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.
Backyards 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
- 310° - 350°
- Size range
- 1.2m - 3m
- Ideal size
- 2m - 2.6m
- 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
Access: Public beach access between houses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Backyards?
Backyards is a reef break in North Shore, Oahu, USA, with peaks that run both left and right over a reef bottom. On its biggest days it can hold faces of around 4m. A shortboard is the usual call.
What swell works best at Backyards?
Backyards picks up swell from the NW round to the N, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the NNW. That's a tight window, so it needs the swell direction to line up. It starts working at around 1.2m and handles up to about 3m, with the sweet spot around 2 to 2.6m. Period matters too: aim for 14s or longer, as anything under 10s tends to be weak. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at Backyards?
An ESE wind is dead offshore at Backyards, and anything from the E round to the S keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 6am to 11am. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Backyards?
Backyards is at its best around mid tide.
When is the best time of year to surf Backyards?
The most reliable run of swell at Backyards comes Nov to Feb. There's a second window in Mar and Oct too. Nov-Feb. Between Sunset and V-Land. Fast takeoff required for barrel.
How cold is the water at Backyards?
The water at Backyards averages around 25°C, so boardshorts or a rashguard will do. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Backyards good for beginners?
Not really. It's rated 7/10 for difficulty and suits experienced surfers. Expect a moderate crowd (5/10) when it's on. Requires fast takeoff to get barreled. Shallow coral can detonate. Behind beachfront houses.
How do I get to Backyards?
The nearest airport on our list is HNL, then it's roughly a 55-minute drive. Public beach access between houses.
What other surf spots are near Backyards?
The closest breaks we track are Kammieland (0.9 km), Velzyland (1.2 km) and Sunset Beach (1.3 km), handy when Backyards isn't working. We track 23 spots around North Shore, Oahu in total.
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
Plan a trip around Backyards
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