Pipes
Pipes is the hollow beachbreak gem in the Miramar zone—a wave that lives up to its name with dredging barrels on both the rights and lefts. The rights wedge up from the takeoff zone and break over mostly sand bottom, while the peeling lefts break over reef and demand more respect. When conditions align, Pipes gets very hollow and fast, especially on falling mid-tide or incoming low. The wave sits just up the beach from Miramar Point, making it easy to move between breaks and maximize your session.
Pipes surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SW (220°)
- Direction range
- 195° - 260°
- Size range
- 0.8m - 2.5m
- Ideal size
- 1.6m - 2.1m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 15s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- E (80°)
- Offshore range
- 40° - 125°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- low to mid
- Optimal range
- 0.3m - 1.5m
Water temp
28°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
2/10
Access: Up the beach from Miramar Point. Walk or short drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Pipes?
The Pipes profile favors low to mid tide, ideally between 0.3m and 1.5m on the local tide chart. Compare this preference with the forecast tide and local conditions before choosing a session.
What wind direction is offshore at Pipes?
The Pipes profile uses wind from E (80°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 40° to 125°. Wind speed matters too: light winds outside that range can still produce surfable conditions, while strong offshore winds can make takeoffs difficult.
What swell size and direction work best at Pipes?
The Pipes scoring profile favors swell from SW (195° to 260°), a swell-height range of 0.8m to 2.5m, and a reference period of 15s. These are model inputs, not guaranteed breaking-wave heights or a promise that the surf will suit every ability.
When is the best time of year to surf Pipes?
The main season at Pipes is Apr-Oct. A secondary window runs Mar, Nov. Best on falling mid-tide and incoming low. SW swell season.
How do I get to Pipes?
The spot profile lists MGA as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 100 minutes. Up the beach from Miramar Point. Walk or short drive.
What kind of wave is Pipes?
Pipes is a beach break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 6/10.
Best Season
Peak: Apr-Oct
Secondary: Mar, Nov
Best on falling mid-tide and incoming low. SW swell season.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
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Plan a trip around Pipes
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