Unscripted Pipe Drama

IMAGE CAPTION (Wednesday December 16, 2015): CJ Hobgood of the United States (pictured) winning his Round 3 heat at the Billabong Pipe Masters. IMAGE CREDIT: WSL / Cestari PHOTOGRAPHER: Kelly Cestari SOCIAL MEDIA TAG: @wsl @kc80 The images attached or accessed by link within this email ("Images") are hand-out images from the Association of Surfing Professionals LLC ("World Surf League"). All Images are royalty-free but for editorial use only. No commercial or other rights are granted to the Images in any way. The Images are provided on an "as is" basis and no warranty is provided for use of a particular purpose. Rights to an individual within an Image are not provided. Copyright to the Images is owned by World Surf League. Sale or license of the Images is prohibited. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Wow, just wow. Last night Pipe went from morning wonk to kegs of doom and delivered the storied kind of day the WSL sorely need to back up the spectacle that was Pe’ahi.

Bede got clobbered, careers ended, wildcards failed, world title hopes crumbled, judging got questioned and through it all Mick Fanning, who unknown to us viewing public at the time, was surfing having just received the crushing news his older brother had died overnight. If he wasn’t having enough of a year of it as it was. To even surf, let alone compete, at the highest level, in one of the most dangerous waves on the planet is testament to his grit, resolve and all round champion quality. We can’t even begin to understand what he is going through, especially as he lost another brother tragically when he was young.

In surfing there’s often talk of surfers having physical bravado and steely resolve to surf big waves. Mick has that in spades. His mental control is otherworldly. Not only did he surf he made it through. He smashed it. Beating Jamie’O, arguably the most dangerous wildcard at Pipe and then won the superheat against an on fire John Florence and Kelly. Leaving himself in the quarter finals, of course against Kelly, with a World Title in sight. Adriano and Gabriel are still in the mix but Mick needs to get knocked for them to have a chance.

Mick is our surfer of the year in the new issue out this week. He was before yesterday’s events. It counts double now. We’re honoured to have him on the cover. He’s a kind, humble, funny, genuine, nice human that just happens to have mad skills on a surfboard.

The WSL tag for the end of year story is ‘You can’t script this’ they couldn’t have been more on the crystal ball if they tried…

WSL PRESS RELEASE

A phenomenal day of the world’s best surfers battling solid eight-to-ten foot (2.5 – 3 metre) waves at the Banzai Pipeline has whittled the WSL Title contenders down to three and the Billabong Pipe Masters contenders down to nine, setting up an epic finish to the 2015 season tomorrow.

The final stop of the 2015 Samsung Galaxy WSL Championship Tour season as well as the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing (a WSL Specialty Series), the Billabong Pipe Masters in Memory of Andy Irons enjoyed a marathon day of competition, witnessing perfect scores and terrifying injuries from the world’s best surfers.

IMAGE CAPTION (Wednesday December 16, 2015): Mick Fanning of Australia (pictured) winning his Round 4 heat to advance directly to the Quarter Finals and remain in contention for a fourth WSL World Title at the Billabong Pipe Masters. IMAGE CREDIT: WSL / Kirstin PHOTOGRAPHER: Kirstin Scholtz SOCIAL MEDIA TAG: @wsl @kirstinscholtz The images attached or accessed by link within this email ("Images") are hand-out images from the Association of Surfing Professionals LLC ("World Surf League"). All Images are royalty-free but for editorial use only. No commercial or other rights are granted to the Images in any way. The Images are provided on an "as is" basis and no warranty is provided for use of a particular purpose. Rights to an individual within an Image are not provided. Copyright to the Images is owned by World Surf League. Sale or license of the Images is prohibited. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

The World Title race is now down to three competitors as current Jeep Rankings’ Leader Mick Fanning (AUS), Adriano de Souza (BRA) and Gabriel Medina (BRA) are through to the Quarterfinals. Julian Wilson (AUS) and World No.2 Filipe Toledo (BRA) are both out of title contention, having been eliminated from competition in Round 3.

