Hawaiian Pro

World Surf League Men's QS10000                                              
Haleiwa Ali'i Beach, North Shore, Oahu
12 - 23 November, 2016

Solid surf is expected again tomorrow as JJF & Slater join circus

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 14 November, 2016 - Twenty-foot wave faces provided a dramatic canvas for Day 2 of the Hawaiian Pro at Haleiwa Ali'i Beach today, and some of the largest conditions in the history of this event. 

With no shortage of action, the competition featured high performance surfing and a handful of excellent scores for the World Surf League (WSL) Qualifying Series (QS) 10,000 event. Solid surf is expected again tomorrow when the event's top seeds enter the fray, including World Champion elect John John Florence (HAW) and 11x World Champ Kelly Slater (USA).

McGill © WSL/Cestari

The first stop of the Vans Triple Crown, the Hawaiian Pro field has been whittled down by half, with just 64 surfers now remaining as competitors prepare for Round 3. Key advancements included the likes of Evan Geiselman (USA), Mihimana Braye (PYF)and Brett Simpson (USA).

Braye set the standard this morning in the opening heat and despite his experience in heavy waves at home in Tahiti, conditions proved extremely powerful.

“It's really hard, I've never surfed Haleiwa like this before, this big,” said Braye. “It was hard, I went out with a 6'4, maybe too small, then I brought out my 6'8 and it felt really good. The waves are big out there, really big, and when the sets come you don't want to be where it breaks.”

In contention for Rookie of the Year, Braye was reassured with another day of competition after advancing from Round Two ahead of Brazil’s Deivid Silva.

Tanner Gudauskas © WSL/Cestari

Veteran CT surfer Nathan Hedge (AUS) commented that he has been coming to Hawaii for 20 years and has only surfed conditions like this twice at Haleiwa. Experience at the temperamental wave is crucial, however on big days it can be outweighed by athleticism and brute power.

Cascais local Frederico Morais (PRT) had the highest score of the event, a 9.77 on his first wave of the heat. The athlete produced three major maneuvers on the set wave, stamped it with a claim at the end, then backed it up with an 8.10 for the heat win.

The second highest heat score of the day went to Big Island’s Torrey Meister, a 9.50 for a critical drop and controlled backhand carves in the double overhead surf. Meister, a notorious dark horse on the North Shore, advanced in second after Hiroto Ohhara (JPN)dropped a 7.17 in the dying seconds of the heat to move to first with a combined heat score of 15.50. He is now one of only five Hawaii locals still in contention.

“I’m really happy they waited for this swell,” said Meister. “It’s kind of like playing cat and mouse with the huge sets and the current and the waves, and trying to get those medium waves that are really deep and have the right direction.”

Nathan Hedge © WSL/Cestari

Meister sits 47th on the International Qualifying Series (QS), which means his dream of joining the elite 34 on the Championship Tour (CT) is within reach. A Final finish at the Hawaiian Pro would see Torrey move into the Vans World Cup as a serious contender.

“That would be the best thing ever that could happen, but it’s really far out so I’m just going to surf it heat by heat,” said Meister in regards to qualifying for the 2017 CT.

Vans team rider Tanner Gudauskas (USA) was a standout performer in the extra large surf and eager to compete in Hawaii for the first time this season.

“I was really excited to surf in these conditions,” said Gudauskas. “It’s fun being given the opportunity to be challenged, not just by the lineups or the conditions, it’s also the size of the waves. For us on the QS, I think we relish having days like this because it’s always pretty small.”

Surfline forecasts the swell to trend down tomorrow, but with waves still reaching 12+ft. heights, it is likely the competition will resume at 8am HST. Contest organizers will reconvene in the morning to assess conditions and determine a call.

The WSL Men’s QS10,000 Hawaiian Pro is scheduled from November 12 - 23, 2016 and runs in conjunction with the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing specialty series along the North Shore of Oahu. For all results, photos, video highlights, press releases and LIVE webcast, log on to worldsurfleague.com or the WSL mobile app.
 

RESULTS
Surfers shown 1st through 4th, all athletes from Hawaii unless otherwise noted. 

ROUND of 64, 1st and 2nd advance, 3th=33rd, 4th=49th place
H1: Gony Zubizarreta (ESP), Mitch Crews (AUS), Adriano De Souza (BRA), Bino Lopes (BRA)

ROUND OF 96, 1st and 2nd advance, 3rd=65th place, 4th=81st place

H3: Mihimana Braye (PYF), Deivid Silva (BRA), Charles Martin (GLP), Granger Larsen

H4: Samuel Pupo (BRA), Yago Dora (BRA), Timothee Bisso (GLP), Krystian Kymerson (BRA)

H5: Ramzi Boukhiam (MAR), Hizunome Bettero (BRA), Ricardo Christie (NZL), Lucas Silveira (BRA)

H6: Robson Santos (BRA), Tomas Hermes (BRA), Finn McGill, Willian Cardoso (BRA)

H7: Hiroto Ohhara (JPN), Torrey Meister, Soli Bailey (AUS), Heitor Alves (BRA)

H8: Dion Atkinson (AUS), Hiroto Arai (JPN), Keoni Yan, Billy Stairmand (NZL)

H9: Griffin Colapinto (USA), Mitch Coleborn (AUS), Marco Fernandez (BRA), Dimitri Ouvre (BLM)

H10: Vasco Ribeiro (PRT), Tanner Gudauskas (USA), O’Neill Massin (PYF), Carlos Munoz (CRI)

H11: Ian Crane (USA), Evan Geiselman (USA), Joshua Moniz, Michael Dunphy (USA)

H12: Frederico Morais (PRT), Brett Simpson (USA), Marco Giorgi (URY), Noe Mar McGonagle (CRI)

H13: Shun Murakami (JPN), Cooper Chapman (AUS), Santiago Muniz (ARG), Taumata Puhetini (PYF)

H14: Aritz Aranburu (ESP), Jesse Mendes (BRA), Eli Olson, Tanner Hendrickson

H15: Victor Bernardo (BRA), Diego Mignot (FRA), Seth Moniz, Maxime Huscenot (FRA)

H16: Nathan Hedge (AUS), Patrick Gudauskas (USA), Michael February (ZAF), Tom Whitaker (AUS)

Hawaiian Pro

World Surf League Men's QS10000                                              
Haleiwa Ali'i Beach, North Shore, Oahu
12 - 23 November, 2016

Slater competed at the Hawaiian Pro for the first time in four years

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 15 November, 2016 - Current World champion John John Florence (HAW) drew an enthusiastic crowd to Haleiwa Ali‘i Beach for Day 3 of the Hawaiian Pro, a World Surf League (WSL) Qualifying Series (QS) 10,000 event and the first stop of the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing.

After a heartwarming homecoming and the biggest victory of his career, Florence competes at Haleiwa with no pressure, which made for a highly entertaining performance featuring his signature free surfing style.

Florence has yet to win the Billabong Pipe Masters, but has taken a Vans Triple Crown title in 2013 and 2011, and saw victory at Sunset during the 2011 Vans World Cup. With a strong appetite to win in his backyard, John John is off to a successful start after advancing in first from his Round Three heat.
 

