Backdoor is a fierce right-hander tucked into the northern corner of the bay at Cactus, sharing its name and its top-to-bottom barrelling ferocity with the Hawaiian original. It breaks over a sharp, shallow reef that sits close to deep water beneath the cliffs, and the peak is genuinely hard to read. That difficulty keeps it lower on the locals' list, which makes it a rewarding find for a travelling surfer who craves heavy right barrels.
When It Works
The wave draws swell from the south through west (S-W), with southwest (SW) lining it up best. It works from 0.9 m / 3 ft to 3 m / 10 ft and stays moderately consistent, so quality windows turn up without being an everyday thing.
Wind and Tide
Look for a northeast (NE) offshore wind to clean up the faces. It's best around low tide, with a rising tide generally the better part of that window.
Local Tips
This one is strictly for experts, tube-riders confident taking on a shallow reef under the cliffs. Expect a moderately busy lineup when it's firing.
Access
There's a car park with free parking, and camping is available for anyone wanting to stay close to the action.
