Pipeline is the Mt. Everest of surfing.
The wave, itself, is one of the heaviest, deadliest, scariest, most feared and revered surfing locations in the world. But that’s only if you get one. And it’s a big if.
Because there is, of course, the infamous crowds.
There’s the pecking order, the unwritten rules of the lineups in which the OGs, the locals, the pros, or anyone who has made a name for themselves, who all have priority over everyone else. It’s like the jungle out there; the top predators eat first.
But even big names, well-established local surfers have to contend with the crowds. Local surfers like Koa Rothman, who broke down what it’s like surfing Pipe when it’s crowded -here’s what he had to say:
“What is it like surfing Pipeline when it’s crowded,” Koa kicks it off.
“It is honestly the biggest nightmare ever. You have sometimes 150 of the best surfers…well, maybe 50 of the best surfers, then 100 guys who don’t know what they’re doing. But you’re battling the best guys at Pipeline, who surf it that well, and you’re battling them to get a wave during the session.
Related: Watch: Pipeline Wipeout Almost Kills Pro Surfer Koa Rothman
“It’s like a dog fight. You’re paddling over people, you run through people’s leashes, you’re calling your friends off the good wave…”
And that’s just the half of it; there’s the crowd, but then the wave, too.
“Then you have to deal with the wave., itself, and the reef. The best way to describe it…absolute, complete chaos.”
For most mere mortals, that’s a “look but don’t touch” type of wave.
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