Backyards
Backyards is a shifty wave between Sunset Beach and Velzyland that requires a fast takeoff to get barreled. Shallow coral can detonate without warning, and the break sits directly behind beachfront houses—hence the name.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NNW (330°)
- Direction range
- 310° - 350°
- Size range
- 1.2m - 3m
- Ideal size
- 2.5m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- ESE (120°)
- Offshore range
- 90° - 170°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
Water temp
25°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Bottom
Reef
Max wave face
4m+
Board
Shortboard
Consistency
6/10
Difficulty
7/10
Crowd level
5/10
👥 Summer Break (Jun 15 – Aug 25) — expect extra crowds
Access: Public beach access between houses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Backyards?
Backyards works best on a mid tide. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window.
What wind direction is offshore at Backyards?
Offshore wind at Backyards blows from the ESE (120°). Anything in the 90° to 170° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Backyards?
Backyards wants NNW swell (310° to 350°) between 1.2m and 3m, with a period of 14s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf Backyards?
The main season at Backyards is Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb. A secondary window runs Oct, Mar. Nov-Feb. Between Sunset and V-Land. Fast takeoff required for barrel.
How do I get to Backyards?
Fly into HNL, then allow about 55 minutes by road. Public beach access between houses.
What kind of wave is Backyards?
Backyards is a reef break, a peak with lefts and rights over a reef bottom. Difficulty is rated 7/10.
Best Season
Peak: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
Secondary: Oct, Mar
Nov-Feb. Between Sunset and V-Land. Fast takeoff required for barrel.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Kammieland
🏪 Kammie's Market legacy • Workable walls • Under the radar
Velzyland
🏄 Dale Velzy's legacy • Draining ledge • 150-yard peelers
Sunset Beach
🌅 The ultimate proving ground • Shifting peaks • Deep water power
Phantoms
👻 Outer reef phantom • XL swell only • Deep water power
Backdoor Outer Reef
🌊 Pipe's outer shelf • 2nd & 3rd reef • Reforms into Pipeline
Off The Wall
💪 Pipeline's neighbor • Powerful rights • Regular footer's dream