Definition: A spot of deep water where the surf doesn't usually form; it's a good place to paddle out to the lineup. Beach breaks don't normally have a discernible channel, but reef breaks such as Pipeline and Sunset Beach in Hawaii have nice easy areas to paddle out. This poses a problem only when novice surfers are able to easily access dangerous surf or when the swell rises so large that waves break through.
Pronunciation: chan*nel
Also Known As: calm water
Examples: The surf was so big that most guys were sitting in the channel watching.
