Banzai Pipeline

One of the worlds Best and well known surf breaks. Usually referred to as just 'Pipeline' this wave is located on the North Shore of Oahu through the Ehukai Beach access. The proving ground for many of today's and yesterdaay's professional surfers. The wave itself breaks over three successive reefs, starting at 1st reef then moving out toward 2nd and finally 3rd. 1st reef is the most commonly surfed and breaks close to the shore producing the famous left and the equally good right known as backdoor. The wave itself is hollow and fast and breaks over a shallow reef making it the worlds deadliest surf break. A number of lives have been taken over the years and numerous other people have sustained injury. The wave was first surfed in 1961 by Phil Edwards and would later make many surfers famous including (Gerry Lopez, Shaun Tomson, Mark Richards, Michael Ho, Tom Carroll, Sunny Garcia, Kelly Slater, Rob Machado, and Jamie O'brien.)

Tourist: "hey Banzai Pipeline looks like a lot of fun. I should go try it."

Local: "Beat it Haole. Pipeline is heavy and not for the likes of you."

by johnny wisenheimer February 8, 2009