When it comes to waves breaking on the Pipe reef, Jamie O’Brien is at the top of the heap. Photo: YouTube//Screenshot
It’s been a good winter so far for surfers on the North Shore. Jamie O’Brien is one of the best on that famous stretch of sand, and that’s no small feat. He’s spent his life honing his skills at Pipeline and Backdoor, and when it gets good, he’s often the guy who is on the best wave. During a recent run of swell at Backdoor Pipeline, he kept up with his reputation.
“Absolutely stunning here on the North Shore,” O’Brien said. “No winds; it’s like sheet glass. Firing, perfect barrels.”
Now, Jamie has seen waves breaking on the Pipeline reef in all the many moods. From small and wind-whipped to huge and perfect, he’s paddled out in every condition. He knows good from bad, and the day you see here was a good one.
A “good day” at Pipeline, however, means that you’re going to feel the power of the ocean. But all the broken boards and epic wipeouts are just payment for playing, and everyone surfing there on a day like this is more than willing to take a beating for the glory of a great wave.