Kelly Slater © WSL / Cestari

”Winning Pipe would really top my year off,” said Florence. “Winning the Triple Crown and Pipe would really do it for me. But I’m just taking the whole thing relaxed. I feel like that’s what I did this year, I felt relaxed and focused, finding that balance between the two. Having no pressure and being able to surf these events is really cool because you’re not sitting out there nervous or anything like that. You’re not thinking about falling or anything. I’m just having fun. I’m just going to keep this mindset through Sunset and then get ready for Pipe.”

Florence went up against a fiery heat that included former Vans Triple Crown champion and Hawaiian Pro winner Sebastian Zietz (HAW), talented dark horse Torrey Meister (HAW) and Australia’s Dion Atkinson.

While every surfer has their sights set on a win in Hawaii, nobody tops Kelly Slater (USA)when it comes to seeking a John John upset at Pipeline. Last year at the Billabong Pipe Masters, Florence lost to the 11x World Champion in Round 4.

“More than anything I want to win Pipeline,” said Slater. “Triple Crown is second to that. To me, Pipeline is the one you want to win of any contest in the world, that or The Eddie. That’s going to be where my focus is. But if I can do well in these first two events and then have a shot at Pipe, obviously if you win any of these contests, Triple Crown is in the conversation.”

Slater competed at the Hawaiian Pro for the first time in four years and started his campaign off strong with a 9.00, the highest single wave score of the morning, and the heat win. He had victory earlier this year at the first Qualifying Series (QS) event of 2016, the Volcom Pipe Pro, and then again at the Billabong Pro Tahiti in August, and is hungry for another win.

Griffin Colapinto © WSL/Cestari
 

In the most jaw-dropping performance of the day, Griffin Colapinto (USA) scored a 9.93 in the last second of the heat for a hail mary air reverse on a closeout. Touted as one of the best heat finales ever at Haleiwa, Colapinto catapulted from third to first and knocked Tanner Gudauskas (USA) out of the competition.

“That was such a big heat with so many big guys, everyone was pretty much on the CT in that heat,” said Colapinto. "I thought I was doing good to start and then I needed a big score and then I just made it happen I guess… I’ve got the most confidence in the world right now. I just beat Jordy Smith, he’s one of my favorite surfers, I always love watching him surf before I go freesurf, like in Modern Collective so to beat him at a good wave feels really good."

With above-the-lip progression, Colapinto, 18, surfed well beyond his years to advance into Round 4.

Another standout in today’s conditions was local boy Keanu Asing (HAW), who took the heat win ahead of Tahitian powerhouse Mihimana Braye (PYF), Yago Dora (BRA) and Alex Ribeiro (BRA). Asing had his first professional victory on the CT in France last month, which shot him up the rankings to No. 23 on the Jeep Leader Board. One step closer to a win on home turf, Asing is already celebrating the Hawaii wins thus far.

Leonardo Firoavanti © Cestari /WSL

“It’s so exciting, just seeing the elevation of our Hawaiian athletes surfing,” said Asing. “It’s just been such a growth and been such a long time coming. Right now we get to celebrate that here in Hawaii at the end of the year. We have a new World Champion and we have a few event winners. There’s no better feeling than to celebrate that. There’s a lot for Hawaii to be proud of. For me, it’s very exciting to be celebrating with everybody, it is so enjoyable.”

Finals day at the Hawaiian Pro looks likely for this Friday, November 18 as the waves are forecast to rev back up for a solid NNW swell in the 10-15ft. range.
 

Hawaiian Pro

World Surf League Men's QS10000                                              
Haleiwa Ali'i Beach, North Shore, Oahu
12 - 23 November, 2016

Florence edges out Frederico Morais in super close final

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 18 November, 2016 - Newly crowned 2016 World Champion John John Florence returned home to gift his community with yet another astounding victory today at the Hawaiian Pro, the first stop of the Vans Triple Crown and World Surf League Qualifying Series 10,000 event.

In one of the tightest Finals in competitive history, Florence broke a tie with Frederico Morais for first place, winning with the highest individual wave score on a countback. Marc Lacomare (FRA) finished third and Adrian Buchan (AUS) was fourth.

“It's been the best year of my life for sure,” said Florence atop the podium. “So happy to be back home and with my family and friends. I couldn't have done it without my mom, my brothers supporting me my whole life. The Johnson family, Pyzel has been a big help with everything. Thanks to everyone down here today, coming down and supporting us and cheering us on. The security team has been a great help, the Hawaiian Water Patrol, you guys are always doing a great job. Thanks to WSL, and I'm stoked.”

The start to 2016 saw Florence make the Quarterfinal at the Volcom Pipe Pro, then storm the Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational, followed by a win at the Oi Rio Pro, 2nd places at both J-Bay Open and Billabong Pro Tahiti, then clinch the World Title and event win at the MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal, and round things off with a win at the first event of the Hawaiian season.

John John Florence © WSL/Cestari

“I want to win another World Title for sure,” continued Florence. “I’d love to win the Triple Crown and I want to win Pipe. I want to win everything. So that’s my goal right now, to be a really good competitive surfer. I think there’s so much to learn about myself and learn how to compete still. I’m really excited looking towards next year for that.”

Florence activated the heat as a three-wave set appeared on the horizon, taking off on the first one for a 6.83. Meanwhile Morais and Lacomare jumped on the succeeding waves for matching 8.33’s from the judges and a tie for first, an early indicator of how the heat – and eventually the win – would progress. The four surfers went wave for wave in the 35-minute Final, with Florence taking the lead after posting an excellent 8.83 on his second wave.

With total commitment, John John stood apart from competitors with his down-the-line speed, but Morais proved equally talented with aggressive maneuvers. Hailing from Cascais, Portugal, Morais impressed the beach crowd with a big frontside snap followed by two more major turns and a big air drop floater to shift the scenario. His calculated yet loose surfing scored him a 7.33 on his second wave, which tied him for first with Florence. Morais needed to secure a 7.34 to jump ahead of Florence and in the dying seconds of the heat had his final shot at it…coming incredibly close with a 7.33.

“That was crazy,” Florence said post heat. “Freddy got two, his two waves were so, so close. At that point it's so close you don't really know. I'm so stoked. I'd kind of just gotten over it, being on the beach was like, 'oh gosh I don't know what's going to happen.' I can't even believe I won, I'm so stoked. I came home and was just going to do Haleiwa for fun and to win it is amazing.”

Frederico Morais © WSL/Cestari

Morais jumped from 28 on the Qualifying Series up to the No. 10 position and is looking solid to now qualify for the 2017 Championship Tour. With a final at Sunset back in 2013, Morais looks toward the Vans World Cup with confidence.

“I'm feeling good, I'm relaxed,” said Morais after the awards ceremony. “(This result) is heaps of points and it puts me in a good position to qualify for next year. I love Sunset, it’s a really good wave. I've had fun there and I guess I have nothing to lose. I'm just going to enjoy myself and hope to get through some heats, make a final maybe.”

