Backdoor
Backdoor is the right-hand barrel at the Pipeline reef—sharing the same takeoff zone but breaking in the opposite direction. When NW to NNW swells arrive with shorter periods, they break up the swell lines and create peaky A-frames, allowing the right to peel with ferocious power over extremely shallow reef.
Today's Conditions
Location & Conditions
Tide Times
Strike Score Breakdown
Location & Conditions
Spot Details
Swell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NNW (330°)
- Direction range
- 315° - 350°
- Size range
- 1.8m - 3.6m
- Ideal size
- 3.2m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 16s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- ESE (120°)
- Offshore range
- 90° - 160°
- Best window
- morning
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- low to mid
- Optimal range
- 0.3m - 1.2m
- Danger below
- 0.1m
Water temp
25°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Bottom
Reef
Max wave face
5m+
Board
Shortboard
Consistency
6/10
Difficulty
10/10
Crowd level
10/10
👥 Spring Break (Mar 14 – Mar 22) — expect extra crowds
Access: Same as Pipeline. Beach access at Ehukai Beach Park.
Best Season
Peak: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
Secondary: Mar, Oct
Nov-Feb peak. NW-NNW swells create peaky A-frames that produce the right.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Pipeline
🏆 The proving ground • Heaviest barrels on Earth • Experts only
Rockpile
🪨 Gap in the Road • 150-yard lefts • Uncrowded alternative
Off The Wall
💪 Pipeline's neighbor • Powerful rights • Regular footer's dream
Log Cabins
🪵 Heavier than Pipe • N swell magnet • Life-changing barrels
Backdoor Outer Reef
🌊 Pipe's outer shelf • 2nd & 3rd reef • Reforms into Pipeline
Gas Chambers
💀 Detonating barrels • Extremely shallow • Helmet recommended