On Oahu's SOUTH SHORE . . .

The cliché goes something to the effect: ". . . beauty and danger in the Hawaiian surf." This amply characterizes Sandy Beach. The beach is just great for beachcombing. The surf when calm makes this a superb spot for swimming; experienced shorebreak bodysurfers find that its waves have no equal anywhere.

However, when the surf's up there is treacherous shorebreak and strong rip currents. Watch out especially for the area called "The Point" at low tide during big surf. This is a jut of lava right in front of the Hale Lua (i. e., lavatory). You could get pounded onto the rocks unmercifully - even break you neck there as well, as can happen in the shorebreak.

The "rip tide" current in front of Keawaakio cove, just to the left of The Point, occurs in what can look like deceptively calm waters with little surf. If you get caught in the "rip" swim around The Point not over it to get back to the shore.

This beach is a great gathering place for the younger, local set. But, it is a great all-around family beach park, too. Newcomers to the Islands should be sure to ask a lifeguard about the day's conditions. Children should be watched by parents or guardians very carefully - especially when the ocean waters are "big." Weak swimmers should also take extra care and caution.

An interesting problem has arisen because of the popularity of this beach with experienced shorebreak bodysurfers. They make it look so easy to bodysurf that persons unfamiliar with the local conditions try to emulate them . . . and often get hurt. Please be extra careful . . . don't spoil your enjoyment (or your life) at this truly epic beach.

Read the Honolulu Star-Bulletin article by Diane Leone, "Sandy Beach: Great Waves and Risk" for detailed information on Sandy's hazardous waves and breaks.

Sandy Beach has the following in its beach and park areas:

HERE ARE SOME
BASIC OCEAN SAFETY TIPS:

• Swim in Lifeguarded Areas
• Never Swim Alone
• Don't Dive Into Unknown Water or Into Shallow Breaking Waves
• Ask a Lifeguard About Beach and Surf Conditions Before Swimming
• If You Are Unable to Swim Out of a Strong Current, Signal for Help
• Rely on Your Swimming Ability Rather Than a Flotation Device
• Look For, Read and Obey All Beach Safety Signs and Symbols
• If In Doubt, just Stay Out!

Return to the Beach Hale (Home) Aloha Page. You can also use the following links to continue your beach and ocean tour of Oahu's North Shore, South Shore, East Shore, or West Shore.

Or, you can go to the Beach Directory for a listing of all the beaches covered in these pages.

Suggestions, comments and recommendations are welcomed. These pages are a project of the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association, a not for profit, professional association of Hawaii's lifeguards devoted to the advancement of lifesaving services and public education on beach and ocean safety.

Webmaster: This page is maintained by J. B. Lee. You can reach me by e-mail at: jblee@aloha.com. Last modified: 12-Nov-2003 11:22 PM HST

The photo of Sandy's shorebreak is by North Shore body boarding legend, Claudia Ferrari, and is used with her permission. Be sure to visit her website at http://www.claudiaferrari.com. Her news page is updated nearly every day and has some great photos of North Shore breaks and features events and competitions occuring on the North Shore.

Source URI: http://www.aloha.com/~lifeguards/sandy.html

ALOHA . . . malama i ke kai!