There is an isolated island in the middle of nowhere, far from everything else, but always glowing in every surfer’s imaginary. This island has even a more special meaning for Lightning Bolt, since it was here that our story began, under the Pipeline Masters’ guidance, almost 40 years ago. 
Lightning Bolt’s affirmation today is still inseparable from this island and that was why, last January, our renewed BOLT TEAM set its horizons to the place where it all started, but also to one of the most blessed places for the surf practise – Hawaii. 
And Hawaii played the game and welcomed us with first-class waves, during one of the best winter seasons of the last years. 
David Raimundo on a very accented bottom turn in Pipeline.
It was a surf trip full of memories and emotions, definitely the most special one for those who love Lightning Bolt like we do.
More photos on our Flickr photo gallery. Just click here
27 Apr 2010
Hawaii, surf highlights
12 Apr 2010
Surftrip in Hawaii – the official video – Part II
Today we present you the second part of the video in Hawaii, featuring the european team riders surfing the North Shore.
Team Riders: Alexandre "Xaninho" Ferreira, David Raimundo,Jeremy Brasset, Jord Fortmann, Nicolas Pinot, Pedro Soares, Txaber Trojaola.
Where: Pipeline, Haleiwa, Puena Point
Txaber Trojaola, our basque team rider was also there and tells us a bit more about Haleiwa:
This was your first surf trip with Lightning Bolt. What kind of expectations did you have?
Everything was new for me so I really had no expectations. I just wanted to get to know the rest of the team better, surf with them as a team, have fun, catch good waves, good vibes and hopefully some good photos too.
But this was not your first time in Hawaii?
It was my third visit to Hawaii, but I’d never interacted so closely with the Hawaiian community like we did this time! I also had the chance to surf new spots – even some secret spots.
You surfed in Haleiwa a couple of days, why?
We went there a few times because it had smaller crowd so we could have more relaxed, fun and laidback sessions. The waves were not as big and there was less competition than at Pipeline.
How are the waves in Haleiwa in comparison to the classic spots of Pipeline and Sunset?
It’s a different wave, completely different. It’s a very powerful right, with a strong swell, but surprisingly manoeuvrable and once in a while you get a tube.
With what kind of wind and swell conditions works better there?
With no wind or south wind and north swell. It needs a big swell to work.
You’ve surfed Pipeline, Sunset and other spots. Which one suits you best?
I love Sunset and I think Pipeline could also be a good wave for me, but I need to know it better and get more confident there. Usually, there’s a big crowd of people who’ve been surfing there their entire lives, which can be intimidating if you don’t feel 100% prepared.
Did the locals give you a hard time?
I never got into any trouble there, but the competition for waves is always tough and everyone’s position is made pretty clear. I like being relaxed in the water, waiting for my moment and for my wave. That’s why there’s nothing like surfing just with friends…
The Bolt Team was a true European melting pot. How was it to be together with surfers from Portugal, France and Holland?
It was great – everyone is so nice and it was really fun to spend time with them in and out the water.
26 Mar 2010
Surftrip in Hawaii – the official video – Part I
The Bolt europe team adventure surfing the North Shore
Team Riders: Alexandre "Xaninho" Ferreira, David Raimundo,Jeremy Brasset, Jord Fortmann, Nicolas Pinot, Pedro Soares, Txaber Trojaola.
Where: Pipeline, Haleiwa, Puena Point.
Also some making of moments of our Spring Summer 10 lookbook, featuring our gorgeous models Dominique Fletcher and Brooke.
Alexandre “Xaninho” Ferreira made some big barrels in Pipeline, but it was his first time there. We asked him about his experience:
You were especially anxious about surfing the mythic Pipeline wave. How did you feel when you got there?
I was very happy to be able to fulfil another dream. As a surfer, this meant a lot to me. Pipeline is an amazing wave… even the bravest shiver when looking at it. In fact, I studied the wave during three days, because it was so big that I knew I could not afford making any mistakes.
Not many surf Pipeline for the first time when it’s 4mts high. What was on your mind when you went in? Were you afraid?
Yes, I knew once I went in there was no coming back without surfing, but the waves were so beautiful… The forecast was 10 to 12’, the tubes were perfect, there was no wind and there were about 20 surfers in the water. I had to go in! So I was focussed on two things: riding a tube and praying not to die.
A couple of minutes after going in, you came out scoring one of the biggest waves of the day. How was it?
After listening to many piece of advice and to the incredible stories of our local mentors, Rory Russell and Jonathan Paskowitz, I knew I had to be “away from the pack”, and that meant being to be as far-off as I could on the outside or on the waves’ edges. And the leftovers were not for me, so I positioned myself as close to the peak as possible and, as a true gift, my first wave was a dream.
What about the crowd here? Is it the nightmare we read everywhere?
Yes, there’s a lot of crowd since it’s a global destination and it’s on the itinerary of every surfer, for being one of the best. Nevertheless, January was a good time of the year to be there, after the season’s competitive stress.
Which surfboards did you take with you? Did you make the right choice?
I think I made the most reasonable decision by taking 2 small surfboards with me and buying the others there, which are quite different.
Now that you know what it takes to be a Pipeline Master, which are necessary ingredients to be one?
To be a Pipeline master you have to be physically very well prepared and you have to respect the sea. The rest is up to the wave. Pipe takes care of you.
You realise that the idea of respecting the ocean carries a greater dimension here. Were you more careful about sea conditions than usual?
Absolutely! It was very important for me to spend a couple of days evaluating the sea conditions. Without that kind of knowledge, I would have been in real trouble.
When are you thinking of going back to the North Shore?
I hope to be there by the time that Pipeline Masters begins in December and for the WQS events in the beginning of January.
27 Jan 2010
Hawaii – More Surf
Pedro Soares presenting his board in Hawaii – Vertical mode. The best thing of surfing in Hawaii, is that you always find a great spot even if the wind is bad on most spots. That day we had to go to Puena Point, where they film Lost series and one of the few spots with good conditions.
Gege Brasset, our french team rider always with beautiful carves. 
David Raimundo, the portuguese team rider was one of the most enthusiastic, when the “surf” was about to begin. 
Jord Fortmann directly from the Orange country (Holland) on a very deep bottom turn. 
Again Jeremy “Gege” Brasset very concentrated at work 
Pedro Soares, the portuguese team rider, showed his best surf in his first trip to Hawaii
Jord Fortmann (left) and Nicolas Pinot (right) on the rocks to start again
Gege Brasset explaining live how to draw the line
13 Jan 2010
Hawaii – Return to the source – First Surf
Small day in Pipe, but Alexandre Ferreira aka “Mad Xano” got to experience the tube feeling. 
Txaber Trojaola, our basque rider trying to find way to get in the tube.
Mad Xano dropping in.
Joshua Paskowitz at work in Pipe.
Right after coming Indonesia, Pedro Soares didn’t stop and ruled Sunset Beach
Haleiwa pre-session: Left to Right: David Raimundo, Jord Fortman on the wax and the Super model Nicolas Pinot.
Gege Brasset on his first day at Haleiwa.
Jord “Fart”mann on his way to start in Haleiwa