My search for the perfect wave is part of the game as a surfer. And Auckland has reignited the curiosity of my youth.

Sooner or later, I was going to have to exhale.

The World's top surfers descended on Waimea Bay on Aoahu's North Shore, Hawaii this week to surf the largest waves in competition, named after Waimea's first lifeguard. This year was the first in seven years and only the ninth time in the comp's 31 year history that waves were big enough. Top Hawaiian surfer Eddie Aikau was lost at sea trying to help the stranded crew of the Hokule'a in 1978. Today, surfers ride in his memory

Aussie surfer Chris De Aboitiz never fails to draw a crowd when he heads out on his stand-up paddle board with his dogs Millie and Rama.

It's a dog's life for this surfer and his two best mates.

WATCH: A surfer has made the most of a stunning wave at Snapper Rocks on the Gold Coast, shifting in and out of seven barrels in a 45-second ride.

Sam Judd writes, "Today I thought that a story about how awesome the New Zealand coastline is would be appropriate, because what is not to love out here?"

Another awesome compilation of insane wipeouts from "Raw The Movie".

Mick Fanning, Joel Parkinson and Bruno Santos surf perfect Fijian waves in "Missing".

Surfing the artificial wave created by a passing passenger boat in the surf film "Gasoline".

Insane footage from "Teahupo'o Raw and Uncut".

An epic surfing compilation from the movie "The Essence of Surfing".

Amazing 16mm footage of Byron Bay and the Gold Coast in surf film "Under The Sun".

Heavy surf wipeout compilation featured in Taylor Steele's "Campaign 2".

Pro surfer Kalani Chapman details his near death wipeout at Chopes in "Raw The Movie".

Kelly Slater demonstrates skill under pressure to avoid a towrope disaster.

An incredible Summer vibrations compilation from surf film "The Essence of Surfing".

An awesome compilation of wipeouts from "Raw the Movie".

An interesting insight into recycling surboards in surf film "Picaresque".

The waves were big and so were the boulders as lifeguards ordered surfers away from St Clair Beach's access steps at the national surfing championships.

A gadget only a little more high-tech than your average waterproof watch will play a key role in a study assessing New Zealand's best surf breaks.

Kelly Slater has created the first never-ending wave that surfers are actually desperate to get a ride on.

Surfer's pursuit of a fourth world title ends in heartbreaking fashion, just a day after his brother dies.

Older brother Peter died just hours before surf champion competed in Hawaii.