How would you judge the line-up, respect the locals and the pecking order on one of the most challenging waves in the world? Even the most experienced surfers can struggle, super heavy waves, a hectic crowd and a helluva lot to think about, click into the pits from the link. No banging tunes, radical narrators or killer graphics, just Pipeline firing.
Dana Point added its first female surf industry icon to its Watermen’s Plaza on January 27 when the city celebrated the addition of a life-size bronze statue of Joyce Hoffman. The statue is also believed to be the only life size statue in the nation to honour a female surfer.
As Hoffman shared at the unveiling ceremony, “I honed my surfing skills in front of the family home on Beach Road at the southern end of Dana Point and here at Doheny. I rode for Hobie Surfboards, which is located just up Coast Highway from here. I am definitely a product of Dana Point.” She continued, “While this statue is of me, I like to think of it as an honour to all the women surfers who came before and after me. All the trailblazers who didn’t accept the concept that surfing was a man’s sport, that women were expected to stay on the beach while the guys had all the fun. These were women who wanted to challenge themselves and the assumption that they did not belong in the surf.”
Hoffman’s statue joins those of Bruce Brown, Hobie Alter, John Severson, and Phil Edwards, who are all memorialised at Watermen’s Plaza, honouring prominent watermen and women in Dana Point’s history who influenced the surf industry at a local, national and global level.
From 1963 to 1971, Hoffman dominated women’s surfing competitions across the globe. In addition to her United States Surfing Championships in 1965, 1966 and 1967, she won the Makaha International in 1964 and 1966 and the Laguna Masters in 1965 and 1967.
“Joyce’s career epitomises the surf culture here in Dana Point. She was sponsored by Hobie Surfboards, and it was her friend Hobie Alter who approved a signature surfboard for Joyce, then directed Terry Martin to shape the first prototypes. Gordon Clark of Clark Foam, the biggest foam manufacturer in the world, lived near her parents on Beach Road. She knew Bruce Brown and watched Phil Edwards surf. It wasn’t just the waves that shaped her career but the community of Dana Point that played a role as well,” noted Dana Point Mayor Joe Muller in his opening remarks. “She is more than an icon, she is an everyday inspiration – and one of the best ambassadors for the surf industry and for the city of Dana Point,” he added.
Hoffman’s success also led to recognition outside the sport as a Los Angeles Times Woman of the Year at the age of 18 as well as being featured in magazines such as Life, Sports Illustrated and even Seventeen. She was inducted into the Surfing Walk of Fame in Huntington Beach and British carmaker Triumph even put her in ads in the ‘60s standing next to its convertibles.
“My timing was fortunate in that my career coincided with one of the biggest waves to ever hit surfing, the sixties… Our coast became a confluence of surf theme music with adventures, the Beach Boys, Jan and Dean, surf theme movies, The Beach Blanket Bingo series, Gidget and The Endless Summer … I just happened upon that wave and rode it beyond Surfer and Surfing magazine into the mainstream,” Hoffman shared. “And I am so fortunate at this stage of my life that my wave is still in motion. It’s just getting a little smaller and a little slower as I get closer to shore.”
The statue was modelled after a widely-recognised photo of Hoffman. As she states, “Phil Edwards was one of my idols, and David Nuuhiwa. They were both very aggressive surfers. David is famous for riding the nose so I tried to model my surfing after a combination of those two. Seeing me standing on the nose of the surfboard is applicable to what my surfing was like.”
Watermen’s Plaza is located along Pacific Coast Highway just past the 5 freeway, at the intersection of Del Obispo Street. The statues in the plaza are created by artist Bill Limebrook (above), who grew up on Beach Road in Dana Point. During that time, he became friends with many of the surf industry icons that he is now memorialising in bronze.
Electric is proud to welcome Jack Robinson to its Surf team. Already an international Icon, 24-year-old Robinson hails from the beaches of Margaret River, Western Australia.
Jack is regarded as one of the best free surfers in the world and has honed his relaxed style in some of the heaviest lineups on the planet, including Pipeline, North Point, Gnaraloo, & Teahupo’o.
