About
One of the top ten waves in the world, perfect, extreme and beautiful.
Atmosphere:
The atmosphere is heavy. The wave itself picks up increadibly fast seemingly out of nowhere, often throwing a perfect lip (and anyone late on their take-off) onto an extremely shallow and dangerous reef. When small to mid size the wave gets really crowded, you hesitate and you won't get a second chance. When big, most mortals (including me of course) just enjoy the spectacle from the beach.
Additional Info:
Park out the front, but watch those no-park zones: they tow.
Pipeline is actually a series of reefs (3) which allows it to work on a variety of swell sizes; when the swell is big, and the third reef is going off - you'd better be ready for it: it is one of the most difficult and unforgiving waves in the world.
The left tube at Pipeline relies on a west-angled swell, which refracts onto a shallow flat lava reef about 80 yards offshore. Result: a dramatic, shifting wave with a sometimes critical takeoff. If sand is built up on the northern edge of the reef, murderous closeouts occur on a regular basis. Smaller swells from the northwest or north bring life to the Backdoor section, which peels right across the near-dry center of the reef.
Pipeline is an intense, short ride requires perfect timing. The simple skills count for most: getting in early and placing the first turn just right - that, and an ability to adjust quickly to changes in the vast, quick moving volume of water.
Location
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Access
Pipeline is real easy to find: On Kam Highway, near Sunset Beach. It is right opposite Sunset Elementary School, in front of Ehukai Beach Park. If its working, just look for the perfect peak, the surfers crowding the shoulder and the photographers and wannabies lined up on the beach.If you see a perfect Right splitting the peak, then you've found Backdoor!
| Walk | Instant access (<5 min) |
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| Public access | Yes |
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| 4x4 required | Unknown |
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| Boat required | Unknown |
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