11. The Billabong Pipeline Masters Banzai Pipeline Hawaii

Words: Jock Barnes



Intro
It always has and always will be the undisputed holy grail of surfing, the one true proving ground, if you aint nothing here than you aint nothing. In comparison to pipe the rest of the tour has the volume turned down. It’s big, life threatening, everything is on the line and it all happens less than 100 meters from the hula skirts and knee high socks of 1000 excited beach goers.

Equipment
Much the same as Teahupoo, pipe needs all the boards a WCT and his entourage can carry. No need for light Glass jobs here you’ll find most surfers will have a quiver ranging from 6’6 to 7’6 with each 2 inch increment in between. The boards will usually have pintails and it is common for most surfers on tour to order quivers from local shapers because after years of experience no one will shape a better pipe board than a Hawaiian.

Keep your eye on
The Irons brother and any other Hawaiian WCT member or wildcard for that matter, the Hawaiian’s ability to look comfortable at pipe is second to none. There are some foreigners that serve up a challenge. Kelly Slater is an obvious one but a little more under the radar is Kieren Perrow. Kieren has made a name for himself on the north shore for having a screw loose when it comes to taking on huge barrels and I still feel his best at pipe is yet to come. Joel Parkinson and Mick Fanning are becoming a bigger threat at pipe with every season, with all this said this is a short list there are many names worth watching at pipe and it is not likely to disappoint.

My Pick
Andy Irons