Lexus Pipe Pro
The World Surf League’s Lexus Pipe Pro is pure surf magic at O’ahu’s Banzai Pipeline! Enjoy VIP access and a local’s welcome to the first event of the WSL’s Championship Tour season.
All levels
Jan 31 – Feb 6
O’ahu, Hawaii
Turtle Bay Resort
Up to 12 surfers
Since 1971, Banzai Pipeline has provided the waves for the greatest surfers to compete. This year, twelve fans get insider access to the Lexus Pipe Pro. Sit in the VIP area. Spend time with WSL competitors away from heats. And when heats aren’t running, our crew of locals - 2011 WSL Big Wave Champion Jamie Sterling, Kalani Chapman, and Dom Del Rosario - help you navigate the North Shore.
Trip Highlights
Enjoy VIP access to Pipe Pro and a local’s welcome to the North Shore. This exclusive experience provides an insider take on the Championship Tour’s opening event – from seats in the VIP area for every heat and opportunities to connect with WSL athletes away from the competition to surf guiding on off days with locals like 2011 WSL Big Wave champion Jamie Sterling, Kalani Chapman, and Dom Del Rosario and surf filmmaker Marco Arellano there to capture the moments.
VIP access to Pipe Pro
VIP access at all Pipe Pro heats. We’ll hang in the VIP area, with great sight lines, comfortable seats, and complementary food and drink.
Spend time with Seth Moniz
Surf guide: Jamie Sterling
O’ahu native and 2011 WSL Big Wave champion Jamie Sterling will find the perfect North Shore breaks for each surfer in our groups.
Surf Guide: Dominic Del Rosario
Surfing with Dom isn’t about just riding waves—it’s about finding your flow with the ocean. Dom grew up in Hawaii, learning the ropes at one of the island’s most localized surf spots and that taught respect, patience, and how to read the waves like second nature.
Surf Guide: Kalani Chapman
Kalani was born and raised on the North Shore of O’ahu and comes from a family with a big wave surfing heritage. His two uncles, Owl and “Chappy “, helped pioneer the sport. Kalani is a Pipeline Masters finalist and has dedicated his life to surfing the world’s most famous wave.
Photographer: Marco Arellano
Surf photographer Marco Arellano will capture memories from the week. Marco lives on the North Shore, and his art captures the raw beauty and power of the ocean.
“I’ve been a bunch of times, but I’ve never really been dialed-in on the North Shore. To me, that was the coolest thing – there’s nobody else offering this kind of experience.”
Why surf Oahu?
With Honolulu and the bustling southern side of O’ahu commonly referred to as “Town,” the greener, slower-paced North Shore is what locals call “Country”. A tight-knit community of natives and transplants lines the postcard-like coastline. Whether you smell the backyard BBQs down side streets, taste fresh açai from a food truck, or visit an ancient Hawaiian *heiau* in the hills, the unchanging North Shore has an earthy culture beyond the surf.
Unassuming Icon
Sitting in the surf with the Zen-like Jamie Sterling, you’ll notice that he gets more shakas and Howzits than the average local. Born and raised on the North Shore, he has been a waterman his entire life. Beginning his big-wave career at age 16, Jamie went on to earn countless accolades, including the 2011 WSL Big Wave World Championship. Having him by your side is a backstage pass to a coastline that many visitors never truly know.
Luxury on the North Shore
Commonly known as the place to stay and play during Winter stints on the island, the Ritz Carlton O’ahu, Turtle Bay is a hot spot for surfers of all ilk. However, slightly removed from the hard-core bustle of the seven-mile surf scene, this luxury resort is as calming as they come. From five-star accommodations and rejuvenating spa and fitness offerings to myriad mouthwatering dining options and on-site surf lessons, you may not want to leave this Hawaiian haven.
When do WSL heats run?
The 2025 Pipe Pro window will be open from January 27 to February 8. Within this window, the WSL will pick optimal dates to run heats, and the heats will run over 4 to 6 days. We’ve collaborated with WSL to pick trip dates that maximize the number of heats travelers can attend, and if you’d like to extend your trip for all the days of the competition window, we’d be glad to accommodate that.
What is a typical day on the trip?
Each night, we’ll get a head’s up from the WSL if heats will be running the next day. On heat days, Jamie and our crew of guides will lead the group over to the event to watch the heats from the VIP booth and take in the scene. On off days, we’ll break into smaller groups based on surf skill and interest to find the right breaks for surfers of every level. While the North Shore has heavy waves like Pipeline, there are also lots of spots better suited for beginners and intermediates. And beyond the surf, the North Shore has amazing hikes and nature for some diversity. In this evening, you’ll be free to enjoy the the Ritz-Carlton O’ahu, Turtle Bay resort!
How well do I need to surf?
Surfers of all abilities can find fun waves on this trip. With multiple guides, we’ll break into smaller groups so everyone can surf the right waves for them.
What heats will I be able to watch?
We’ll have VIP access to all WSL heats. You are invited to come to as many events as you’d like!
Can I arrive early or stay through the weekend, after Feb 6, to be there for the entire competition window?
Yes. Let us know if you’d like to extend the trip.
What airport do I fly into?
We recommend flying into Honolulu, which is about a 1-hour drive from the Ritz-Carlton O’ahu, Turtle Bay. Airport transfers will be arranged based on your arrival and departure times. If your flight times align with other participants, transfers may be shared. For the best experience, we suggest arriving by 1:00 PM on January 31st and departing after 3:00 PM on February 6th. There will also be an option to surf half-days on both the arrival and departure days.
Can I travel solo?
Absolutely. We’ll have a welcoming group, and this is a great way to connect with other surfers and WSL fans!
How many travelers will be in the group?
We’ll have a maximum of 12 travelers. Come solo or bring a friend. The trip will run no matter what size group.
OK, how much?
The trip costs $6,495 per person based on double occupancy. If you are traveling solo (or with a companion but want separate rooms), there is a $2,000 additional fee. You can cancel anytime 30 days prior to the trip’s start date for a full refund including your deposit.
What are the 2025 trip dates?
The trip is scheduled for Jan 31 – Feb 6, 2025. If you’re interested in going but can’t make these dates, please reach out. We have other WSL trips coming up.
Are non-surfers welcome on the trip?
Yes, all are welcome! Between the Pipe Pro heats, the Ritz-Carlton O’ahu, Turtle Bay resort, and all the activities on the North Shore, non-surfers will have plenty to do!
What is included?
VIP access to all WSL heats, meet-and-greet event with WSL athletes, daily surf guiding led by O’ahu native Jamie Sterling, 6 nights at The Ritz-Carlton O’ahu, Turtle Bay, board rental, photography, and transportation to WSL events and daily surf outings, and airport transportation.
What’s not included?
Flights and meals are not included. You’ll have excellent dining options at your hotel. Also, we don’t include travel insurance (but will gladly suggest some options for you).
Who is organizing this trip?
This trip is organized by Thermal. Thermal’s community of guides – Jamie Sterling, Dominic Del Rosario, and Kalani Chapman – will ensure travelers feel at home on the North Shore, and Thermal’s traveler support team stands by to ensure travelers have a memorable experience. The World Surf League is providing insider access to the event and helping arrange time with athletes.