Sunset Beach is a huge part of surfing history, and for good reason. Photo: YouTube//Screenshot

Sunset Beach isn’t one of the world’s most famous waves for nothing. Sure, it’s steeped in surf history, but it still holds up in terms of power and difficulty. The playing field there is huge and constantly shifting, the currents are fast and the amount of paddling is tough for the most hardened of shoulders. Ben Gravy took it on during his annual Hawaiian sojourn, and it was everything he thought it would be… and more. It’s been a minute since he last surfed Sunset — a lot of minutes, in fact — and his life has changed drastically since then.

“One of the most challenging waves on the 7 Mile Miracle that is the North Shore of Oahu, is Sunset Beach,” Ben Gravy said. “Known for its unpredictability, power, and difficulty to navigate, it’s an important place to put time in on a journey towards becoming an all-around waterman.”

He’s right, of course, Much like Pipeline, Sunset is a place to earn your spot. It’s a place to test your limitations. And most importantly, it’s a place to get a wave you’ll remember for the rest of your life.

“There are a few waves here that are skill based and dedication based,” Gravy said. “Sunset Beach is one of them. To surf Sunset well, you have to learn the lineup. You have to understand the timing and you have to put time in to really learn the wave.”