“John John is such a great surfer, amazing. I matched him not even a few weeks ago in Portugal when he was crowned world champ and it was really nice to watch. He deserves it, he's probably the best surfer in the world right now and it's an honor to be matching the same scores here as him, and 2nd place is amazing."

Kelly Slater © WSL/Heff

RESULTS
Surfers shown 1st through 4th, all athletes from Hawaii unless otherwise noted.

1st – John John Florence (HAW), 10000 points
2nd – Frederico Morais (PRT), 8000 points
3rd – Marc Lacomare (FRA), 6700 points
4th – Adrian Buchan (AUS), 6300 points

SEMIFINALS, 1st and 2nd advance, 3rd=5th place, 4th=7th place
SF1: John John Florence, Marc Lacomare (FRA), Connor O’Leary (AUS), Davey Cathels (AUS)
SF2: Frederico Morais (PRT), Adrian Buchan (AUS), Jadson Andre (BRA), Joan Duru (FRA)

QUARTERFINALS, 1st and 2nd advance, 3rd=9th place, 4th=13th place
QF1: Marc Lacomare (FRA), Connor O’Leary (AUS), Kelly Slater (USA), Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA)
QF2: John John Florence, Davey Cathels (AUS), Mitch Crews (AUS), Gony Zubizarreta (ESP)
QF3: Jadson Andre (BRA), Frederico Morais (PRT), Griffin Colapinto (USA), Victor Bernardo (BRA)
QF4: Joan Duru (FRA), Adrian Buchan (AUS), Brett Simpson (USA), Ethan Ewing (AUS)

Gony Zubizarreta © WSL/Cestari

ROUND of 32, 1st and 2nd advance, 3rd=17th place, 4th=25th place
H1: Marc Lacomare (FRA), Gony Zubizarrreta (ESP), Samuel Pupo (BRA), Mihimana Braye (PYF)
H2: Kelly Slater (USA), Mitch Crew (AUS), Jeremy Flores (FRA), Keanu Asing
H3: Davey Cathels (AUS), Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA), Tomas Hermes (BRA), Sebastian Zietz
H4: John John Florence, Connor O’Leary (AUS), Robson Santos (BRA), Jack Freestone (AUS)
H5: Griffin Colapinto (USA), Brett Simpson (USA), Vasco Ribeiro (PRT), Evan Geiselman (USA)
H6: Frederico Morais (PRT), Joan Duru (FRA), Kai Otton (AUS), Jordy Smith (ZAF)
H7: Adrian Buchan (AUS), Victor Bernardo (BRA), Miguel Pupo (BRA), Nathan Hedge (AUS)
H8: Ethan Ewing (AUS), Jadson Andre (BRA), Diego Mignot (FRA), Cooper Chapman (AUS)

Video Updates

Enjoy dropping in at some of the better spots on the North Shore, well, virtually at least

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 16 December, 2016 - As the world waits for Pipe to turn on for the main event of the Pipeline Masters, a whole slew of other spots on the North Shore have been lighting up.

The stretch of sand, rock and reef from Sunset Beach to Haleiwa has so much variation that something somewhere is always working during the month of December.

This latest edit from MySurfTV celebrates the right spot on the right day.

Billabong Pipe Masters in Memory of Andy Irons

World Surf League Championship Tour event
Pipeline, North Shore Oahu Hawaii
8 - 20 December 2016

Top seeds Medina, Wilson fall to rookies Callinan, Igarashi

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 18 December, 2016 - The Billabong Pipe Masters in Memory of Andy Irons, the final stop on the 2016 Samsung Galaxy World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT) and culminating event of the Vans Triple Crown, continued today in building three-to-five foot (1-1.5 metre) surf.

With re-qualification on the line, elimination Rounds 2 and 3 delivered some heavy losses and big upsets as 23 surfers were sent home.

2016 WSL Champion John John Florence (HAW) continued his winning streak at Pipe after defeating Bede Durbidge (AUS) in Round 3 Heat 6. Durbidge kicked off the heat with a smooth barrel, but Florence fired back with two excellent-range scores, an 8.10 and a 7.17. Although leaving Pipe with a 13th place finish, Durbidge made a triumphant return to competition after suffering an injury last year. Prior to matching up with Florence, Durbidge took down Adrian Buchan (AUS), current No. 12 on the Jeep Leaderboard, in Round 2 Heat 5.

Sebastien Zietz © WSL/Heff
 

“It was super cool to surf against Bede [Durbidge],” Florence said. “He is such a legend and such a good guy. He is an amazing surfer and it is so awesome to see him back in the water now. I started working with him at Snapper earlier this year and he was barely walking. Just to see him progress through the whole year is really cool. I still took it like a heat though because I want to keep going in this event.”

“I’m stoked and very grateful to be back here competing,” said Durbidge. “I’m happy to be back and to get another chance to surf out here again with just a few people out. I’ve been here all winter and getting used to that power again.”

Rookie Ryan Callinan (AUS) upset the competition today with his win over two-time Pipe finalist and current World No. 2 Gabriel Medina (BRA) in Round 3 Heat 7. Callinan posted a 15.34 combined heat score, including an excellent 8.67, to lead the heat and put pressure on the top seed. In the dying minutes of the heat, Medina only needed a 6.75, but was not able to manufacture the necessary score and will be eliminated from the event. The win marks Callinan’s career first Round 4 berth.

“I guess this is a good end to the year already as I haven’t made it past the third round until now,” Callinan said. “Round 3 has kind of got me this year and the two guys I beat today have kind of got me in most of the events so it is good to get a bit of payback in. I am really happy to make some heats. I feel like I am just surfing and trying to get a good wave to myself. There’s no way I can requalify so I just went out there to have fun. I was disappointed not to make it but lots of friends did. I’m pumped for next year to try and get back on tour.”

Finn McGill © WSL/Heff

“I am really happy with my year,” said Medina. “It was a good year and I want to thank everyone who was involved. Now I am off to Brazil to relax with my family and friends. It is going to start all over again pretty soon. I am going to start training and will be back next year. I feel really good and confident for next year.”

Round 2 Heat 6 saw an all-rookie clash between Callinan and Caio Ibelli (BRA), but the Australian found one of the better waves of the heat for a 7.83 on his final ride and took the win. Although Ibelli is eliminated from the competition in Equal 25th, he has claimed the honor of Rookie of the Year for the 2016 season.

“It’s really hard out there and it’s my first Pipe Masters ever,” said Ibelli. “I went out there looking for the sets and it’s heartbreaking that I didn’t find a barrel. Although now I can relax and then I’ll get back to training soon. This year was one of the best years of my life. It was such a great experience to be on tour and surf all those waves that I dream about. It was also really humbling to see all the guys I look up to.”

The upsets continued as Nat Young (USA) played spoiler for 2015 WSL Champion and defending event winner Adriano de Souza (BRA) in Round 3 Heat 9. Young picked off a clean Backdoor wave for a 6.17 backed up by only a 1.83. With time winding down, De Souza was not able to turn in his 3.34 combined score and this loss will put an end to his season.

