Pipeline
North Shore, Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi · Reef break
Local time — · Sunrise 06:44 · Sunset 17:51
Reading the ocean.
SWELLRADAR is requesting a verified marine run for Pipeline.
Spot intelligence.
Pipeline is a specialist wave. Swell angle, period and seasonal sand cover determine whether First Reef produces makeable barrels or dangerous closeouts.
Profile source · Surfline Pipeline guideProfile geometry
Swell axis NW · 313°
Offshore wind from SE · Advanced profile
Wave
Heavy left barrel + Backdoor right
Shallow lava reef
Swell window
WNW–NW
1.8–5.0 m offshore ranking band
Clean wind
E–SE light offshore
Applied to wind scoring
Tide window
Between peak low and peak high
Qualitative timing guidance
Field guide
Read the break.
Character · setup · local read
Field guide
Read the break.
Character
01Pipeline is defined by heavy left barrel + backdoor right over shallow lava reef. The shape can change with swell angle, period and the active section, so the live score should always be paired with a visual check from shore.
Best setup
02WNW–NW swell, e–se light offshore and between peak low and peak high form the profile baseline. SWELLRADAR treats 1.8–5.0 m as a working range, not a guarantee of breaking-wave size.
Lineup read
03This is an advanced profile: positioning, entry and exit should be assessed before committing. Pay particular attention to extremely shallow reef, heavy lip and hold-downs, powerful moving water. Local signs and advice always take priority.
Know before you paddle
Live conditions and local advice always override this profile.
Optional community layerRecent surfer reportsVoluntary and potentially incomplete. Not used for the forecast or Surf Score.
The break
Reef break
Advanced. Works best with WNW–NW swell.
Timing
E–SE light offshore
Between peak low and peak high. Re-check local observations and the lineup before you paddle out.
Data note
Model data unavailable
SWELLRADAR withholds numerical conditions, scores and surf windows until a quality-checked marine forecast is available.