Welcome back! Putting aside the fact that starting a season at Pipe still feels like beginning a multi-course meal with dessert, there’s a lot to be excited about this season: the promise of a healthy Medina and Florence going head-to-head for the season (and their R1 heat), Olympic qualification, precocious juniors finally converting their talent … Read more
Wow. That was some contest. Moana, Slater, classic Pipe. Records, upsets, injuries, surprises and redemption. Fantasy-wise, it was a mixed mag. Anyone who picked the usual suspects of Kelly, John and Mr Consistency Kanoa were rewarded, as were those who believed in Carissa. Moana was another ‘obvious’ pick who came through, and both Miggy and … Read more
I know it’s not our first time doing this, but there’s something wrong about kicking off the title race at Pipe. No world title scenarios, no qualification predictions, no season-long pressure, no form to look at. Nothing. Don’t get me wrong; I’m not complaining. It’s a banger of a way to start the year, and … Read more
It feels weird to be kicking off the title race at Pipe. No world title scenarios, no qualification predictions, no pressure, no form to look at. Nothing. Don’t get me wrong; I’m psyched to have the tour back, and I’m super keen to share our fantasy game with the world, but the Pipe build-up is … Read more
After a prolonged hiatus, the WSL men’s and women’s tours are stretching on the beach in preparation for a re-launch. In any regular season, the Billabong Pipe Masters and Roxy Maui Pro would serve as the championship crescendos. They represent the jewels in the WSL’s world title crowns where, when the conditions and ratings combine, … Read more
I often wonder how surfers, let alone the rest of the world, will receive surfing as an Olympic sport. Mostly I’m sure it will exist as a novelty highlights package between women’s water polo and the equestrian events. Could we hope for anything more? Surely, if the best surfers in the world represent our sport … Read more
Hawaii has already served up some hefty drama this week, what with Tyler’s stunning comeback, Steph’s 5th Honolua win, Carissa’s 4th title, and Lakey’s fall at the final hurdle, it was a massive end to the women’s season. Not to be outdone, Sunset brought the men’s QS picture into focus with some quality conditions on … Read more
So, we’re here. The new WSL season is upon us. Before we dive in for another 9 months of pro surfing across 8 countries and 770 heats (men and women), we thought it might be worth covering the various changes that 2019 will bring. Fantasy Of course we’re opening with this. If you played FSS … Read more
The Pipe Invitational has started and the surf is less than inspiring. The WSL must still be relieved; after four consecutive lay-days,they had milked the teat of world title scenarios dry. In case you somehow missed it: If Medina makes the final, Filipe/Julian can suck eggs; if he places 3rd, they need to win, and; … Read more
No other event compares to Pipe. World title races aside, the wave itself provides a spectacle that is unrivalled in our sport, and no single title is more coveted; it’s our super bowl, our play-offs, and our world cup all in one liquid monster. Enough preface, let’s dive in. Conditions Pipe has so much rich … Read more