Pipeline Swell Bender: “Best Waves in 10 Years” (Video)

Originally posted on SURFER | By Dashel Pierson | Last updated Feb 24, 2025 3:39 PM ET

“To start off, I want to point out how good the waves have been, and are going to be continuously through this week and next,” begins Pipeline specialist, Jamie O’Brien, in his latest vlog. “This has to be the best swell forecast I’ve seen in 10-to-15 years living here at Pipeline. That is real talk.”

From all accounts, on the ground and on the socials, it’s been a nonstop, never-ending swell bender on the North Shore of Oahu. Pretty much ever since the World Surf League left town – back in early February; curse of the Championship Tour returns? – there has been no shortage of waves, practically to the point of desensitization, fatigue, overexertion, and in some cases, injuries.

“It is the never-ending cycle of the most psyched forecast I have ever seen in my life, and the waves are pumping right now,” JOB continues. Check out some highlights of the ultimate swell spree below.

“It’s on the pump,” JOB reports after a dreamy session. “So incredible to get this many days in a row at Pipe. It’s an incredibly rare thing. This is, like, the best run I’ve seen in probably about 10-plus years of consistent, perfect Pipeline. We’re all psyching out here. Everyone’s scoring good waves. It’s such a treat to share the lineup with all your friends you grew up surfing with.”

As alluded to above, with all that swell, a couple injuries are to be expected. Most recently, North Shore native and perennial Pipeline standout, Makai McNamara, was knocked unconscious, brought to shore by fellow surfers in the lineup, and literally brought back to life right there on the sand. And before that, Tahitian Eimeo Czermak and Hawaii local Lucas Godfrey were also injured – all of whom are some of the best in the world at what they do. Just goes to show, Pipeline doesn’t discriminate.

Here's to sending positive vibes to Makai as he recovers.

This article first appeared on SURFER and was syndicated with permission.

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