Rocky Point, also known as Rockies, sits just north of ‘Ehukai Beach Park and south of Sunset Beach and Pipeline. It is one of the most consistent waves on the North Shore, with some of the most variety of sections.
It gets extremely crowded on good days and tends to have a lot of current.
If you are out on days when Pipeline or Sunset isn’t going off, you will likely find all the local boys out, so beware.
It is a high-performance wave, so don’t be that guy who paddles out on a longboard and gets chewed out by the locals.
It is also dangerous for other surfers out in the water if you don’t know how to control the board.
What’s So Special About Surfing Rockies?
Rocky Point is a flat, curving reef that is about 250 yards wide and might be one of the most consistent waves on the North Shore.
It has both clean lefts and rights with a couple of takeoff spots.
You can get everything from straight drainers to steep faces, perfect for laying down powerful carves and air sections to take flight.
All these, combined with how often it is on during the winter months, make this place special.
As much of the surf breaks on the North Shore, the lineup at Rockies is always star-studded with pro local boys like John John, Mason Ho, Nathan Florence, and more.
The Surf Culture
Not only is Rockies one of the best breaks on the North Shore, but Hawaii's history is extensive.
This has been the stomping ground for many young chargers and groms, such as Andy Irons, Kelly Slater, John John Florence, and many more.
Equipment
The water on Oahu ranges from 78 Fahrenheit to 81 Fahrenheit.
All you need are board shorts and a short board, as the wave is high-performance and not meant for beginner surfers.
Intermediate surfers should be wary of paddling out. I would recommend a wetsuit top or rashguard to avoid getting fried from the sun.
Where to Park
Park on the side of Kamehameha Highway and walk. It is best to keep your belongings safe while out in the water.
How to Surf Rockies
Break #1 (Rocky Rights)
Rocky Rights sits just south of the “Rocky Point” that is on the beach. It is a steep and fast wave that can often barrel both on the inside and from the takeoff.
While the various takeoff zones can vary depending on the swell direction, they usually sit outside of the point.
Crowds are heavier here than Rocky Lefts, as the wave is more consistent and barrels more often.
When taking off from the peak, the wave typically is a one or two-turn wave into a barrel section or air section that will send you launching.
Break #2 (Rocky Lefts)
On the other hand, Rocky Lefts is just north of “Rocky Point” and is also the best place to paddle out from to get out to the lineup.
If you paddle from the channel north of Rocky Lefts, the strong currents along the shallow reef shelf will take you straight out to the lineup. Sounds easier said than done, though.
The wave itself is similar to the Rocky Right, although it tends to be a bit shorter of a ride, with one turn and then a barrel section that leads to a kick out.
Both spots are world-class, so just a heads up, both will be crowded on big days.
Surfing Rockies
The North Shore has countless breaks and world-class waves along the seven-mile miracle shoreline.
Practically all are high-performance waves that require skill as much as they require surf etiquette.
Even if you are a decent surfer, these waves should only be taken on by those who are capable and willing to take risks; while it might seem like a playground of perfect waves and endless waves of the day, it is also one of the most dangerous and deadliest places to surf in the world.
Best swell directions are WNW to N and wind blowing E to S with ideal winds from SE, works pretty much on all tides but is best on peak high or peak low. Wave height can get anywhere from chest high to 3 feet overhead.