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.
Backdoor surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NNW (330°)
- Direction range
- 315° - 350°
- Size range
- 1.8m - 3.6m
- Ideal size
- 2.6m - 3.2m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 16s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- ESE (120°)
- Offshore range
- 90° - 160°
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
Access: Same as Pipeline. Beach access at Ehukai Beach Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Backdoor?
The Backdoor profile favors low to mid tide, ideally between 0.3m and 1.2m on the local tide chart. Compare this preference with the forecast tide and local conditions before choosing a session. The profile flags a low-tide hazard below 0.1m.
What wind direction is offshore at Backdoor?
The Backdoor profile uses wind from ESE (120°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 90° to 160°. 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 Backdoor?
The Backdoor scoring profile favors swell from NNW (315° to 350°), a swell-height range of 1.8m to 3.6m, and a reference period of 16s. 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 Backdoor?
The main season at Backdoor is Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb. A secondary window runs Mar, Oct. Nov-Feb peak. NW-NNW swells create peaky A-frames that produce the right.
How do I get to Backdoor?
The spot profile lists HNL as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 55 minutes. Same as Pipeline. Beach access at Ehukai Beach Park.
What kind of wave is Backdoor?
Backdoor is a reef break, a right-hander over a reef bottom. Difficulty is rated 10/10.
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
Plan a trip around Backdoor
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