Surfing Waves

I've been surfing for half of year now. I mostly surfed at Diamond Head. Last week, I have been surfing at Haleiwa at 3 to 6 foot waves and it was fun. Should I give Pipeline a try at 3 to 6 foot waves or am I being crazy???
I've heard that there are some nasty locals surfing at Pipeline. Is that true???

Pipeline.... "The waves break just 50 to 75 yards off the beach, over a shallow, mostly flat lava rock reef. "

Different league mate

drowningbitbybit wrote:Pipeline.... "The waves break just 50 to 75 yards off the beach, over a shallow, mostly flat lava rock reef. "

Is the falt lava rock reef dangerous??? would you actually slam against the rocks if you fall from a wave.

if you bite it the fish will pick you out of the reef or you will be knocked unconscience and drown...ohh yea and your board...done

baldie wrote:Is the falt lava rock reef dangerous??? would you actually slam against the rocks if you fall from a wave.

Slam is an understatement. Couple of feet of water below you, an awful lot more above you. You'd be pounded into the reef

ever heard of Malik Joyeux?

Didnt some poor xxxxx die there just recently.....like November or December last year?

Ive never been there so i guess it hear say (sorry in advance if I offend anyone) but the impression I get from the stories that I've read and heard is that if the reef doesnt get you then the locals are pretty hard core, dont take kindly to guys who arent exceptional surfers and then even if you carve like Slater you have to fully prove yourself, pay a lot of respect or risk a punch in the melon and the fins snapped off the bottom of your board.

I reckon you should hook up with the crew from Blue Crush and you'll be fine

Thanks FormosanSurfer thats the guy I was thinking of.....

I've never been there, but I've heard a few things about it.
I wouldn't exactly call it flat lave reef...
There are pillars, crevasses; all sorts of gnarly terrain.
On a flat day you should swim out there with a mask and snorkel.
Pipe is the last spot you should try to master.

I don't really know, but I suppose you could try it when there is very little to no crowd on like a waist or chest high day...

You need to know about surf etiquette and being respectful, if you want to do well with the locals.

try wiameia (sp) first lol

FormosanSurfer wrote:Malik Joyeux?

Yes, I have heard of this Tahitian pro surfer died in Pipeline in 6 to 8 foot waves (hawaiian scale). It's very depressing. I guess you can't underestimate pipeline no matter how good of a surfer you are.

I would like to try pipeline someday at smaller waves like 3 to 5 foot. Any advice??? How do I deal with the aggressive locals there (no mean to offend anyone)???

farside wrote: the locals are pretty hard core, dont take kindly to guys who arent exceptional surfers and then even if you carve like Slater you have to fully prove yourself, pay a lot of respect or risk a punch in the melon and the fins snapped off the bottom of your board.

Are the locals really that vigorous??? Are there many fights happened in Pipeline???

its always important to understand the power of the ocean and have an accurate understanding of your own abilities anytime you consider paddling out at a new break. a true 5 foot wave is still considerably powerful. a true 10 foot wave is going to be much more than twice as powerful than the 5 footer and should probably be left to others. and its not always wave height you have to watch out for. things like reefs, such as the one at pipeline, also take things to another level.

I'm a novice surfer, I've only surfed UK, but I have to say it upsets me to hear things like that about surfers. "A punch in the melon or the fins snapped off your board"...

If you can follow the etiquette, why the abuse? That's just low, and I have no respect for people like that. And from what you are saying that's deserved as they have no respect for others.

How do you compare Pipeline vs. Sunset vs. Waimea? Which spot should someone tryout first?

when you're ready, you're ready

waimea
http://www.surfline.com/travel/surfmaps ... cfm?id=422

sunset
http://www.surfline.com/travel/surfmaps ... cfm?id=425

pipeline
http://www.surfline.com/travel/surfmaps ... cfm?id=416

As a novice I think the WolfPack might tell you to get back in your car.....

there was only one guy who seemed to be a local on here.

aah. i almost want to get mad with all you silly people acting like you know the spot from watching a movie, but im too tired.

pipeline is rough, but not like they say. they dont understand that every good break in hawaii IS A REEF BREAK, SO IT ALL HAS SHARP CORAL AND/OR ROCKS, AND ITS ALL A GOOD DISTANT PADDLE OUT FROM SHORE!!! or its a shorebreak, which is even worse. or its waikiki, where every insane tourist can rent a board and try it out.

another thing, on a smaller day the localism will be less, and there will be less competitive surfers out.

ive been there a few times when it was about 6-10. it has a strong current sometimes. i say no. its not worth the drive for 3-6, and i dont see the point. anyway, theres supposed to be a 2-5 ft swell at daimond head this weekend. or you can catch the windswell at makapuu after 5 after the lifeguards leave. (dont bring your favorite board, shorebreaks tend to snap boards and necks)

support our troops, stop wasting gas.