John John Florence @ WSL/Poulenot à

“It was a fun year for sure to be a defending champion,” said De Souza. “I’m excited for next year. I think it will be way different for me because I’ll have way more time to prepare for the season. This contest is really special for me and every time I come to Pipe I’m so grateful to everyone for their help. When you’re not winning contests it’s frustrating, but I just have to enjoy being here. I’ve been coming to this contest for 10 years so I’ve been learning from the best.”

The final heat of the day witnessed an exciting match-up as 11-time WSL Champion Kelly Slater (USA) went up against rookie Conner Coffin (USA). The seven-time event winner stayed busy in the line-up, catching nearly every wave that came through. Slater’s efforts paid off as he was able to turn in two-excellent scores for a 15.27 combined total. Needing a 9.17 in the dying minutes of the heat, a set out the back gave Coffin one last opportunity to take the win. Coffin hunted down a deep barrel, but was rewarded with a 9.07, falling just 0.07 short of the win.

“It was a real tactical battle, so I was just trying to get something going on the smaller waves,” Slater said. “Backdoor is actually one of the great air waves when the wind is right. There’s always more to learn. It’s great to see how many rotations and flips are coming in. It’s fun to see that stuff and it’s fun to do it if you can figure it all out.”

Earlier in the day Coffin put on a show Round 2 Heat 9 by finding a clean tube followed by a powerful carve for an early lead in his bout against fellow rookie Jack Freestone (AUS). With ten minutes remaining Freestone answered with a barrel of his own and was rewarded with a 5.83 to close the gap on Coffin. An exciting close to heat saw the pair trade barrel rides and lead changes, until Coffin’s final ride - a clean tube followed by a huge layback - earned him a 7.77 and the win.

Kanoa Igarashi @ WSl/Cestari

Rookie Kanoa Igarashi (USA) continued to shake-up the top seeds with his win over 2014 Pipe Master Julian Wilson (AUS) in Round 3 Heat 10. The heat saw low scores, but Igarashi found just enough to scrape through to the next round. Igarashi’s win sees him earn his second Round 4 berth of the season, while Wilson will leave the North Shore with a 13th place finish.

“That Round 3 heat has been getting me all year,” said Igarashi. “That was a really important heat and Julian [Wilson] is a former Pipe Master. I was nervous but I just wanted to get out there and let my surfing to its thing. I just trusted my instincts and I’m stoked to make the heat. I paddled out there wanting to win the whole contest.”

Another heated match-up earlier in the day saw Igarashi defeat Keanu Asing (HAW) in the final heat of Round 2. Sitting in 23rd place on the Jeep Leaderboard, outside the requalification bubble, Asing needed a strong showing in Hawaii but an early elimination ended his hopes of rejoining the elite tour in 2017.

“It’s hard to digest,” said Asing. “I can’t blame anyone else but myself. Sitting 23rd in the world, I’ve had a lot of ups and down this year and mixed emotions. There’s nothing I can really do, but it’s hard and if it was easier everyone would do it. This isn’t going to be the last of me. It’s easy to be bummed, but I have to look on the bright side and carry on. I won that event in France and gained a lot of experience from winning. Next year will be tough, but I have to keep working.”

In addition to seeing top seeds fall, it was a tough morning for the wildcards as the opening four heats of the day saw Gavin Beschen (HAW), Bruce Irons (HAW), Finn McGill (HAW) and Frederico Morais (PRT) all eliminated in Round 2 at the hands of Kolohe Andino (USA), De Souza, Joel Parkinson (AUS) and Sebastian Zietz (HAW).

Federico Morais © WSL/Heff

Josh Kerr (AUS) charged through a full day with wins against Adam Melling (AUS) and Zietz in Rounds 2 and 3, respectively. Melling, in need of an excellent result at the Pipe Masters to secure his place on the CT in 2017, chased down a Round 2 win over Kerr. However, a pair of seven-point rides from Kerr gave him the advantage and the heat win. Round 3 saw Kerr claim a narrow win over Zietz with a 7.33 combined score to end the Hawaiian’s run at Pipe.

“There was a lot of luck out there today,” Kerr said. “I was about rhythm and luckily I had some good opportunities. It’s great having my family here for this event. I miss them a lot when I’m on the road so we’re having some fun.”

Jeremy Flores (FRA) found the wave of the day and was rewarded with an excellent 9.17 in the opening heat of Round 3 against Matt Wilkinson (AUS). Wilkinson attempted to battle back, but could not find the excellent-range scores required to defeat the former Pipe Master. Flores will advance to Round 4, while Wilkinson will leave the event in equal 13th place.

“I thought I was a little bit too deep on the wave, but then I looked on the shore and saw that we were pretty far towards Off the Wall,” Flores said. “There is a deep hole there so I was hoping the wave would back off and it did. I kind of busted my knee on my last wave in my first round heat and I have not surfed since. That is why I did not catch a lot of waves. I really have to choose them carefully.”

“Career-wise, this year has been the best year of my life,” said Wilkinson. “To have the lead for such a long time was a pretty crazy experience. It was great for me to feel like I could really fight for a World Title and before this year I did not think I had it in me. Now, I feel like I’ve had a lot of missed opportunities in the back-half of this year and I could have been fighting for a title. I am stoked with how the year has gone. I obviously would have wanted to do better here, but I am stoked going into the off-season. I plan to come into next year knowing what I want and what I am going to fight for.”

Joel Parkinson © WSL/Heff

After 10 years on the CT, Kai Otton (AUS) surfed his last heat on the elite tour where he was narrowly defeated by Kolohe Andino (USA) in Heat 3 of Round 3. Otton first qualified in 2007 and in the decade since has claimed a CT win in 2013 in Portugal, a runner-up finish in Brazil and four Semifinal berths (two in Tahiti, one in South Africa and one in Portugal).

“It’s kind of a forced retirement I guess,” Otton said. “I would have gone again next year if all the boys were there, but I’m not going to chase the QS so it’s probably my last event. It’s been fun, but it’s a tough way to finish with Kolohe [Andino] pipping me there at the end. I’m going to do a couple of fun events near home and go and hang out with Taj [Burrow]. It still has to sink in but thanks to everyone that got me here and supported me. It’s been a dream - I didn’t qualify until I was 27 and ten years later it’s been great fun.”

Surfline, official forecaster for the WSL, are calling for:

Monday will see an easing trend, although fun to mid size surf looks possible through the day (favoring Backdoor). Surf in the head high to a foot or two overhead range on sets looks likely.

We continue to monitor a new swell for Tuesday from a storm now over the Aleutian Islands. This storm and swell are much better aimed at areas north and east of Hawaii, with this looking like more of a glancing blow for the islands. It appears that our Surfline swell model is too ‘hot’ on this swell right now, so the surf size for Tuesday (above) take that into account and is very conservative as compared to model guidance. As we gather further data on the storm and swell we’ll adjust as necessary. Stay tuned.

The Billabong Pipe Masters will be webcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com as well as the WSL app.

