By Sarah Sekula, Special for USA TODAY // photos by World Surf League
OAHU — In the summertime, the waves on Oahu’s North Shore are gentle enough for the everyday surfer. In the winter, however, it’s a completely different story. That’s when daredevils from around the world travel here to conquer monster waves. And tourists come to take it all in.
On this particular summer day, it’s a bit overcast and there are no waves in sight, so I meet up with pro surfer Joel Centeio to talk surfing.
“Right around October through April we have some of the most consistent big waves,” he says. “It can range from 2 feet to 40 feet.”
“To ride a big wave, it’s the best feeling,” he explains with a wide grin. “It’s a lot of adrenaline. Kind of like riding a mini roller coaster.”
