhou Bay on Hawaii’s Big Island.
A recent strong south swell brought unusually big summertime waves to the Kona side of the island. Many surfers, boogie boarders, and even canoe riders took advantage, spending the day playing in the water.
Outrigger canoes are easy enough to huli (tip over) on flat water, let alone in waves. Wave riding in a wa’a takes skill, practice, and an excellent steersman.
