Surf Freight trains

Freight Trains is located adjacent to Ma’alaea Harbor on Maui. The wave is named for its speed and the sound it makes, resembling a rushing freight train. The spot is also historically significant, with the first cattle landing in Maui and the island's first airport established nearby. Efforts by The Surfrider Foundation Maui Chapter prevented an extension of the breakwall, preserving the reef and the wave. Wave Characteristics: The wave is fickle, breaking only a few times each decade, and is known for its inconsistency. However, when it does turn on, it offers an incredible surfing experience. The wave is a feast-or-famine phenomenon, rarely doing anything between small, inconsistent swells and rare, large swells. Historic Swells: In 38 years, three significant swells at Freight Trains: in 1999, 2005, and 2022. The 1999 swell offered perfect conditions with 6 to 8 ft waves and light offshore winds. The 2005 swell was similar in size but had stronger, less favorable winds. The 2022 swell, after a 17-year hiatus, was the most impressive, with solid 10 ft sets and a host of local and international surfing talent. Notable Surfers and Performances: The text mentions various local standouts and professional surfers who have excelled during these swells, including Kai Lenny, Ian Walsh, and many others. The 2022 swell was particularly notable for its consistency, size, and the presence of world-class barrel riders. Challenges and Dangers: The wave is described as intense and intimidating, a thick slab that moves at high speed and is incredibly shallow. Big swells often flip chunks of reef, creating hazardous conditions. Many surfers encountered the reef, resulting in numerous injuries and broken boards.