Pipeline Reviews and Ratings

(Oahu, USA)

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Visitor reviews of Pipeline surf break

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“It's shocking that no one has written a review for Pipe which is bar none the most famous wave in the world, so here's the lowdown. While the North Shore has many world class waves, Pipeline and Waimea Bay are the pinnacle. It was first surfed in modern times in 1962 by Phil Edwards on a longboard and it has played a storied role in the history of surfing.

Up until the somewhat recent discovery of Chopes and other mega slabs, Pipeline was considered the gnarliest wave in the world. It takes years of poundings and sacrifice to work your way up the pecking order with Michael Ho and legends like him at the top. Therefore, Pipe is best enjoyed from shore or from the channel if you're intent on paddling out.

However, unless you're an expert or pro, don't even think of paddling out here unless it's really small (which isn't considered proper Pipeline). Even intermediate surfers shouldn't paddle out here when it's on. This is for your own safety as well as the safety of other surfers. The worst thing a visitor could do is to drop in on a surfer or get in another surfer's way. You don't want to be that guy or girl that causes someone to get injured or killed.

Unofficially, Pipe has killed approximately 50 surfers and photographers. The cause of these deaths are impacts onto the very shallow reef or from drowning. There's caves under there and people sometimes have gotten trapped. At times, there is literally only 2 to 3 feet of water over the reef, while waves with 15-20 foot plus faces break overhead.”

Kanaka from UNITED STATES - 28 Mar 2023

Pipeline Ratings

Overall: 5.0. Based on 9 votes and 1 review. Vote

Quality on a good day: 4.5

(1 star: Even when the swell and winds are optimum, the waves are poor quality, 5 stars: If conditions are right, the waves will be World Class).

Consistency of Surf: 2.9

(1: Pipeline is a fickle surf spot that only works a few times a year. 5: Reliable year-round spot).

Regional Rating: 4.6

(1: Pipeline is usually very poor quality compared to other spots in Oahu. 5: the best break in Oahu).

Difficulty Level: 4.6

(1: Suitable for Groms. 3: Intermediates. 5: Expert tow-in surfers only).

Onshore Wind: 2.5

(1: even a light onshore ruins the surf. 5: Pipeline can offer better rides with a light wind behind them).

Other Options: 3.5

(1: If wind or tide conditions are poor at Pipeline, it will be poor everywhere nearby. 5: other locations nearby provide a rich variety of wind and swell exposures).

Wind and Kite Surfing: 1.7

(1: An unsuitable spot. 5: Wind and wave conditions at Pipeline are often excellent).

Water Quality: 3.8

(1: Known health risks from pollution. 5: Never any pollution).

Crowds: 2.3

(1: Often too crowded. 5: Pipeline is an isolated spot where you are unlikely to meet other surfers).

Access: 3.6

(1: Getting to Pipeline requires an overland expedition or chartering a boat. 3: A 30 minute walk from the nearest parking. 5: Park a vehicle right by the break).

Scenery: 4.3

(1: An ugly industrial backdrop. 5: A spectacular setting).

Local Attitude: 3.2

(1: Locals are hostile to visitors. 5: Either there are no locals who surf, or else they are accommodating and friendly).

Accommodation: 3.2

(1: No convenient places to stay indoors. 5: A wide variety of accommodation near Pipeline for all budgets from hostels to luxury hotels).

Camping: 2.3

(1: Camping at Pipeline is not possible. 3: Camping tolerated but no facilities. 5: A nearby camp ground has excellent facilities and a good vibe).

Entertainment: 3.7

(1: Besides the surf and the solitude there is nothing to do when it is flat. 5: Pipeline is in such an interesting area to visit that getting wet is a bonus).

Equipment and Repairs: 4.5

(1: Nothing can be sourced, not even wax. 5: Quality surfing equipment can be purchased or hired. Major repairs can be fixed too).

Eating: 3.6

(1: Bring your own food, there isn't even a shop. 5: A wide variety of places to eat and drink at Pipeline, from fast food and cafes to fancy restaurants).

Drinking: 4.2

(1: Alcohol is not allowed in the country. 5: There is an excellent pub near Pipeline where you can stay or park a camper van overnight).

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