Hawaii·United States
Photo: Mandolin Davis · Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Every winter, North Pacific swells hit the reefs of the North Shore of Oahu and produce some of the most famous waves on the planet. Pipeline is the most photographed wave in surfing, Waimea Bay is where big-wave riding began, and the pro contests draw crowds to watch from the beach.
In season: Nov–Feb · Peak: Dec–Jan
Powerful, heavy waves over shallow reef in winter, with crowded line-ups dominated by locals and pros. Visiting surfers should watch first and pick the gentler spots, and summer is almost flat.
The sheltered corner where visitors can actually surf
The most famous and most dangerous wave in surfing
Big open-ocean walls, the proving ground
Where big wave surfing began, only on the biggest swells
Base in Haleʻiwa and follow the swell forecasts. Watch Pipeline and Waimea from the beach, surf Puaena Point or take lessons on smaller days, and only paddle out at the big breaks with the right experience.
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