I was lucky enough to snag a package trip from SIMA's Waterman's Ball. One that would take me out to Hawaii's North Shore during the VANS Triple Crown of Surfing.

A friend of mine joined the cause. Three weeks and the first six-hour leg of travel behind us, we boarded a Hawaiian Airlines flight to Honolulu.

We're here during the first leg of the 25th anniversary of the VTC, the Reef Hawaiian Pro. The contest hasn't been on since Haleiwa local Megan Abubo won the ladies' contest on Wednesday in front of a 200% supportive crowd. We arrived much later that evening, jumped in a Jeep and drove up to Turtle Bay, being taunted and tickled by sounds of the ocean the entire way. We also got our first taste of the fickle five-minute bursts of rain that keep this side of the island its bold green.

Seriously, it's like some omniscient Polynesian gods turned up the Photoshop contrast and increased the saturation of this place both by like +30. Um, and the night sky is a planetarium sky.

The waves are one-to-three feet at the spot today so far. It will be quiet again until tomorrow's 7:00 a.m.call.

Perfect conditions for me to try out Hawaii's waves?

I am only a beginner surfer. I've paddled out a few times and taken a few waves in at Old Man's, but this water is so powerful, and the life within it so delicate*. If I don't find someone to take me out, it will be my reason to return.

That doesn't mean I won't be out there in the water sans surfboard. i already was once this morning; at sunrise. Being on East Coast time is perfect for the North Shore's early-to-bed, early-to-rise lifestyle.

It's easy to get pulled in by the blue green waves that peel down to shore to the warm wet sand. The locals, too, are warm, but offer suggestions and information through the slightest smiles of smugness. Knowing that this is theirs and I'm only here for a week, I totally get it. And I love it.

Atlanta's a good time. Long Island's South Shore will always be my home base. California's okay. But I'd like to live here. Who wouldn't? But really. I think I might.

*[I totally admit I'm also a little afraid to surf because I won't be satisfied unless I could do it here every day.]

VV