Backdoor: a Wave as Beautiful as It is Dangerous

John Florence surfing Backdoor, 2017 - Ryan Miller / Red Bull Content Pool

Located at Ehukai Beach on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii, this wave is a combination of beauty, power, and risk.

When the powerful North Pacific swells arrive between November and February, the North Shore becomes the global epicenter of surfing and bodyboarding. Athletes, photographers, and fans travel from all over the world to witness the spectacle created by waves like Backdoor.

Jamie O’Brien in a tube at Backdoor, 2017 - Jake Marote / Red Bull Content Pool

Sharing the same peak as Pipeline, this break has been the stage for decades of memorable performances by some of the most influential figures in board sports.

The wave breaks directly over a shallow volcanic reef, where mistakes can have immediate consequences. Its speed and power require surfers and bodyboarders to position themselves with millimetric precision from the moment of takeoff.

A late takeoff or an incorrect line can end in heavy wipeouts onto the reef, which is why Backdoor is considered a true test of skill, experience, and commitment even for the most seasoned athletes.

Jeffrey Hubbard at Backdoor, 2017 - Via YouTube Tyge Landa

Depending on ocean conditions, wind, and swell direction, Backdoor can deliver long, crystal-clear, and highly technical barrels that have produced some of the most iconic images in professional surfing and bodyboarding.

In surfing, some of the names that have built part of their legacy in these waters include Kelly Slater, John John Florence, and Jamie O’Brien. In bodyboarding, standout riders include Mike Stewart, Dave Hubbard, and Jeff Hubbard.

Mike Stewart at Backdoor, 1987 - Via Drdanophotography

For this reason, Backdoor holds a special place in both disciplines and has become a must-reference wave in global surf and bodyboard culture.