When is the Billabong Pipe Masters?

For starters, let’s begin with an unfortunate piece of information. The Billabong Pipe Masters is no longer called the Billabong Pipe Masters. It has been renamed by the World Surf League (WSL) as the Billabong Pro Pipeline. Personally we think “Pipe Masters” sells more t-shirts, but we digress. Years from now people will continue to call the event by its former name and that’s exactly how it should be. With all of that out of the way we can now answer your question.

In the past, the crown jewel of the Triple Crown of Surfing was held in the first half of December, but after the WSL shakeup it now runs as a standalone contest from the end of January into early February. Either way, the event has always been and will continue to be a big draw for visitors who arrive on Oahu in the winter. This is one of very few surfing events that you can enjoy so close to the action that you can taste the saltwater spit from the barrel. Just be sure not to get swept out to sea. Below are the specifics and everything else you need to know.

Updated Schedule and Everything You Need to Know About When the Annual Billabong Pro Pipeline (aka Pipe Masters) Surf Contest Will Run

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Billabong Pro Pipeline / Pipe Masters Event Period

The WSL has committed to a 2022-2023 event schedule that will see the contest begin on the final Saturday of January and end on the second Thursday of February. The exact dates for this year are as follows:

When: January 29 to February 10, 2023

For the uninitiated, the holding period represents the time frame for which the event can run. Theoretically it can be completed in just four days at the beginning of the period, or towards the end. It’s typically spread out over the span of the holding period. If you arrive towards the end of the event window the contest may already have been completed. Whether or not the event will be ON when you pull up to the contest site is solely contingent upon wave quality. In other words, don’t make the drive from Waikiki or elsewhere unless the event has been called on for the day.

For the event to run, Pipeline and Backdoor require a WNW-NW swell (295-330°) with the more westerly swells (295-310°) being ideal. Monitor the following swell forecasts for Banzai Pipeline via the following:

• Surfline Pipeline Surf Report
• MagicSeaweed Pipeline Surf Report

Billabong Pro Pipeline / Pipe Masters Location

Where: Ehukai Beach Park, Pupukea, North Shore, Oahu HI (view location)

Where to Stay to Keep Close to the Action

While many of you are more than happy to make the trek from Waikiki Beach to spend your day on the North Shore, some prefer to be as close to Pipeline as possible. It makes sense to stay nearby as on any given day of the holding period the event gets called on at a moment’s notice. Where should you stay? Check availability at the best vacation rental on the North Shore, and recent sponsors of the Da Hui Backdoor Shootout – Ke Iki Beach Bungalows. Otherwise the recently remodeled Turtle Bay Resort has become a surfing fan’s paradise.

What to do When the Billabong Pro Pipeline / Pipe Masters is On Hold

As alluded to above, the holding period is exactly that. There is no guarantee that the event will on for any given day. If you planned to spend your morning and afternoon at the contest site only to find that it has ben postponed, you may be at a loss for what to do. Fret not, because we have provided a guide for surf fans to cover that down time. View our surfer’s guide to spending a day on the North Shore.

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If you have any questions about if and when the Billabong Pipe Masters will run during your time on Oahu, leave a comment below. We read them, and reply!

~ ALOHA ~