The Half Pipe Attack (ハーフパイプアタック) was an obstacle introduced into First Stage in SASUKE 19. It replaced the Bungee Bridge, which didn't eliminate anyone in the previous tournament. It was similar to a past obstacle, the Nejireta Kabe, which appeared from SASUKE 13 to SASUKE 15.
In SASUKE 19, the obstacle was notably painted with flame patterns. From SASUKE 20 to SASUKE 27, the obstacle was simply painted brown.
Competitors must run across a vertical half-pipe, then make a leap from the half-pipe about halfway through to reach a rope that swings them onto a narrow landing pad.
While its function is simple, the obstacle caused major problems for competitors in SASUKE 20, because many competitors failed to make the dismount to the landing pad properly. To make it easier for the competitors to advance, the producers flattened the landing platform in SASUKE 21.
Many competitors make the mistake of reaching the platform but failing to land, and then having to swing back to the half pipe for a second go.
It was taken out of the First Stage after Urushihara Yuuji's kanzenseiha in SASUKE 24, only to return in SASUKE 26, whereupon the landing platform was cushioned to be similar to the one used in SASUKE 20.
The obstacle has in its history eliminated notable competitors such as:
- Morimoto Yusuke
- Akiyama Kazuhiko (twice)
- Yamamoto Shingo (twice)
- Kawahara Takuya (twice)
- Washimi Yuuji
- Wakky (twice)
- Miyazaki Daisuke
- Luci Romberg
- Kadoi Satomi (twice)
- Komiya Rie
- Urushihara Yuuji
SASUKE 27 Version
Kanno Hitoshi attempted the Half Pipe Attack, SASUKE 27
Major changes were made to the Half Pipe Attack in SASUKE 27.
The landing pad was turned into a very small, wooden platform without padding. Then, competitors had to traverse a stationary log to the Soritatsu Kabe. If the competitors did not land on the small platform on the first pass, they would have to land on the log for the second pass.
Drew Drechsel injured his knee while landing on the Half Pipe Attack in SASUKE 27
This change was proven to be extremely dangerous, as Drew Drechsel landed on the log awkwardly, fracturing his right ACL and MCL, which forced him to withdraw from the competition. Drew Drechsel's run in this tournament was not shown during the original broadcast, although it was shown during the broadcast of American Ninja Warrior 3.
Because of Drew Drechsel’s injury, it was replaced by the Ni Ren Soritatsu Kabe in SASUKE 28.
American Ninja Warrior Appearances
American Ninja Warrior 4's Half Pipe Attack in Stage One
American Ninja Warrior 6's Half Pipe Attack in Stage One
The Half Pipe Attack appeared as the fifth obstacle from American Ninja Warrior 4 to American Ninja Warrior 6, which was similar to the SASUKE 27 version of the Half Pipe Attack, with the only difference that the landing platform was softened and the beam to the Warped Wall was flattened at the top. On American Ninja Warrior 6, Meagan Martin became the first female competitor to complete the obstacle.
On American Ninja Warrior 7, the obstacle was replaced by the Sonic Curve, which had a similar concept to this obstacle.
Other Appearances
SASUKE Vietnam 3's Half Pipe Attack
The Half Pipe Attack (called locally as Bật Tường Đu Dây Qua Hào Nước or simply called as Bật Tường Đu Dây on SASUKE Vietnam 3) appeared on SASUKE Vietnam 1, as the fifth obstacle in Stage 2, which was similar to one used from American Ninja Warrior 4 to American Ninja Warrior 6 (since the landing platform was softened and the beam to the first wall of the Double Warped Wall was flattened at the top).
From SASUKE Vietnam 2 to SASUKE Vietnam 3, the obstacle was moved as the third obstacle in Stage 2. This time, the beam was placed nearby the pulled landing platform.
On SASUKE Vietnam 4, it was replaced by the Roulette Row.
Competitors' Success Rate
- All results based on the TBS/NBC broadcast and external information found
SASUKE
| SASUKE | Clears | Attempts | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19 | 15 | 21 | 71.43% |
| 20 | 18 | 36 | 50% |
| 21 | 28 | 35 | 80% |
| 22 | 26 | 30 | 89.66% |
| 23 | 35 | 42 | 84.33% |
| 24 | 20 | 22 | 90.91% |
| 26 | 15 | 20 | 76% |
| 27 | 35 | 38 | 92.11% |
| Total | 192 | 244 | 78.69% |
American Ninja Warrior
| ANW | Clears | Attempts | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| ANW4 | 52 | 62 | 83.87% |
| ANW5 | 29 | 33 | 87.88% |
| ANW6 | 33 | 36 | 91.67% |
| USA vs. Japan | 5 | 5 | 100% |
| USA vs. The World | 6 | 6 | 100% |
| Total | 125 | 142 | 88.03% |
Gallery
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