With 5 consecutive lay days at the Pipe Masters, David & Scott take the opportunity to dissect the controversial trials event, rounds 1 & 2, and the unbelievable free surf session that took place 10 minutes after they called off the event. Tons of drama has unfolded, some featuring Bruce Irons, Jamie O’Brien, Pancho Sullivan, and the World Title contenders. Enjoy!
PIPE MASTERS
THE TRIALS
Bruce Doesn’t Get the Invite
Joel Centeo’s 10
ROUND 1
Melling takes out Kelly in the dying seconds.
ROUND 2
Everyone got smashed! Kelly and Jadson are the only surfers who posted 9 point rides. No one else even came close.
Kelly puts on a masterful performance in very difficult conditions.
Jadson’s barrel. How isn’t this a 10?!
Aritz Aranburu gets rescued in heroic fashion!
THE #ITSOFF CALL
With increasing wind, the ASP put the contest on hold for 1 hour and then decided to call it off completely. Within 10 minutes, the wind shifted and the waves were near ideal. Below are a few images from the free surf session that took place from 2:30pm onward.
Here are the scenarios to watch for:
Heat 6: Medina vs. Dusty. If it’s running Backdoor, Dusty has a significant advantage.
Heat 9: Fanning vs. Flores: Flores is formidable, but Mick won’t gonna lose this one.
Heat 12: Slater vs. Muniz: By far the easiest draw. Alejo will be off tour if he loses.
If Gabriel loses in Round 3: Kelly needs to win the event and Fanning would need to finish 3rd or better to clinch the title.
If Fanning and Kelly both lose, Medina wins.
If Gabriel finishes 3rd or 5th, Fanning needs to win. 9th and Fanning needs 2nd.
THE FORECAST
MUST-SEE MOMENT
THIRD-REEF PIPE, MORE ROSIE, LESS STRIDER. SO MANY THINGS I WANT! from ENCYCLOPEDIA of SURFING videos on Vimeo.
DUKE
Mick Fanning for giving his board to Tyler Gunter to paddle in from Third Reef Pipeline, thereby rescuing him.
KOOK
The ASP for calling off Round 3 on Saturday afternoon, 10 minutes before the waves turned ON! Why not just stay on hold through the afternoon, especially with the dubious swell forecast? Look how good it got! Koa Rothman said he got the best wave he’s ever gotten at Pipe (see below).
