On Oahu's NORTH SHORE . . .

When you think of Ehukai Beach Park, the Banzai Pipeline comes to mind. This beautiful tubed surfing break got its name in the late 1950s when Bruce Brown, a famous surf cinematographer, shouted out "Banzai" while narrating the film "Surf Surfari" as a surfer dropped in on a particularly vicious wave.

When it's "cranking," the surf, besides being the most spectacular in the world, can also be the most dangerous. The waves are steep and powerful and can come up within seconds. They also break furiously on the shallow reef - the cause of many broken bones and lacerations. This beach has some of the best sandbar type surf on O`ahu . During calmer periods, usually during the Spring and Summer, swimming is good - otherwise it's very hazardous, so take good care.

Learn more about the guards who perform rescues and save lives in some of the truly most epic surf in the world by clicking here for the web site of the North Shore Lifeguard Association.

HERE ARE SOME BASIC OCEAN SAFETY TIPS:

• Swim in Lifeguarded Areas
• Never Swim Alone
• Don't Dive Into Unknown Water or Into Shallow Breaking Waves
• Ask a Lifeguard About Beach and Surf Conditions Before Swimming
• If You Are Unable to Swim Out of a Strong Current, Signal for Help
• Rely on Your Swimming Ability Rather Than a Flotation Device
• Look For, Read and Obey All Beach Safety Signs and Symbols
• If In Doubt, Just Stay Out!

Return to the Hale (Home) Aloha Page. You can also use the following links to continue your beach and ocean tour of Oahu's North Shore, South Shore, East Shore, or West Shore.

Or, you can go to the Beach Directory for a listing of all the beaches covered in these pages.

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Suggestions, comments and recommendations are welcomed. These pages are a project of the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association, a not for profit, professional association of Hawaii's lifeguards devoted to the advancement of lifesaving services and public education on beach and ocean safety.

Web Developer: This page is maintained by J. B. Lee. You can reach me by email by clicking here.
Last modified: 21-Jan-2005 11:20 AM

ALOHA . . . malama i ke kai!