If you have to ask these questions you are in noway ready to surf Pipeline. People have been killed out there! The reef is dead coral heads at the most 3ft under water, unless you have quality barrel riding skill forget it, you are going to get no room to move if there is decent surf and you will most definitely be ordered in both by the surfers and the Lifeguards.
The local surfers hate hauling in the smashed bodies of wannabees and a novice in the line up is a major danger to everyone surfing.
Respect is earned at pipe not assumed.
Where have you surfed your 5fters? Not many 5ft waves around the world match pipe
A 5ft wave at pipe with some long period behind it will be a huge smashing break.
Now my real advice, by all means go to the beach and watch pipe ( the pipe season will be over the northern winter) you will understand why I said you are not ready!
But if you are going to Hawaii in October then you will probably be saved from having to make a decision as the likelihood of it being on is small.
There are lots of other very testing breaks for someone your age in Hawaii they will be great!
I know this sounds harsh to a keen surfer, but Pipeline is just too dangerous to not tell the truth about your chances
Posted: Tue Sep 17, 2013 12:55 am