The event is also being carried by the WSL’s LIVE broadcast partners CBS Sports in the United States, EDGEsport, Abema/Dentsu, ESPN Brasil, Globosat, Fox Sports, SFR Sports, Sky NZ, Sport TV, Oceanic Time Warner Cable 250 & 1250 in Hawaii, TNTV and Supersport.

Billabong Pipe Masters Round 2 Results:
Heat 1: Kolohe Andino (USA) 12.50 def. Gavin Beschen (HAW) 3.60
Heat 2: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 14.67 def. Bruce Irons (HAW) 11.30
Heat 3: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 11.74 def. Finn McGill (HAW) 11.00
Heat 4: Sebastian Zietz (HAW) 12.76 def. Frederico Morais (PRT) 8.17
Heat 5: Bede Durbidge (AUS) 8.29 def. Adrian Buchan (AUS) 5.17
Heat 6: Ryan Callinan (AUS) 12.16 def. Caio Ibelli (BRA) 4.43
Heat 7: Josh Kerr (AUS) 14.50 def. Adam Melling (AUS) 7.00
Heat 8: Kai Otton (AUS) 4.93 def. Stuart Kennedy (AUS) 2.73
Heat 9: Conner Coffin (USA) 15.10 def. Jack Freestone (AUS) 13.93
Heat 10: Wiggolly Dantas (BRA) 5.93 def. Davey Cathels (AUS) 5.90
Heat 11: Nat Young (USA) 11.27 def. Jadson Andre (BRA) 6.00
Heat 12: Keanu Asing (HAW) 10.50 def. Kanoa Igarashi (USA) 8.26

Billabong Pipe Masters Round 3 Results:
Heat 1: Jeremy Flores (FRA) 13.84 def. Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 7.43
Heat 2: Filipe Toledo (BRA) 10.44 def. Wiggolly Dantas (BRA) 4.13
Heat 3: Kolohe Andino (USA) 10.83 def. Kai Otton (AUS) 10.07
Heat 4: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 12.10 def. Miguel Pupo (BRA) 8.74
Heat 5: Michel Bourez (PYF) 12.16 def. Itala Ferreira (BRA) 10.34
Heat 6: John John Florence (HAW) 15.27 def. Bede Durbidge (AUS) 9.94
Heat 7: Ryan Callinan (AUS) 15.34 def. Gabriel Medina (BRA) 11.43
Heat 8: Josh Kerr (AUS) 7.33 def. Sebastian Zietz (HAW) 2.94
Heat 9: Nat Young (USA) 8.00 def. Adriano de Souza (BRA) 3.34
Heat 10: Kanoa Igarashi (USA) 7.50 def. Julian WIlson (AUS) 3.60
Heat 11: Kelly Slater (USA) 15.27 def. Conner Coffin (USA) 15.20

Upcoming Billabong Pipe Masters Round 3 Match-Ups:
Heat 12: Jordy Smith (ZAF) vs. Alex Ribeiro (BRA)

Billabong Pipe Masters Round 4 Match-Ups:
Heat 1: Kolohe Andino (USA), Filipe Toledo (BRA), Jeremy Flores (FRA)
Heat 2: John John Florence (HAW), Michel Bourez (PYF), Joel Parkinson (AUS)
Heat 3: Ryan Callinan (AUS), Josh Kerr (AUS), Nat Young (USA)
Heat 4: Kanoa Igarashi (USA), Kelly Slater (USA), TBD

Volcom Pipe Pro

WSL QS3000 Men's Event
Banzai Pipeline, Oahu Hawaii
29 January - 10 February 2017

QS3000 will see some of the world's best surfers perform at Pipe

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 19 January, 2017 - Volcom announces the 2017 Volcom Pipe Pro surf contest is set to roll this month. Held at the world-famous Banzai Pipeline on the North Shore of Oahu, the event will bring together more than 112 of the best surfers from around the globe.

The official waiting period for the event begins January 29 and runs through February 10, providing a 13-day competition window to ensure that the invited athletes will surf in optimal conditions at this iconic break.

2017 marks the eighth consecutive year that Volcom is presenting the high-profile, high stakes contest. It is a World Surf League (WSL) 3,000-point Hawaii Qualifying Series (QS) event with the prize purse set at $75,000.

We are so excited to once again host the Volcom Pipe Pro in 2017. There have been so many historic moments from past events that we aim to exceed in the future. Our goal is to produce a world class event while continually pushing our sustainability efforts. Pipeline is one of the most prolific waves in the world and we are honored to be part of such an amazing contest.
-Brad Dougherty, Volcom's VP of Surf

In addition to consistently delivering some of the best barrels and most historic heats on the tour, the Volcom Pipe Pro is one of the most popular and most watched events. Nearly three-quarters of a million people tuned in for the 2016 live webcast.

This elite event is also Deep Blue-certified, a certification that sets the standard for sustainability and minimizing environmental impact. In 2016, it was recognized by the WSL as the season’s cleanest, most “Ocean Friendly” event. For 2017, Volcom’s commitment to sustainability goes even further to make the Volcom Pipe Pro not just the most exciting, but also the most progressive event in professional surfing.

Volcom Pipe Pro

WSL QS 3000 Men's Event
Pipeline, North Shore Oahu
29 January - 10 February 2017

15-year-old Wyatt McHale secures best wave ridden during the main event

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 2 February, 2017 - North Shore’s uprising talent was on hand today as Wyatt McHale, 15, proved his place in the lineup at the Volcom Pipe Pro. As the youngest competitor in the 112-man field, McHale shook up the competition by scoring an 8.50, the best wave ridden in the main event, and edged one step closer to a solid finish in the prestigious competition on hallowed ground.

McHale went against fellow young guns Noah Beschen (North Shore) and Kelson Lau (Maui), and Honolulu mainstay Gregg Nakamura in the second heat of the day. He scored the gem of a wave toward the end of the 25 minutes, which set the day’s bar for barrels.

“I got lucky, I wasn’t even in the priority order but I was kind of far down towards Off The Wall and it just swung wide and I got it and I made the barrel, threw my hands up and made sure the judges saw me, I was stoked,” said McHale.

The junior plans to compete in all regional events for 2017 and has high hopes of qualifying for the Vans Triple Crown in November. But for now, he’s just enjoying his first run at the Volcom Pipe Pro surfing amid some of the world’s best, including current World Champion John John Florence (HAW) and 11x World Champion and defending event winner Kelly Slater (USA).

Tyler Newton © WSL/Heff

“It’s cool going up against some of the heavier veterans being the youngest one in this event,” McHale continued. “But I just really wanted to get a barrel and get a couple good waves, that’s kind of my game plan.”

Tyler Newton, 26, from Kauai’s North Shore, turned heads after he scored a 9.0 in the Volcom Last Chance Qualifiers heat, which saw him advance into Round 2 of the main event. The 45-minute surf off featured eight notables including Dave Wassel, Tom Dosland, Kawai Lindo, Mark Healey, Derek Ho, Barron Mamiya, and Reef McIntosh and awarded the win to the surfer with the single best wave.

“I’m super stoked, I was actually just super stoked to be able to surf in the Last Chance heat in general, but to make it is really an honor,” said Newton. “And it was an honor to surf with all those guys out there, so stoked.”