Jack joins additional Electric surf athletes on the World Championship Tour, including John John Florence & Ezekiel Lau. Jack’s maiden victory on the World Championship Tour took place in August 2021 at the Corona Open held in Barra De La Cruz, Mexico. Electric is excited to support Jack on his second full year on the Championship Tour.
“Electric has always had the best marketing, rad style, & incredible surf team. John John is a great friend, and I am excited to join him at Electric. I look forward to working with the team on some fun projects in the near future.” – Jack Robinson.
“Electric has always had a rich history in Australian Surfing, and Jack is the perfect complement to continue that story. We are thrilled to welcome Jack to the family and as a member of the tight-knit surf program, we have developed.” – Eric Mehlberg, Marketing Director
Electric is also proud to welcome 28-years-old surfer William Aliotti in the European Surf Team. Based in Hossegor, the Caribbean surfer will lead Electric’s new EU surf program.
With his creative and unsubordinated surfing, William is one of the most respected European free surfers in the world. He quickly made a name for himself thanks to his consistent aerial performances, his ability to ride any kind of surfboards and perform in any kind of waves conditions. Electric is excited to support William in his chase for best waves and can’t wait to present his upcoming videos.
For more information on Electric’s products visit electriceyewear.com, and follow @electric on Instagram.
CJB’s Surf Co was founded in 1997 as a creator and distributor of original, high-performance surf and watersports equipment including own brands C-Skins, Swim Research, Vision, Robie and Bulldog CJB also act as UK/Ireland distribution partners for: Sexwax, Solarez, Gear Aid and Surf Ears.
The Role
CJB’s Surf Co is looking for a Marketing Manager with surfing and watersports in their DNA. The successful candidate will manage and oversee marketing strategy for the company’s in-house brands: C-Skins, Vision, Robie, Bulldog & Swim Research. We will consider applicants with 3-5 years of experience working in marketing and prefer candidates who have experience managing brand strategy and direction. All candidates will also need to have a hands-on approach and be willing to work on a range of daily tasks themselves. With the support of the Director, the successful applicant will implement, report, and develop our marketing strategies. From maintaining & growing our social media channels to supplying input and direction into brand catalogues and websites, you will be a crucial part of our marketing activities for a growing group of brands. If you love all things surf & Watersports, this could be the perfect role for you.
About You
With a background in marketing, you’ll be experienced in creating and managing engaging campaigns. You’ll have a good understanding and participate in 1 or more Watersports (surfing preferred) so that you’ll be able to use this knowledge and experience in your day to day activities. You’ll be both creative and super organised to ensure you excel in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines. You’ll be expected to be highly experienced in social media campaigns and with an eye for detail and quality.
Key Responsibilities
Photo: @rogermarsh.uk
Essential Skills
What’s in it for you?
How to Apply
Send your CV and a covering letter stating why you are exactly what we are looking for and why you want to join our team. Your covering letter is the best opportunity to showcase your personality and skills.
Closing date: Sunday, 20th February 2022. We’ll be interviewing as we go along, so the role may close earlier than advertised.
Important: All applicants must have the right to live and work in the UK at the time of submitting their application; unfortunately, CJB’s Surf Company are not licensed to sponsor overseas workers.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: £25,000.00-£35,000.00 per year
Additional pay:
Benefits:
Schedule:
Send your CV to [email protected]
• Hawaii Surfers Dominate Opening Rounds of Billabong Pro Pipeline
• Americans Caroline Marks and Courtney Conlogue Eliminated Early
• Bethany Hamilton Joins Billabong Pro Pipeline as WSL Wildcard
• All Rookies Through to Round of 16
The Billabong Pro Pipeline, the first stop on the World Surf League (WSL) 2022 Championship Tour (CT), witnessed history today as the women took on the jewel of Oahu’s North Shore, Banzai Pipeline, for the first time as a full CT event. The competition ran through Women’s Opening Round 1 and Elimination Round 2 and showcased standout performances, as well as saw two big names fall out of the draw.
Photos: ©WSL/Heff ©WSL/Bielmann
Hawaii Surfers Dominate Opening Rounds of Billabong Pro Pipeline
Local charger and event wildcard Moana Jones Wong (HAW, above) was one of the few surfers to keep her focus on the lefts of Banzai Pipeline and her strategy paid off as she put together a combination of two scores to narrowly beat five-time WSL Champion Carissa Moore (HAW) and Brisa Hennessy (CRI).
