Pack up your board shorts, we are going to Hawaii. At least for this blog post, we’ll be covering our three favorite waves to tackle on the seven mile miracle. Two disclaimers before we get into it. The first, always use good judgement as far as your ability and the size of swells you want to test your ability. We aren’t recommending paddling out to pipeline, sunset, or rockies if you don’t think you should be out there. Watch the waves before paddling out, talk to lifeguards, and always know if the swell is rising or falling before making your decision. Two, there are tons more great waves on the north shore besides these three, but the marketing guy writing this post has these three at the top of his list. Onto the three!
Pipeline (Ehukai Beach)
Pipeline, or Ehukai Beach, is arguably the most famous surf break on Earth, a mecca for professional surfers and fans alike. Known for its hollow, fast-breaking barrels, it has become synonymous with high-performance, critical surfing. Pipeline’s reputation as a perfect reef break comes from its ability to produce some of the most consistent, powerful waves globally, typically reaching heights of 8-12 feet during peak season but often pushing to 20 feet or more during massive swells. The waves are shaped by the shallow reef and the unique seafloor contours, causing the water to “jack up” before collapsing in a perfect tube, creating some of the most challenging and rewarding barrels in the world.
For many surfers, riding the Pipeline barrel is the pinnacle of the sport. Its world-class quality and consistency make it a destination for pro surfers, but it’s not for the faint-hearted. The wave breaks in both directions, with lefts being more prominent, and the speed of the take-off combined with the steep, hollow barrel makes it a high-risk, high-reward situation. It’s a wave that demands impeccable timing, advanced skills, and fearlessness, as surfers often race down the face of the wave and into the barrel with just inches separating them from the reef. The spot is also famous for being the host of numerous prestigious contests, including the Billabong Pipeline Masters, part of the World Surf League’s Championship Tour.
Sunset Beach
Sunset Beach, a few miles west of Pipeline, is another iconic wave on Oahu’s North Shore. Renowned for its long rides and ability to handle massive swells, Sunset is a deep-water reef break that can produce waves anywhere from 6 to 20 feet during the winter months. Unlike Pipeline’s fast barrels, Sunset Beach is known for offering powerful, open-faced waves that allow surfers to carve and perform big maneuvers. Despite being less hollow than Pipeline, the waves at Sunset are often just as challenging, with long rides and a strong rip current to contend with.
The wave at Sunset can break on both the left and right, though the lefts are more consistent. Surfers can expect wide, open faces, often giving them ample time to execute turns or set up for big, aerial maneuvers. Sunset has a reputation for being a more forgiving spot for big-wave surfers compared to Pipeline, but its power should not be underestimated, especially on bigger days when it can hold up to 20-foot faces or more. The spot is also famous for its winter surf contests, including the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, which attracts top-tier surfers from around the world. The waves here can be fast, and Sunset’s deeper reef provides slightly more time to react, making it a preferred choice for surfers seeking to ride big waves in a slightly less intimidating atmosphere than Pipeline.
Rocky Point
Located just west of Pipeline, Rocky Point is a fast, powerful reef break that is often less crowded than its more famous neighbor. It’s a favorite among local surfers and pros who prefer a more relaxed vibe without sacrificing the intensity of the waves. Rocky Point offers both left and right-hand breaks, with the lefts generally being the most popular. While it’s not as hollow as Pipeline, Rocky Point still provides plenty of barrel opportunities, especially on bigger swells. The wave here can have a quick takeoff, followed by a powerful, sometimes shallow section, before breaking across a deeper reef into a longer, rideable face.
While it’s known for its consistency, Rocky Point can also hold some serious size, often matching the swells at Pipeline but with slightly more forgiving conditions. The key to riding Rocky Point successfully is positioning, as waves break in quick succession, and surfers need to navigate fast-moving sections while dealing with the strong rip currents that the area is known for. Rocky Point is popular among intermediate to advanced surfers due to its slightly less intense atmosphere compared to Pipeline. However, on larger days, it can easily challenge even the most seasoned surfers, requiring skill, quick reflexes, and the ability to read the wave’s nuances.
There you have it. These three waves can keep you entertained and scared from 2 feet to 20 feet. Rockies can keep you covered when the swells a little smaller, and then once it maxes out you can take your pic between the challenging barrels of Pipeline, backdoor, and OTW versus the long drawn out rights (and occasional left) out at sunset. Whether it’s breaking on the point or the beach, you’re sure to get some steep drops and there’s a good chance you’ll get cleaned up by mysto sets. With that being said, you’ll catch more waves and less brutal beatings here as opposed to Pipe. The choice is yours! Or, when it’s big, it’s a spectacle to watch the world's best do their thing at either of these spots. Extra special thank you to the North Shore Lifeguards for always keeping the water safe!
