The Banzai Pipeline at Oahu Hawaii

Gerald Thermos

Introduction An authority in polyurethane and polyurea coatings, Gerald Thermos is

the inventor of a 100 percent polyurea elastomeric system. Outside of his professional work, Gerald Thermos has for decades followed his passion for surfing to various locations throughout the world. One globally popular surfing destination is the Banzai Pipeline in Oahu, Hawaii.

Surfers experience these legendary waves at Ehukai Beach Park on Oahu’s North Shore. In the winter season, swells that surge into the area rush through a very shallow razor-sharp reef producing waves more than 6 meters high. Under the right conditions, powerful barrels are produced. These are also some of heaviest waves in the world. 

The combination of the sharp reef and heavy, powerful waves makes for a very dangerous surfing environment. Needless to say, this location is not for beginners, and only the world’s top surfers attempt to ride these waves. The Pipeline Masters Surf Contest, where the world’s best and most daring surfers compete, is held in this location.