Hawaii’s Famous Banzai Pipeline!
When you see Hawaii in films, you’re almost guaranteed to see the camera pan across the incredible Banzai Pipeline. The Pipeline is a surf break on the north shore of Oahu in Ehukai Beach Park and its waves are considered some of the most dangerous on the planet.
The Banzai Pipeline hosts some of the world’s most prestigious surfing events and competitions but only the most skilled can ride these incredible waves. Inexperienced surfers are cautioned against attempting to surf the pipeline, but surfing enthusiasts from around the world descend upon Hawaii for an opportunity to surf the Banzai.
So just what is it that puts the Banzai Pipeline on the bucket list of every die hard surfer on the planet? In addition to the thrill of surfing average waves ranging from nine to 20 feet, the pipeline breaks close to shore in shallow waters producing a thick curl of water that essentially creates a hollow tube or barrel for surfers to ride their way through. It’s the feeling of becoming one with the water as it literally surrounds the surfer that drives the quest to surf the Banzai Pipeline.
If you want to surf while on vacation in Hawaii, keep in mind that unless you are experienced, the Banzai Pipeline is not the place for you. In fact, unless you are an extremely strong swimmer, the beaches along the seven mile stretch on the north shore aren’t exactly what you’d call family friendly either. The water here is very powerful and several people have lost their lives over the years. So while it may not be the place to take a nice leisurely swim, what you can do here at the pipeline is gather around and watch in amazement as both men and women paddle out to catch and then ride these larger than life waves back in to the shore.
If you are visiting Hawaii and would like to get your “Hang Ten” on or simply watch some of the world’s best surfers, you can visit Ehukai Beach Park, located at: 59-337 Ke Nui Road, Haleiwa, HI 96712-8600