‘Watch Your Kids!’ 20ft Pipeline Wave Floods Beach (Video)

Of the many aspects of Pipeline, which make it one of the most feared and revered waves in the world, is the fact that spectators have a front row seat to all the action. The wave breaks relatively close to shore, when compared to other famed reefbreak spots, like Teahupo’o, making it much like a gladiator pit viewing experience.

However, with such heavy waves breaking in such close proximity to civilian bystanders, there can be the occasional casualties. Every year, it seems, tourists on the beach are swept out to sea by the roaring waves at Pipeline as they wash ashore.

And this year, although the season has only just begun, appears to be nothing different. During the kickoff swell to the winter period, the waves were huge. As we saw previously, third reef bombs at Pipe were feathering beyond the crowded lineup, then unloading on the shore. And a few tourists nearly suffered the wrath. See below.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/vjTcf51dJ7Y

“We’re gonna have to clear the beach,” off-camera voices proclaim in the video above from Koa Rothman. Another voice whistles and yells towards the spectators on the sand: “Watch your kids!”

A large set had funneled all the way from the outer reefs, and rushed up the shoreline. Tourists attempting to get a good view of the waves, got caught in the current. Koa stepped in to warn the folks to stay back, and watch from a safe distance. Luckily, it appears nobody was caught in the current…this time.

“Those people right there as I was walking up were about to get sucked away,” Koa explained. “So dangerous. You gotta be careful, like I said earlier.”

Previously, during another early season pulse of swell on the North Shore, an elderly couple was swept out to sea amidst 18-foot waves at Ke Iki Beach. They were simply walking on the beach, dipping their toes in the water, when a wave caught them. The North Shore lifeguards, with the help of some good Samaritans, were able to rescue the couple – but they were reportedly transferred to the hospital in serious condition.

Just another reminder; stay safe out there this winter.