Frames: North Shore Below the Surface

Rogue sets can mean long hold-downs and contact with the reef.

Sunset can see peaks form from the east, north or west, which makes getting into the perfect takeoff position a challenge.

Caves and caverns below Sunset have the potential to turn a dream session into any surfer's worst nightmare.

It takes a lot of time in the lineup there to understand instinctively where the next big wave will break.

Sunset's strong current and shifting peaks demand supreme fitness and constant paddling.

There are six sections of Lava Rock reef below the break that create Sunset's spectrum of peaks: Val's Reef, the Bowl, West Peak, Sunset Point, North Wall and Backyards.

Pipeline, Oahu, is the site of the Billabong Pipe Masters starting December 8. It is the third event of the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing and will decide the 2014 ASP men's World Champion.

Pipe is made up of a series of reefs: First Reef is below the main break and is closest to shore. Second Reef breaks slightly further out. Third Reef creates a big wave that is rarely surfed and breaks the farthest out of the three.

Over the years, Pipe has seen severe injuries and several deaths. Risk-taking, wave selection and, more recently, an aggressive crowd, are factors that have all come into play at the dangerous spot.

The double-edged sword of surfing Pipe.