The Half Pipe Attack (ハーフパイプアタック) was an obstacle introduced into Stage 1 in SASUKE 19. It replaced the Bungee Bridge, which didn't retire anyone in the previous tournament. It was similar to the previous 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 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 themselves onto a narrow landing pad. While its function is simple, it caused major problems to competitors in SASUKE 20 because many failed to land on 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. The obstacle has in its history eliminated notable competitors such as Akiyama Kazuhiko, Yamamoto Shingo and Urushihara Yuuji.
SASUKE 27 Version
Kanno Hitoshi attempting the SASUKE 27 version of the Half-Pipe Attack.
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 a competitor did not land on the small platform on the first pass, they would have to land on the log for the second pass. This change proved extremely dangerous as Drew Drechsel landed on the log awkwardly, fracturing his right ACL and MCL which forced him to withdraw from the competition. Despite its danger, this version also appeared in Stage One on American Ninja Warrior 4 to American Ninja Warrior 6, although with the rope being significantly lower. On American Ninja Warrior 7, this obstacle was replaced by Sonic Curve. After SASUKE 27, it has been replaced by Ni Ren Soritatsu Kabe in the SASUKE tournaments.
Drew Drechsel injured his knee while landing on the Half Pipe Attack in SASUKE 27.
Competitors' Success Rate
- All results based on the TBS broadcast and external information found
| 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% |
| ANW4 | 54 | 64 | 84.38% |
| ANW5 | 26 | 30 | 86.67% |
| ANW6 | 33 | 36 | 91.67% |
| Total | 305 | 374 | 81.55% |