Kirra, Gold Coast, Queensland: Sand bottom barreling waves up to 3km long by the time you count the outside takeoff point to Snapper Rocks and how it peels in through Rainbow Bay, Greenmount, Coolangatta Beach and then onto Kirra. Tube rides in excess of 30 seconds have been scored here.
Pipeline, North Shore Hawaii: One of the most beautiful, yet deadly barrels in the world. Death or glory, death and glory, at Pipeline on the North Shore of Oahu to take off and survive a barrel ride at Pipeline is one of the highest achievements for any surfer.
Teahupo’o, Tahiti: One of the most iconic barrels anywhere in the world. A gorgeous and yet potentially lethal barrel, the warm water and tranquility distract from what lurks just below the surface – ultra sharp and shallow coral reef and the power of the whole southern Pacific Ocean pushing in behind it. The surfer in this shot is Shaun Cansdell.
Bali: A surfer’s dream. Warm water, perfect barrels, a laid back lifestyle, cheap and easy living. The crowds are a curse though, especially in peak season from May to October.
Puerto Escondido, Mexico: One of the most consistent barrels in the world. It is a natural and rare geographical phenomena where a deep offshore trench bends and twists the energy from wave trains travelling north from the southern Pacific Ocean and focuses it onto one part of the beach creating peaking, twisting and barreling waves on shallow sandbars.
For more on Harro’s latest doco head to www.surfthebarrel.com.