Fanning came into the most anticipated heat of Round 3, facing off against 2004 Pipe Master Jamie O’Brien (HAW) in building Pipeline conditions. Finding an 8.47 on his opening ride, Fanning held off O’Brien for the majority of the heat – comboing the former Pipe Master by the final horn.

fanning_mom1579pipe15kirstin

“It was always going to be a difficult heat with Jamie [O’Brien] being one of the best guys out here and surfing it the most,” Fanning said. “I just got lucky at the start when Michel [Bourez] and Kelly [Slater] sort of let me go on that first one and I just kept trying to improve that backup score. It’s pretty amazing that we travel around the world and when it comes down to this moment to see all these people out here, there’s so many from Australia and all around the world, we just want to put on a good show and can’t thank everyone enough for their support.”

IMAGE CAPTION (Wednesday December 16, 2015): Kelly Slater of the United States (pictured) winning his Round 3 heat at the Billabong Pipe Masters. IMAGE CREDIT: WSL / Cestari PHOTOGRAPHER: Kelly Cestari.

After taking on O’Brien, Fanning drew two Pipeline specialists in Kelly Slater (USA) and John John Florence (HAW) for an incredible Round 4 match-up. After what pundits are calling “the heat of the year,” with all three surfers exchanging high scores, Fanning came out on top with a 17.30 heat total to earn his place into the Quarterfinals.

“I can’t really put it into words,” Fanning said. “When you’re paddling out against John John [Florence] and Kelly [Slater], two of the greatest tube riders, I just thought that when the waves come, I’ll do my best. It’s been a huge day. I’ve got some personal stuff going on at home. It’s so heavy to talk about right now and I’m just trying to focus on the water.”

IMAGE CAPTION (Wednesday December 16, 2015): Adriano de Souza of Brasil (pictured) winning his Round 3 heat at the Billabong Pipe Masters. IMAGE CREDIT: WSL / Masurel PHOTOGRAPHER: Laurent Masurel SOCIAL MEDIA TAG: @wsl The images attached or accessed by link within this email ("Images") are hand-out images from the Association of Surfing Professionals LLC ("World Surf League"). All Images are royalty-free but for editorial use only. No commercial or other rights are granted to the Images in any way. The Images are provided on an "as is" basis and no warranty is provided for use of a particular purpose. Rights to an individual within an Image are not provided. Copyright to the Images is owned by World Surf League. Sale or license of the Images is prohibited. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Keeping pace with Fanning, current World No.3 Adriano de Souza (BRA) earned a direct pass to his first Pipe Masters Quarterfinal appearance after surviving a Round 3 bout with Glenn Hall (IRL) and coming out on top in Round 4 over Josh Kerr (AUS) and Adam Melling (AUS). The 10-year CT veteran is seeking a maiden WSL Title and knows exactly what needs to be done.

“I feel blessed for the day we have and I’m so happy to make the two heats – it’s an incredible feeling to make the Quarterfinals and keep my World Title dreams alive,” De Souza said. “There are a lot of people talking and I’m not really worried about it. Basically I just need to do my job out there, find my waves and get out of the barrels – that’s my focus out here and it definitely has improved. The last few years I’ve put in a lot of work over here and I just wanted to get the result today.”

“I liked Mick’s approach against Jamie and no matter what if he won or lost, Jamie is still the man to me,” De Souza added. “Coming up against a guy like that I think Mick just surfed amazing and when I saw that it lit a fire under me. Can’t wait for the Quarterfinal and I think everyone will be ready.”

Though his Title hopes remain slim, reigning WSL Champion Gabriel Medina (BRA) looked unbeatable throughout the day – winning both his Round 3 and Round 4 heats over some formidable opponents. Taking down Jordy Smith (ZAF) in the opening heat of Round 3, Medina then continued to charge through Round 4 over C.J. Hobgood (USA) and Keanu Asing (HAW).

“I like these type of waves and I don’t feel pressure from the World Title because these guys are a little bit ahead of me,” Medina said. “I just focus on my heat, my job and this is great even though it’s not Finals day, a lot is happening and it’s really exciting. I’ve been spending a lot of time in the water and it feels good to sneak some good ones – I got my best two under priority and I’m stoked to make it through. I was worried about not having waves today and they showed up so I was stoked we were able to keep going.”

