Backdoor Outer Reef
The Backdoor Outer Reef encompasses Pipeline's 2nd and 3rd reef, breaking 80 yards outside the main zone at 4x+ overhead. Foamy lumps reform into Pipe on the inside, creating one of the most consequential waves on the North Shore.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NW (307°)
- Direction range
- 295° - 320°
- Size range
- 4.6m - 7.6m
- Ideal size
- 6.3m
- Height multiplier
- 1.08×
- Ideal period
- 18s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- ESE (120°)
- Offshore range
- 90° - 160°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
Water temp
25°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Bottom
Reef
Max wave face
10m+
Board
Gun / Step-up
Consistency
2/10
Difficulty
10/10
Crowd level
3/10
👥 Summer Break (Jun 15 – Aug 25) — expect extra crowds
Access: Paddle from Ehukai Beach Park. Long paddle out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Backdoor Outer Reef?
Backdoor Outer Reef handles all stages of the tide, so time your session around the wind instead. The live chart above shows the next few days.
What wind direction is offshore at Backdoor Outer Reef?
Offshore wind at Backdoor Outer Reef blows from the ESE (120°). Anything in the 90° to 160° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Backdoor Outer Reef?
Backdoor Outer Reef wants NW swell (295° to 320°) between 4.6m and 7.6m, with a period of 18s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf Backdoor Outer Reef?
The main season at Backdoor Outer Reef is Dec, Jan, Feb. A secondary window runs Nov. Dec-Feb. Pipeline's 2nd and 3rd reef. Breaks 80yds outside main zone at 4x+ overhead.
How do I get to Backdoor Outer Reef?
Fly into HNL, then allow about 55 minutes by road. Paddle from Ehukai Beach Park. Long paddle out.
What kind of wave is Backdoor Outer Reef?
Backdoor Outer Reef is a big wave break, a right-hander over a reef bottom. Difficulty is rated 10/10.
Best Season
Peak: Dec, Jan, Feb
Secondary: Nov
Dec-Feb. Pipeline's 2nd and 3rd reef. Breaks 80yds outside main zone at 4x+ overhead.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Pipeline
🏆 The proving ground • Heaviest barrels on Earth • Experts only
Backdoor
🔥 Pipeline's evil twin • Right-hand deathpit • NNW swell specialist
Rockpile
🪨 Gap in the Road • 150-yard lefts • Uncrowded alternative
Log Cabins
🪵 Heavier than Pipe • N swell magnet • Life-changing barrels
Outer Log Cabins
🏔️ 85ft ridden here • North Shore's outer limit • Tow-in territory
Off The Wall
💪 Pipeline's neighbor • Powerful rights • Regular footer's dream