Words and Frames by Robin Pailler | Photography by Jimmy Wilson
If you read our recap from last year’s Vans Pipe Masters, you may recall us rambling about just how pointless recaps are in the modern age, especially for events streamed in real time, for free.
So when news dropped that there was no live feed this year, we sensed a rare opportunity of exclusivity. Except fate would have it after 5 days on the rock, we found ourselves boarding a flight back to LA having solely witnessed the opening round of heats. Quite frustrating when your job is to recap an event that’s barely begun.
And so, much like yourselves, we’ve been following proceedings this week via the gram. Growing increasingly resentful with each day that passed as we watched the waves get bigger, the scores get higher, the creation of the Mai Tai Masters etc. The final day was especially tough. One can only assume witnessing Koa Smith’s perfect 30 wave live from the front lines would’ve been mind-blowing.
Ivan and Nathan led proceedings as we checked out in the opening heats, so it was no surprise to see the latter take the crown a week later. Following John-John’s second success last year, it seems set for Ivan to take the throne in 2025 and the three to become the first trio of surf siblings to take out the iconic North Shore event. Watch this space…
Talking of making history, Erin Brooks became the youngest Pipeline Master in surfing history at 17 years of age. The Canadian wildcard held off Caity Simmers, who let’s admit, we kinda all had our money on, to become the new Queen of Pipe. Nevertheless the locals, namely Bettylou Sakura-Johnson, Moana Jones Wong, Coco Ho and Zoe Mcdougall all showcased their innate talent in the water. Shoutout to South Africa’s sweetheart Sophie Bell too, who despite being seemingly terrified of the waves at times, duly delivered in the heat we witnessed and only narrowly missed out on a spot in the finals. It’s safe to say women’s surfing is in good hands.
Otherwise what else can we tell you, since we essentially missed 80% of the comp.
All the usual suspects were on good from. Holly Wawn kept the banter levels high, making time for everyone, nailing her presenting role and later going on to win the aforementioned Mai Tai Masters.
The annual skate jam kinda went off this year! Elijah and Curren were casually ripping the place apart in an ever-so nonchalant manner, as Christian Hosoi went full showman vibes, proving age is but a number. Seriously though. He’s 57 years of age. Kinda fucking mad. Olympic gold medallist Arisa Trew was also on a tear, alongside local champ Lilly Lei, both utterly fearless in their approach, waving the flag for women’s skateboarding and ensuring the men didn’t steal all the limelight.
We had the pleasure of seeing Karina Rozunko again, which is always a treat. She was meant to be filming Sophie surf back door, but missed all three makes because she was doing selfie videos. Naturally Sophie didn’t seem to care. We also learnt that Karina prefers to drive stick and will give you grief if you’ve rented an automatic.
We got to see Harry, Dion, Nozza, Eithan and Kyuss have the most fun looking shorey session at log cabins Wednesday evening. Which kinda might be our highlight. Really can’t fault a log cabins sesh. There’s always such great energy over there.
Otherwise we kinda missed the boat. It seems the good times truly started as soon as we left. Not that there weren’t good times of course. O’ahu is always a good time. But the mood was much more relaxed this year. Much more measured and reserved. The daily uncertainty of whether the comp would run, undoubtedly keeping everyone on their toes.
Nevertheless the people of O‘ahu and the North Shore in particular greeted us with open arms as always. A huge thank you to Vans and everyone on the rock for allowing us into your home and letting us bear witness to what is undoubtedly the Mecca of big wave surfing. Your generosity, patience and love is appreciated more than words can describe. Mahalo to you all x
