Himalayas is another North Shore outer reef that handles XXL swells when the inner breaks can't cope. The wave breaks in deeper water, producing right-hand walls and barrels that are more manageable than the chaos of maxed-out Pipeline or Sunset. Access is via paddle or tow-in during major winter swells.
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
3/10
Access: Paddle/tow-in
How well swell angle matches the spot
Wave height in the ideal range
Each spot has different period requirements. Points and reefs can handle longer periods than beaches.
Offshore/glassy conditions