The unique contour of Sunset's northwest-facing coral reef, combined with its three different peaks, makes it one of the heaviest waves in the world. It's home to the Vans World Cup, the second event of the annual Triple Crown of Surfing.
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- WSL / Kelly Cestari kelly@kellycestari
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Rogue sets can mean long hold-downs and contact with the reef.
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- WSL / Kelly Cestari kelly@kellycestari
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Sunset can see peaks form from the east, north or west, which makes getting into the perfect takeoff position a challenge.
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- WSL / Kelly Cestari kelly@kellycestari
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Caves and caverns below Sunset have the potential to turn a dream session into any surfer's worst nightmare.
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- WSL / Kelly Cestari kelly@kellycestari
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It takes a lot of time in the lineup there to understand instinctively where the next big wave will break.
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- WSL / Kelly Cestari kelly@kellycestari
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Sunset's strong current and shifting peaks demand supreme fitness and constant paddling.
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- WSL / Kelly Cestari kelly@kellycestari
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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.
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.
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Pipe is renowned as one of the most dangerous waves in the world, breaking with immense force over shallow reef just a few meters below the surface.
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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.
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The double-edged sword of surfing Pipe.
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Pipe is one of the most photographed and filmed waves in the world. Catch it LIVE daily at this site December 8-20, with the Billabong Pipe Masters.
- WSL / Kelly Cestari
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- WSL / Kelly Cestari
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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.
Frames: North Shore Below the Surface
Kirstin
The unique contour of Sunset's northwest-facing coral reef, combined with its three different peaks, makes it one of the heaviest waves in the world. It's home to the Vans World Cup, the second event of the annual Triple Crown of Surfing.
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.
Pipe is renowned as one of the most dangerous waves in the world, breaking with immense force over shallow reef just a few meters below the surface.
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.
Pipe is one of the most photographed and filmed waves in the world. Catch it LIVE daily at this site December 8-20, with the Billabong Pipe Masters.
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.