Banzai Pipeline, Surf reef break in Pūpūkea, North Shore of Oahu, US
Banzai Pipeline is a reef break off the northern coast of Oahu in the United States, known for its hollow, breaking waves. The water crashes over a sharp coral bottom at shallow depth, forming tube-like tunnels that surfers ride through.
Filmmaker Bruce Brown introduced the name in 1961 when he filmed Phil Edwards riding the waves there. The spot has since grown into one of the most recognized surf locations in the world.
The spot takes its name from a sewer line that was being installed nearby in the early 1960s. Professional athletes train here for championship events, drawing crowds of spectators who gather on the sand to watch.
The best conditions occur between November and February, when large swells arrive from the North Pacific. Only experienced surfers should enter the water here, as the shallow reef and strong current can be dangerous.
Three separate reef sections each generate their own wave patterns, with the first reef delivering the most consistent and rideable waves. The other two sections break only under specific conditions and are ridden less frequently.
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