Newton was a standout from the start and went head to head with Pipeline youngster and recent winner of the Sunset Pro Junior Barron Mamiya (HAW), who charged equally hard and tackled the waves, wipeouts and barrels with confidence.

Seth Moniz © WSL/Heff

Wassel added to the excitement by pulling into multiple closeout waves, but it was hard for any of the other competitors to come close to advancing past Newton’s 9-point ride.

“I’ve been watching it all day and I was kind of aiming at the Quiksilver house, straight out in front of it,” continued Newton as he relived the excellent wave. “I just stuck to my game plan and it came through right in the spot, and I was stoked… I just try to read the ocean and be in tune and I felt like it was working. It doesn’t work out always, but waves just kept coming to me and I’m super stoked about it. I’m just happy.”

With more surf on the horizon but less than favorable conditions tomorrow, contest organizers will reconvene in the morning at 7am to determine a call for Friday, February 3. Hitting the water first once competition resumes will be Heat 1 of Round 2, which features current Hawaii Regional Champ Eli Olson, Chile’s Manuel Selman, Hawaii’s regional Junior Champ Noa Mizuno and Pipe extraordinaire Nathan Florence.

RESULTS
Surfers shown 1st through 4th, all athletes from Hawaii unless otherwise noted.

Volcom Last Chance Qualifier Round
1st – Tyler Newton
Round of 112, 1st and 2nd advance, 3rd = 97th place, 4th = 105th place
H1: Nathan Florence, Mikey Bruneau, Kai Lenny, Jason Shibata
H2: Wyatt McHale, Gregg Nakamura, Kelson Lau, Noah Beschen
H3: Hank Gaskell, Koa Rothman, Alex Pendleton, Myles Padaca
H4: Ezra Sitt, Dylan Goodale, Landon McNamara, Evan Valiere
H5: Seth Moniz, Danny Fuller, Braiden Maither, Kevin Sullivan
H6: Turo Ariitu (PYF), Chris Foster, Sheldon Paishon, Kekoa Bacalso
H7: Kekoa Cazimero, Shayden Pacarro, Lance Gruver, Tereva David (PYF)
H8: Luke Shepardson, Ulualoha Napeahi, Takayuki Wakita, Logan Bediamol
 

Volcom Pipe Pro

WSL QS 3000 Men's Event
Pipeline, North Shore Oahu
29 January - 10 February 2017

Cazimero surfs with gaping wound, Makuakai Rothman scores perfect 10

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 4 February, 2017 - 2015 Big Wave World Champion Makuakai Rothman (HAW) took advantage of ultra-clean, barreling sandbar surf and textbook tubes during the Volcom Pipe Pro, a World Surf League Qualifying Series 3,000 event, and scored the only perfect 10-point ride of the event. This is Rothman’s first appearance back in competition since last year’s Vans Triple Crown events, after he sustained injuries at Puerto Escondido in June 2016 during the Big Wave Tour.

Rothman dropped into the barrel and positioned himself as it stretched all the way to Off The Wall. The Volcom house erupted with cheers after he made a clean exit, and the vote was unanimous amongst the judges - a perfect 10.

“Just drop in and do the hula,” laughed Rothman. “I was fortunate enough to be in the right spot and God let me out of that one. Backdoor’s my spot. I love it like this, this is perfect. Hopefully the next couple days get some big waves then some real Pipeline and we’ll see what happens then.”

Despite Rothman’s 10, the surfer advanced behind Tahiti’s Taumata Puhetini who showed total commitment on his backhand and scored a 7.67 and 4.37 for the heat win. Puhetini is the sole remaining Tahitian in the event after taking out countryman Turo Ariitu in Round Two Heat 11.

Makuakai Rothman © WSL/Keoki

“Everybody surfs good, everybody’s on their game and Taumata got a couple good waves,” continued Rothman. “I could have took that last one from him, but I just did my thing and got lucky. This is my first contest back, I haven’t surfed competitively since before the Pipe Masters. It just feels great to be back in the water feeling good enough to surf. Being out of the water is horrible, surfing is my life. Anything I have in my life I owe to surfing and to be back here competing in front of my friends and family, in front of all these fans, you can’t beat it.”

Another exciting exchange went down earlier in Round Two Heat 10 and featured Pipe savants Mason Ho (HAW) and Bruce Irons (HAW) along with California’s Tim Reyes and Kauai’s Danny Fuller. Reyes got an early lead by dropping a 6.83 on his opening ride, but Ho swooped in on another clean Backdoor barrel for a 7.83 to fire up the competition. Irons earned an 8.60 under priority and built momentum, but unfortunately couldn’t secure the back up score he needed to advance.

“The waves, it’s not what you would expect but it’s a lot better than you would expect you know,” said Irons post heat. “It’s like a point break sandbar, it’s perfect, it’s good competition waves.”

Within the final minutes, Ho found a reeling right and scored a 9.70 – the second highest single wave score of the day – for the heat win ahead of Irons. The two scores granted him the highest combined wave total of the event, an excellent 17.53.

Kaimana Jaquias © WSL/Keoki

“The 9.7, it was a nice wave,” said Ho. “I was in second and I was kind of trying to keep Timmy Reyes off the wave. It didn’t really look like a good wave, but I knew it was going to barrel a little bit. And Bruce just went on one that didn’t look that good and he got really barreled so I was like, oh maybe I can do like a little Bruce thing. I went and took off and pulled into it and then it kept kind of growing and growing and growing I guess. And then I got to come out.”

Warrior status of the day went to Kekoa Cazimero (HAW) who gashed his eye during Round Two Heat 13 with Makai McNamara (HAW), Tyler Newton (HAW) and Andy Criere (ESP). After pulling into his opening ride at Backdoor, Cazimero got sucked over the wave and collided with the rail of his board, which shot directly into his face and split open the skin under his left eye.

“I felt really dizzy and confused,” said Cazimero. “I was spitting out blood and it was all in my eyes too. Makua Rothman and Joel Centeio were right there to check on me by the water’s edge. They told me I needed stiches but I was determined to win.”

Kekoa Cazimero © WSL/Keoki

His determination paid off, as after paddling back into the lineup, he caught a few more waves and advanced in first ahead of Makai McNamara (HAW). “Dr. Leland Dao gave me 10 stitches. I have a black eye now too so I’m hoping it doesn’t shut over night for Round 3 tomorrow. I feel pretty good though. Going to push through and get it done. Fired up.”

Contest organizers forecast that tomorrow, Saturday, February 4, will be good conditions to resume competition, but will reconvene in the morning to assess and make a call by 7AM HST. Round 3 will complete once the event restarts, with top names like John John Florence (HAW), Kelly Slater (HAW) and Billy Kemper (HAW) making their first appearance.

Follow the action LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com and RedBull.tv/volcompipepro. The Volcom Pipe Pro is also being broadcast on Oceanic Time Warner Cable so be sure to tune in to local SURF channels 250 and 1250HD for your daily dose of barrels. 

 
RESULTS
Surfers shown 1st through 4th, all athletes from Hawaii unless otherwise noted.

