Off-the-Wall
Surf Guide
As close to a hoax as any famous wave of the past 30 years, Off-The-Wall (OTW) is a single slab of reef just to the west of Backdoor and Pipeline. Off-The-Wall can have its golden moments. OTW is separated from the Backdoor reef by a narrow, deep crevice, which blocks some swells from closing out across both breaks. The OTW reef is largely flat lava, with a mound of shallower reef near its northern edge. It is best in a slightly fractured, overhead NW swell. It's a wedging right, with some smaller lefts peeling back toward Backdoor. On precisely the right wave, OTW will produce a beautiful almond-shaped barrel; many waves will be caught and ridden to closeout point by the hopeful surfer before that ideal one is found.
Ability Level
Advanced
Experts only.
Local Vibe
Doable
Humility and respect a must.
Crowd Factor
Moderate
Hit or miss, but count on at least a handful of surfers out when breaking
Spot Rating
Fun
Hollow and fast when it's on.
Shoulder Burn
Light
Breaks close in and the rides are not super long.
Water Quality
Clean
Clean. Beautiful, clear, blue water.
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
NW to N
Wind
Calm or light to moderate ENE to S.
Surf Height
Head high-2X overhead
Tide
Medium