Coast2Coast: Bozaii Pipeline: Locals only, shitty wipeouts and one of the best experiences of your life!

Hawaii’s most known spot has been getting off to a good start this winter with waves reaching 20 ft! The famous Bonzaii Pipeline located on Hawaii’s sister island is one of the many surfing beaches located on the island’s vigorous North Shore. Larger than usual swells have been hitting Pipeline since the beginning of November which is unusually early compared to previous years. One thing you won’t hear from the North Shore locals are complaints. Early morning surf sessions have been packed as usual even before the sunlight hits the water’s surface. I’m sure Kala Alexander and the rest of the Wolfpak gang are taking full advantage of blocking the waves for local surfers.

The infamous Kala Alexander, one of my favorite surfers, is the known creator of the Wolfpak. The Wolfpak is a group (they have even been called a surf gang) of local surfers who live next to or close to Pipeline and try to spread the idea of respect for the local surfers. The idea they try to promote is to live up to their ancestor’s name. For years Hawaiian surfers have been very particular in who paddles out into the line-up of waves and where they are doing it. Out-of-towners were always easy to find at Pipeline because of their stylish boards, rash guards with a perfect fit and even “cocky” attitudes which are often picked up by Kala and the boys. The Wolfpak has been known to show aggressive localism (not letting others catch waves) and have even taken things to physical measures. Kala Alexander has stated several times, “Me and the boys aren’t looking for fights, we just want the same respect from people as if we were surfing at their home spot.”

Within the past couple of decades there has been an abundance of surfers and even viewers going to Pipeline to see what’s going on. People travel hundreds of miles to see some of the bravest surfer’s paddles into 20ft plus sized waves which break over a very sharp coral reef which is not even ten feet deep. Yes, ten feet deep… big balls and an open mind are needed before even paddling out into what most people call “hell’s doorstep.”

Although both the Wolfpak and the coral reef seem like reasons to avoid Bonzaii Pipeline, the surf spot is legendary and can truly be a one of a kind experience. Just keep in mind to respect the locals and try and learn about the historical surf scene that has been there for almost a century. The Bonzaii Pipeline masters will be held a week from today, Dec. 8^th, making it the final and most exciting stop on the ASP tour.