Round of 64, 1st and 2nd advance, 3rd = 33rd place, 4th = 49th place
H1: Nathan Florence, Kiron Jabour, Dean Bowen (AUS), Taichi Wakita (JPN)
H2: Griffin Colapinto (USA), Jeronimo Vargas (BRA), Kai Mana Henry, Manuel Selman (CHL)

Round of 96, 1st and 2nd advance, 3rd = 65th place, 4th = 81st place
H1: Nathan Florence, Manuel Selman (CHL), Eli Olson, Noa Mizuno
H2: Kai Mana Henry, Dean Bowen (AUS), Mikey Bruneau, Nic Von Rupp (PRT)
H3: Wyatt McHale, Brian Toth (PRI), Jordy Collins (USA), Tomas Tudela (PER)
H4: Kaimana Jaquias, Leandro Usuna (ARG), Flavio Nakagima (BRA), Gregg Nakamura
H5: Olamana Eleogram, Hank Gaskell, Ian Walsh, Keoni Yan
H6: Joshua Burke (BRB), Koa Rothman, Guillermo Satt (CHL), Jared Hickel (AUS)
H7: Nomme Mignot (FRA), Ezra Sitt, Miguel Blanco (PRT), Yuri Gonsalves (BRA)
H8: Kaito Kino, Kaito Ohashi (JPN), Alonso Correa (PER), Dylan Goodale
H9: Seth Moniz, Cody Young, Jamie O’Brien, Shane Holmes (AUS)
H10: Mason Ho, Bruce Irons, Tim Reyes (USA), Danny Fuller
H11: Taumata Puhetini (PYF), Makuakai Rothman, Turo Ariitu (PYF), Shun Murakami (JPN)
H12: Miguel Tudela (PER), Reo Inaba (JPN), Eala Stewart, Chris Foster
H13: Kekoa Cazimero, Makai McNamara, Tyler Newton, Andy Criere (ESP)
H14: Gatien Delahaye (GLP), Shayden Pacarro, Elijah Gates, Masatoshi Ohno (JPN)
H15: Benji Brand, Luke Shepardson, Cory Arrambide (USA), Tanner Hendrickson
H16: Parker Coffin (USA), Lucca Mesinas Novaro (PER), Charly Quivront (FRA), Ulualoha Napeahi

Volcom Pipe Pro

WSL QS 3000 Men's Event
Pipeline, North Shore Oahu
29 January - 10 February 2017

Local Hawaiian crew steal the show with amazing surfing

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 5 February, 2017 - Pipeline came to play with explosive 15-foot barrels at the Volcom Pipe Pro with supreme conditions that many surfers deemed one of the best swells of the year. Honolulu’s Seth Moniz was the breakout performer of the day and caused the biggest upset by taking out 11x World Champion and defending event winner Kelly Slater (USA). The Volcom Pipe Pro is a World Surf League (WSL) Qualifying Series (QS) 3,000 event that features the best surfers in the world along with household Pipe names and up-and-comers from Hawaii.

Moniz, 19, opened his campaign in Round Three Heat 9 by dropping into one of the bigger waves of the day. With a confident backside approach at Pipe, he navigated a couple of barrel sections and was blasted out into the channel by a massive salt water spray. Judges awarded the hollow tube a 9.17 and from then on Moniz was on fire, throwing away 7’s and securing the heat lead with a backup score of an 8.00.

“I’m feeling so good right now, that last heat was amazing,” said Moniz back on the beach. “I started off the heat with a 9 at pretty much the first minute and that’s the best way you can start off a heat. I’m super happy with my performance… It’s firing out there, about 6-8 feet, perfect Pipe and Backdoor.”

John John Florence © WSL/Freesurf/BD

One of the best in the business, Bruce Irons (HAW), scored the highest single wave score of the day, a 9.67 on his opening ride in the same heat for a disappearing act behind a deep curtain of white water. Meanwhile, Slater found a nice ride and seemed to get into rhythm with a 7.23, but Moniz used priority toward the end of the heat and held Slater off from the wave that could have changed the outcome. Slater bowed out with a combined heat total of a 13.06 while Moniz and Irons both advanced onto Round 4.

“That was a cool heat for me, my first heat with Kelly,” continued Moniz. “I’ve had Bruce out here last year actually, but I was really happy to surf with them. No pressure going against guys like that, they’re like the best surfers in the world, they’re legends, and so I was going out there just to have fun. I still wanted to win, I was still competing against them and wanted to beat them really bad, but I’m really happy that I won.”

Current World Champion and Pipeline native John John Florence (HAW) had an entertaining heat and demonstrated his adaptability and savant-like sense of his backyard break. After a couple low scores and exchanges with competitors Balaram Stack (USA), Kaito Kino (HAW) and Ezra Sitt (HAW), Florence broke out with a 7.93 and then backed it up with an excellent 8.60.

Koa Rothman © WSL/Freesurf/Keoki

“I think my first wave had a little bit of a warble when I came out, and then I just couldn’t see anything, I got lipped I think,” said Florence in a post-heat studio interview. “After that I just tried to get a little one. And then towards the end of the heat some really fun waves started coming through and it really kind of started just pulsing.”

Another Hawaii high-profile was North Shore’s Makuakai Rothman, who scored the only 10-point ride of the event during Day 2 and went on to add another excellent score, a 9.50, to build momentum and stay in the race.

“This is a dream come true for anybody in the world that surfs, even people that sit on the beach it’s a dream come true to come and watch this,” said Rothman. “We’re just here to put on a good show and do our best and have fun with our friends and hope everybody goes home safely to their families.”

 
RESULTS
Surfers shown 1st through 4th, all athletes from Hawaii unless otherwise noted.

Round of 64, 1st and 2nd advance, 3rd = 33rd place, 4th = 49th place
H1: Nathan Florence, Kiron Jabour, Dean Bowen (AUS), Taichi Wakita (JPN)
H2: Griffin Colapinto (USA), Jeronimo Vargas (BRA), Kai Mana Henry, Manuel Selman (CHL)
H3: Soli Bailey (AUS), Leandro Usuna (ARG), Joshua Moniz, Wyatt McHale
H4: Brian Toth (PRI), Billy Kemper, Luis Diaz (CNY), Kaimana Jaquias
H5: Tom Whitaker (AUS), Koa Rothman, Olamana Eleogram, Jack Robinson (AUS)
H6: Koa Smith, Hank Gaskell, Joshua Burke (BRB), Bino Lopes (BRA)
H7: O’Neill Massin (PYF), Mitch Coleborn (AUS), Kaito Ohashi (JPN), Nomme Mignot (FRA)
H8: John John Florence, Balaram Stack (USA), Kaito Kino, Ezra Sitt
H9: Seth Moniz, Bruce Irons, Kelly Slater (USA), Imaikalani deVault
H10: Mason Ho, Yago Dora, Maxine Huscenot (FRA), Cody Young
H11: Aritz Aranburu (ESP), David do Carmo (BRA), Reo Inaba (JPN), Taumata Puhetini (PYF)
H12: Makuakai Rothman, Miguel Tudela (PER), Jesse Mendes (BRA), Carlos Munoz (CRI)
H13: Marco Giorgi (URY), Wiggolly Dantas (BRA), Shayden Pacarro, Kekoa Cazimero
H14: Lucas Silveira (BRA), Makai McNamara, Gatien Delahaye (GLP), Torrey Meister

Volcom Pipe Pro

WSL QS 3000 Men's Event
Pipeline, North Shore Oahu
29 January - 10 February 2017

Bailey ousts Adriano De Souza, Bruce Irons and Griffin Colapinto in slow conditions

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 10 February, 2017 - Australian Soli Bailey, 21, scored a remarkable underdog victory against Pipeline veterans Adriano de Souza and Bruce Irons, and Californian Griffin Colapinto to secure the highest profile win of his professional career at the Volcom Pipe Pro, a World Surf League Qualifying Series 3,000 event.