“I started surfing Pipe when I was 12, and I’ve been coming here consistently since I was 18,” said Wong. “Surfing against Carissa pushes me to be better because she’s the best in the world. I look up to her and I want to surf as good as she can.”
Hawaiian rookie Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW, above) dominated the final heat of Opening Round 1 with commitment at Backdoor as she took down Lakey Peterson (USA) in second place and sent World No. 6 Caroline Marks (USA) into the treacherous Elimination Round.
Heat 2 was stacked with local talent featuring Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA), Malia Manuel (HAW), and Gabriela Bryan (HAW), all hailing from the island of Kauai. Manuel opted to go right and was searching for a wave at Backdoor, while Weston-Webb and Bryan looked for opportunities at Pipeline. Manuel’s patience finally paid off with five minutes left on the clock when she scored an excellent 8.17 (out of a possible 10) for a deep Backdoor barrel and secured her spot in the Round of 16.
“To be honest I was super stressed, I wanted to alleviate that by catching a few waves and kind just getting the ball rolling,” said Manuel. “I’ve spent a lot of time out there this winter, it’s my first real winter here at Pipeline and I had such a good crew and great support. It’s really hard to get waves out there to practice so it doesn’t matter how much time you spend out there, sometimes it all comes down to being in the right spot.”
Australians Tyler Wright and India Robinson Walk-through To Round of 16
Two-time WSL Champion Tyler Wright (AUS) and CT rookie India Robinson (AUS) had a walk-through heat as Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) wasn’t able to compete as she entered the WSL COVID-19 Health and Safety Protocols. Wright pulled the trigger first with a good tube on Backdoor for an early lead and solidified with perfect positioning on a second right-hand barrel to build momentum and confidence heading into the third round.
“The most exciting thing for me this year is seeing all the rookies,” said Wright. “It’s been a long time since we’ve had such fresh faces on the tour, and it makes me emotional just seeing how they’re coming in and making the most of it. It feels incredible to be a part of this sport and to be a woman in sport right now.”
Bethany Hamilton (HAW, above) advances to the Round of 16 of Billabong Pro Pipeline, where she will face Carissa Moore (HAW) in Heat 5 when the competition continues.
Bethany Hamilton Joins Billabong Pro Pipeline as WSL Wildcard
The first Elimination Round heat featured international surfing icon Bethany Hamilton (HAW), who got the last-minute call to replace Gilmore. Hamilton had a tough matchup with seasoned competitors Brisa Hennessy (CRI) and Caroline Marks (USA) completing the roster. Hennessy built on momentum from her previous matchup and scored a couple of nice waves to take the first position and Hamilton used her wealth of experience to advance in second, eliminating Marks from the competition.
“I’m so stoked to be here,” said Hamilton. “I’m in full mommy mode lately but trying to keep my surfing shape, so it’s amazing to have the opportunity to be here today. There is also such great energy on the beach, everybody showing love.”
All Rookies Through to Round of 16, Americans Marks and Conlogue Eliminated Early
The first heat of the Women’s Opening Round didn’t disappoint with CT rookie Molly Picklum (AUS, above) taking the win ahead of CT veterans Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) and Courtney Conlogue (USA). Fitzgibbons found a buzzer-beater to send Conlogue into the Elimination Round.
“I struggled to sleep last night because I was so excited,” said Picklum. “It feels amazing to win the first heat. Every heat is the same for me so it’s good to know that my plan worked and take the momentum through the event.”
In the day’s final heat, Heat 2 of Elimination Round 2, rookies Gabriela Bryan (HAW) and Luana Silva (HAW, above) took on Conlogue for the last two spots into the Round of 16. As the swell continued to slow down a battle ensued in smaller lefts and rights and the two Hawaiians powered their way with turns and cover-ups to eliminate the veteran Conlogue and keep their hopes alive in the year’s opening event.
“I was just trying to complete every wave that came my way,” Silva who ended up in first stated. “It’s definitely a confidence boost knowing you can beat surfers as good as Courtney, and I guess there was a bit of a cat and mouse game at the end there, I’m just happy to get through.”
