Big Kahuna is a term that means, among other things, a monster wave or a surfer who rides them. I grew up in Southern California, and experienced firsthand the thrill of riding waves, the rush of adrenaline and feeling of peace before and after the ride. This composition for solo flute follows the emotions of a surfrider, from the calmness when entering the water, to getting past the breakers; then waiting for the right wave, and finally riding it and heading back to shore. The melodic lines use mostly symmetrical scales, some with little tension and others with more chromaticism, as the listener rides the ups and downs of the flute waves.