Outer Log Cabins
Outer Log Cabins is the North Shore's extreme outer reef that refracts long-period WNW swell toward Pipeline. Breaking on only the biggest swells, it reforms into Pipe on the inside. An 85-foot wave was ridden here in 1998.
Outer Log Cabins surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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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
- 5.5m - 6.4m
- Height multiplier
- 1.08×
- Ideal period
- 18s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SE (135°)
- Offshore range
- 90° - 180°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
Water temp
25°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Bottom
Reef
Max wave face
15m+
Board
Gun / Step-up
Consistency
2/10
Difficulty
10/10
Crowd level
2/10
Access: Tow-in only. Deep water outer reef.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Outer Log Cabins?
Outer Log Cabins is a big-wave spot 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 15m. It's fickle (consistency 2/10), so it's worth jumping on when it does turn on. A step-up or gun is the usual call.
What swell works best at Outer Log Cabins?
Outer Log Cabins picks up swell from the WNW round to the NW, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the NW. That's a tight window, so it needs the swell direction to line up. It starts working at around 4.6m and keeps going up to about 7.6m, with the sweet spot around 5.5 to 6.4m. Period matters too: aim for 18s or longer, as anything under 14s 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 Outer Log Cabins?
A SE wind is dead offshore at Outer Log Cabins, and anything from the E round to the S keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 6am to midday. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Outer Log Cabins?
Outer Log Cabins isn't especially fussy about tide and generally works through the cycle, so swell and wind matter more here. Big tides can still change how it breaks, so it's worth checking before you paddle out.
When is the best time of year to surf Outer Log Cabins?
The most reliable run of swell at Outer Log Cabins comes Dec to Feb. There's a second window in Nov too. Dec-Feb. Deep water outer reef. Breaks on biggest swells, reforming into Pipe.
How cold is the water at Outer Log Cabins?
The water at Outer Log Cabins 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 Outer Log Cabins good for beginners?
No. As a big-wave spot, it's strictly for experienced surfers. The lineup is usually quiet (crowd 2/10). Extreme conditions. Tow-in only. Refracts long-period WNW swell toward Pipeline.
How do I get to Outer Log Cabins?
The nearest airport on our list is HNL, then it's roughly a 55-minute drive. From there you need a boat to reach the break (we estimate around $150 USD, but confirm with an operator). Tow-in only. Deep water outer reef.
What other surf spots are near Outer Log Cabins?
The closest breaks we track are Log Cabins (0.5 km), Backdoor Outer Reef (0.5 km) and Rockpile (0.6 km), handy when Outer Log Cabins isn't working. We track 23 spots around North Shore, Oahu in total.
Best Season
Peak: Dec, Jan, Feb
Secondary: Nov
Dec-Feb. Deep water outer reef. Breaks on biggest swells, reforming into Pipe.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Log Cabins
🪵 Heavier than Pipe • N swell magnet • Life-changing barrels
Backdoor Outer Reef
🌊 Pipe's outer shelf • 2nd & 3rd reef • Reforms into Pipeline
Rockpile
🪨 Gap in the Road • 150-yard lefts • Uncrowded alternative
Pipeline
🏆 The proving ground • Among the heaviest barrels on Earth • Experts only
Backdoor
🔥 Pipeline's evil twin • Right-hand deathpit • NNW swell specialist
Off The Wall
💪 Pipeline's neighbor • Powerful rights • Regular footer's dream
Plan a trip around Outer Log Cabins
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