On the eve of the 2025 World Surf League (WSL) season, world and Olympic champion Ítalo Ferreira used his free time for an adventure in Hawaii, testing the power of an unusual and challenging wave: the “Hawaiian pororoca,” a nod to the famous tidal bore of Brazil’s Amazon. The phenomenon happens at the Waimea River, where local surfers and residents gather to dig a channel through the sand by hand, creating a wave in the middle of the night.
Besides being a tradition that delights surf lovers, opening the channel has a practical purpose. “For those who don’t know: the river has to be opened so it doesn’t flood the houses in the valley, where as much water as possible builds up coming down from the mountains. The homeowners also help dig and even bring food for the people helping out,” Ítalo explained on social media while sharing videos and photos of the experience.
Adventure on the Waimea River
The process begins when residents, armed with shovels and hoes, dig through the sandbar that blocks the river’s flow. When the water is finally released, it rushes toward the ocean, creating a wave perfect for surfing. This wave, nicknamed the “Hawaiian pororoca,” has been drawing more and more surfers in search of an adrenaline rush, including champions like Ítalo Ferreira.
Ítalo took an active part in the preparation alongside local residents, showing his respect and admiration for Hawaiian culture. He highlighted the community’s unity during the event and the importance of the effort in preventing flooding of homes in the river valley.
Next stop: Pipeline
Meanwhile, Ítalo Ferreira and 11 other Brazilians are waiting for the start of the Pipeline event, which opens the 2025 WSL season. The competition is scheduled to begin on Wednesday at 12:30 p.m. ET (7:30 a.m. in Hawaii), depending on ocean conditions. The event window runs through Feb. 8, and all eyes are on the iconic Pipeline wave, where the world’s best surfers will compete for the first points of the tour.
Surf fans can follow every detail of the event live on the WSL website and app; in Brazil, ge.globo and the SporTV channels will provide full coverage of the competition. Ítalo, who won the world title in 2019 and the gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics, enters the championship as one of the top favorites, looking for another memorable season.
Tradition and surfing as a cultural connection
Surfing the “Hawaiian pororoca” strengthens Ítalo Ferreira’s connection with local communities and with the spirit of surfing, which goes beyond competition. The sport blends with nature, culture and respect for tradition, elements the champion showed he values by taking part in this unique moment in Hawaii.
