Pipeline Heats Up as Kauai Faces Epic Surf
Two major surf stories are making waves this week—literally! First up, the legendary Pipeline on Oahu's North Shore hosted intense Round of 64 action, with Kauli Vaast putting on a clinic with a heat total of 16.03. The French surfer dominated in pumping waves, showcasing precise tube riding and strategic wave selection that earned him a standout performance. Meanwhile, down in Kauai, surfers and photographers are bracing for the aftermath of a high surf advisory that brought 18-to-24-foot waves to the North Shore. While conditions eased by Sunday, the event left coastal areas with minor flooding and erosion reminders. For full heat details, you can check the complete breakdown over at the World Surf League, while Kauai's surf updates are available here.
For Pipeline enthusiasts, this heat wasn't just about scoring big—it was a masterclass in big-wave resilience. Vaast's 16.03 total included a 9.00 ride from Carlos Munoz and an 8.60 from Kade Matson, proving that the North Shore's raw power rewards those who read it well. Back in Kauai, the advisory may have lifted, but the coastal flood statement remains through Monday, urging locals to secure watercraft and valuables. Drone photographers, in particular, have a rare opportunity to capture dramatic shoreline changes as tides recede. Whether you're chasing competition shots at Pipeline or documenting nature's power in Kauai, both stories highlight ocean's duality: as a playground for athletes and a force to respect.
Stay tuned to Surf Snaps for more surf-worthy tales and photo ops from breaks across the US. Got shots of the Kauai action or Pipeline heats? Tag us—we love seeing your perspective!