Surfing Backyards: The Complete Guide

Backyards is a reef break located in North Shore, Oahu, USA (HI), offering both lefts and rights along North America's diverse surf scene. Backyards is a shifty wave between Sunset Beach and Velzyland that requires a fast takeoff to get barreled. Rated as advanced difficulty with moderately crowded conditions, this reef break is a worthy destination for surfers looking beyond the usual suspects.

Best Conditions

Swell Direction: The ideal swell direction is NNW (330°), with workable conditions from NW to N (310°–350°). Swells outside this window will either miss the break or produce disorganized waves.

Swell Size: Backyards needs a minimum of 1.2m / 4ft to start working and handles swells up to 3m / 10ft before conditions deteriorate.

Swell Period: Look for a swell period of at least 10 seconds, with 14 seconds being the sweet spot. Longer periods deliver more organized, powerful waves with better shape.

Wind: True offshore here blows from the ESE (120°). The full offshore range spans E to S (90°–170°). Glassy conditions under 4km/h from any direction also produce excellent surf. Plan for early morning dawn patrol sessions.

Tide: This spot works best at mid tide.

When to Go

Primary Season: The prime window at Backyards runs November, December, January, February (Nov–Feb). This is when swell consistency and direction align most reliably with the break.

Secondary Season: A secondary window opens October, March (Oct–Mar). While not as consistent, patient surfers can still score quality sessions during this period.

Season Notes: Nov-Feb. Between Sunset and V-Land. Fast takeoff required for barrel.

Water Temperature: Expect water temperatures around 25°C / 77°F. A shorty or spring suit is recommended for longer sessions.

Getting There

The nearest airport is HNL, roughly 55 minutes by car.

Access: Public beach access between houses.

Hazards & Tips

Known Hazards:

🪸 Sharp reef — Shallow reef, booties recommended
⚠️ Shallow — Very shallow at low tide

Requires fast takeoff to get barreled. Shallow coral can detonate. Behind beachfront houses.

Safety Tips:

Wear reef booties to protect your feet from sharp coral and rock

Skill Level: This spot is rated advanced (7/10). Crowd Level: Typically moderately crowded (5/10). Recommended board: a performance shortboard.

Check the Live Forecast

Planning a session at Backyards? Check the live forecast on Strike Mission to see today's conditions and the 10-day outlook. Our Strike Score algorithm rates this spot from 0 to 100 every day, factoring in swell direction, size, period, wind, and tide — so you know exactly when to paddle out.

Don't leave your next surf trip to chance. Let the data tell you when Backyards is firing.

*Conditions data sourced from Strike Mission's verified spot database.*