The competition featured some of the best surfers in the world at one of the most famous venues on the planet and Bailey came out on top, well ahead of competitors with a combined heat score of 13.26

“This is definitely the biggest [win] of my career,” said Soli. “There’s been a few tough losses last year and what not, and I think I’ve just learned from them and to come here and stay cool, calm and collected right through the Final then take it out is just.. it’s a dream come true and one step closer to where I want to be.”

The Volcom Pipe Pro has only seen four winners in its eight-year history – Jamie O’Brien (HAW) in 2010, John John Florence (HAW) in ‘11, ’12, ’13 and ’15, Kelly Slater (USA) in ‘14 and ’16 and now Bailey in 2017. Much to the dismay of the local beach crowd, Florence went home early, sent packing in the first Semifinal by Bailey and Colapinto.

Soli Bailey © WSL/Freesurf/Heff

Conditions shifted for the Final and the four athletes were on the hunt for waves, while the slight offshore breeze and building surf helped the cause.

Colapinto was off to a fierce start and jumped on the first couple of waves, while Irons opened up his campaign early as well. Meanwhile, Bailey and de Souza got into a feisty paddle battle for position, but didn’t find a solid score until after the biggest set of the day swept through the lineup.

The massive waves snapped both Bailey’s and Irons’ leashes and forced them back to shore to adjust their equipment. De Souza took advantage of the cleared out lineup and scored a 4.50 on a small left, but it wasn’t long after that Bailey dropped the first proper ride of the Final, a 5.67 for a reeling right.

“It’s pretty surreal right now,” continued Bailey. “All I know is something amazing just happened and there were some great waves ridden and I’m just super, super stoked right now.”

The best wave of the 35-minute Final went to the Australian for a double barrel combined with a solid frontside turn, which garnered a 7.33 and an eruption from the beach crowd. He backed this up with a 5.93, which put him points ahead of runner up de Souza, who ended with a combined heat score of 8.43.

De Souza was a standout performer throughout the event and surfed an impressive five times today from Round 3. The Brazilian also scored the day’s only 9-point ride for a deep, traveling Backdoor barrel, which judges gave 9.5’s across the board - a performance one would expect from a former Pipe Masters champion (2015).

Adriano de Souza © WSL/Freesurf/Heff

“It was pretty much my best wave of my winter,” he said. “I feel so blessed, I feel like I won something really special. I feel like I won at the best contest ever just because I got one wave… This wave is so challenging, it’s so hard to get a good wave out there, and I’ve been here for the last three months, so you can imagine I’ve been here for three months waiting for this wave.”

Seth Moinz (HAW) was recognized also for his fierce commitment and impressive performance throughout the event and was presented with the annual Todd Chesser Hard Charger award. The trophy is given out each year to honor North Shore big wave waterman Todd Chesser, who passed away in 1997 during an outer reef surf session. But his legacy lives on at the Volcom Pipe Pro and this year Moniz demonstrated the sportsmanship and outstanding performance that caught mom Jeannie Chesser’s eye.

“Wow this is pretty amazing to be here right now standing and receiving the Todd Chesser award,” said Moniz. “Ever since I was a little kid I always heard about him. I never got to meet him, but I heard he was a super nice and humble guy who went out there and charged. I’m just super honored to be here, to receive this award, thank you auntie.”

During the awards ceremony, Volcom also presented a $60,000 check to the Boys & Girls Club and a $16,000 check to the Sion Memorial Fund. Volcom continues to be a supporter of community causes and perpetuates a charitable reputation that grows each year. The stoke was felt not only through the surf event itself but also with the cultural and community involvements, which continue to be a cornerstone of the Volcom Pipe Pro.

Seth Moniz © WSL/Freesurf/Heff

 
RESULTS
Surfers shown 1st through 4th, all athletes from Hawaii unless otherwise noted.

1st – Soli Bailey (AUS), 13.26
2nd – Adriano de Souza (BRA), 8.43
3rd – Griffin Colapinto (USA), 3.90
4th – Bruce Irons, 3.66

Semifinal, 1st and 2nd advance, 3rd = 5th place, 4th = 7th place
SF1: Soli Bailey (AUS), Griffin Colapinto (USA), Leandro Usuna (ARG), John John Florence
SF2: Bruce Irons, Adriano de Souza (BRA), David do Carmo (BRA), Aritz Aranburu (ESP)

Quarterfinals, 1st and 2nd advance, 3rd = 9th place, 4th = 13th place
QF1: Soli Bailey (AUS), Leandro Usuna (ARG), Hank Gaskell, Koa Smith
QF2: John John Florence, Griffin Colapinto (USA), Mitch Coleborn (AUS), Brian Toth (PRI)
QF3: Bruce Irons, David do Carmo (BRA), Luke Shepardson, Makai McNamara
QF4: Aritz Aranburu (ESP), Adriano de Souza (BRA), Lucas Silveira (BRA), Seth Moniz

Round of 32, 1st and 2nd advance, 3rd = 17th place, 4th = 25th place
H1: Leandro Usuna (ARG), Griffin Colapinto (USA), Billy Kemper, Nathan Florence
H2: Soli Bailey (AUS), Brian Toth (PRI), Kiron Jabour, Jeronimo Vargas (BRA)
H3: Mitch Coleborn (AUS), Koa Smith, Balaram Stack (USA), Tom Whitaker (AUS)
H4: John John Florence, Hank Gaskell, O’Neill Massin (PYF), Koa Rothman
H5: David do Carmo (BRA), Seth Moniz, Miguel Tudela (PER), Mason Ho
H6: Bruce Irons, Aritz Aranburu (ESP), Yago Dora (BRA), Makuakai Rothman
H7: Lucas Silveira (BRA), Ian Crane (USA), Luke Shepardson, Marco Giorgi (URY)
H8: Adriano de Souza (BRA), Makai McNamara, Benji Brand, Wiggolly Dantas (BRA)

Round of 64, 1st and 2nd advance, 3rd = 33rd place, 4th = 49th place
H15: Benji Brand, Ian Crane (USA), Lucca Mesinas Novaro (PER), Michael Rodrigues (BRA)
H16: Adriano de Souza (BRA), Luke Shepardson, Finn McGill, Parker Coffin (USA)