The Tropical Energy Ocean Games began today at Ho’okipa Beach Park outside of Paia. The five day event will feature a variety of water sports including surfing, longboarding, stand up paddle surfing, wind surfing, kite surfing, canoe surfing and tandem surfing. The event has a waterman competition where competitors will be asked to compete in the various wave riding disciplines. There will also be individual events. Events will be run based on appropriate conditions. Today’s event is being run during a High Surf Warning. This will be challenging for competitors as there will likely be sets closing out the whole bay. The event is meant to be a celebration that evokes the old Hawaiian Makahiki season. This was a time when Hawaiians celebrated through games, music and festivities. If you are on the North Shore this holiday weekend, stop by Ho’okipa to check out the games!