Watch LIVE
The Billabong Pro Pipeline will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com, the free WSL app, and the WSL’s YouTube channel. Also, check local listings for coverage from the WSL’s broadcast partners. For fans watching in Brazil, coverage of the Billabong Pro Pipeline Quarterfinals and beyond will continue exclusively on WorldSurfLeague.com and SporTV.
For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.
Billabong Pro Pipeline Women’s Opening Round 1 Results:
HEAT 1: Molly Picklum (AUS) 7.73 DEF. Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 4.90, Courtney Conlogue (USA) 3.76
HEAT 2: Malia Manuel (HAW) 10.67 DEF. Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA) 4.40, Gabriela Bryan (HAW) 3.40
HEAT 3: Moana Jones Wong (HAW) 7.77 DEF. Carissa Moore (HAW) 7.70, Brisa Hennessy (CRI) 6.54
HEAT 4: Isabella Nichols (AUS) 5.50 DEF. Johanne Defay (FRA) 4.70, Luana Silva (HAW) 0.83
HEAT 5: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) DEF. Tyler Wright (AUS) 11.83, India Robinson (AUS) 2.94
HEAT 6: Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW) 7.46 DEF. Lakey Peterson (USA) 4.00, Caroline Marks (USA) 2.07
Billabong Pro Pipeline Women’s Elimination Round 2 Results:
HEAT 1: Brisa Hennessy (CRI) 10.73 DEF. Bethany Hamilton (HAW) 8.76, Caroline Marks (USA) 3.70
HEAT 2: Luana Silva (HAW) 6.77 DEF. Gabriela Bryan (HAW) 6.70, Courtney Conlogue (USA) 4.47
Billabong Pro Pipeline Women’s Round of 16 Matchups:
HEAT 1: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) vs. Malia Manuel (HAW)
HEAT 2: Tyler Wright (AUS) vs. India Robinson (AUS)
HEAT 3: Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA) vs. Moana Jones Wong (HAW)
HEAT 4: Isabella Nichols (AUS) vs. Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW)
HEAT 5: Carissa Moore (HAW) vs. Bethany Hamilton (HAW)
HEAT 6: Gabriela Bryan (HAW) vs. Brisa Hennessy (CRI)
HEAT 7: Johanne Defay (FRA) vs. Molly Picklum (AUS)
HEAT 8: Lakey Peterson (USA) vs. Luana Silva (HAW)
Billabong Pro Pipeline Men’s Round of 32 Matchups:
HEAT 1: Conner Coffin (USA) vs. Barron Mamiya (HAW)
HEAT 2: Kelly Slater (USA) vs. Jake Marshall (USA)
HEAT 3: Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) vs. Owen Wright (AUS)
HEAT 4: Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) vs. Nat Young (USA)
HEAT 5: Italo Ferreira (BRA) vs. Miguel Tudela (PER)
HEAT 6: Miguel Pupo (BRA) vs. Connor O’Leary (AUS)
HEAT 7: Frederico Morais (PRT) vs. Carlos Munoz (CRI)
HEAT 8: Kolohe Andino (USA) vs. Lucca Mesinas (PER)
HEAT 9: Filipe Toledo (BRA) vs. Ivan Florence (HAW)
HEAT 10: Seth Moniz (HAW) vs. Ezekiel Lau (HAW)
HEAT 11: Jack Robinson (AUS) vs. Joao Chianca (BRA)
HEAT 12: John John Florence (HAW) vs. Jackson Baker (AUS)
HEAT 13: Griffin Colapinto (USA) vs. Caio Ibelli (BRA)
HEAT 14: Ethan Ewing (AUS) vs. Callum Robson (AUS)
HEAT 15: Deivid Silva (BRA) vs. Samuel Pupo (BRA)
HEAT 16: Jordy Smith (ZAF) vs. Matthew McGillivray (ZAF)
The first swell of 2022 arrived on the 26th January in Nias – Sorake Beach, the morning started slow, small swell but few hours later it started to pulse! Afternoon unfortunately got a bit windy. The next day was still good but no spectacular size anymore, still amazing waves for the first swell for the Lagundri Bay!
Surfers:
Alfred, Abedi, Lisa, Kevin, Site and many more rippers.