Mason Ho (HAW), Billabong Pipe Masters wildcard, created a massive upset this morning in eliminating current World No. 2 Filipe Toledo (BRA) from the event and the WSL Title race.

“It didn’t go as I expected but I just figured I would get anything that came and it almost didn’t work out,” Ho said. “Filipe and all these guys on tour are just so smart with the whole game and priority I just realized you don’t really have to go get that busy. I was just learning throughout the whole heat and I was bummed we didn’t get to perform to the top of what we can do.”

Ho continued his impressive form and opened up Heat 3, Round 4 heat against former Pipe Masters Joel Parkinson (AUS) and Jeremy Flores (FRA) with a 10-point ride, helping the young Hawaiian advance directly into the Quarterfinals.

Toledo’s WSL Title run came to an end after a phenomenal 2015 CT season, claiming three event wins at the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast, Oi Rio Pro and the Moche Rip Curl Pro – earning a perfect 10 at each contest. The 20-year-old is poised for another big year next season after gaining a wealth of knowledge contending for a Title.

“This has been an amazing year for sure – it’s been the best one of my career,” Toledo said. “I had a lot of fun the whole time with the boys fighting for the World Title and I had my chance. It didn’t happen this year but next year I will be back stronger. It’s my first year competing in the World Title race and just really happy to come to Hawaii with a chance to win.

“I really want to improve myself at this wave, Tahiti and Fiji, so that’s where I go from here,” Toledo added. “I learned a bunch this year and just want to thank everyone for this year – especially the boys competing and pushing me to my best.”

Julian Wilson (AUS), one of the form surfers of the season, was also eliminated from the 2015 WSL Title race at the hands of compatriot Adam Melling (AUS). Melling, who entered the Billabong Pipe Masters rated 26th, is through to the Quarterfinals and hunting a requalification bid for 2016.

Bede Durbidge wipeout

The incredible force of Pipeline was felt today as numerous excellent scores, including three 10s, were posted, but the world-renowned wave also unleashed its wrath with former Pipe Master Bede Durbidge (AUS) suffering a horrific wipeout. After sticking a heavy drop on his opening wave, Durbidge couldn’t hold on inside the barrel and was thrown onto the shallow reef below.

Bede Durbidge of Australia (pictured) injured during a wipeout in Round 3 at the Billabong Pipe Masters on Wednesday December 16, 2015.

“He was taken to the hospital after they were able to get him on the beach and he’s received some scans which revealed two breaks in his pelvis that will require some surgery,” WSL Commissioner Kieren Perrow said. “It’s something that you never want to see on a day like today but we all know it’s a possibility of happening. The good news is he will be okay but it’s going to be a recovery process and we just send our best to him and his family.”

Event organizers will reconvene tomorrow morning at 7am to reassess conditions.

When competition resumes, up first will be Josh Kerr (AUS) against Jeremy Flores (FRA) in the final heat of Round 5.

Surfline, official forecasters for the World Surf League, are calling for:

Long period NW swell will be on the rise through the day on Tuesday with a peak in surf late Tuesday  through the first half of Wednesday.  The swell/surf will trend down steadily through the second half of the week with minor leftovers by the weekend. E Trades rebuild Tue and become strong and gusty for the second half of the week.

 

BILLABONG PIPE MASTERS QUARTERFINAL MATCH-UPS:

QF 1: Gabriel Medina (BRA) vs. C.J. Hobgood (USA)
QF 2: Mick Fanning (AUS) vs. Kelly Slater (USA

QF 3: Mason Ho (HAW) vs. Adam Melling (AUS)
QF 4: Adriano de Souza (BRA) vs. TBD

 

BILLABONG PIPE MASTERS ROUND 5 RESULTS:

Heat 1: C.J. Hobgood (USA) 13.34 def. John John Florence (HAW) 9.76
Heat 2: Kelly Slater (USA) 17.07 def. Keanu Asing (HAW) 9.77
Heat 3: Adam Melling (AUS) 5.17 def. Joel Parkinson (AUS) 4.20
REMAINING BILLABONG PIPE MASTERS ROUND 5 MATCH-UP:

Heat 4: Josh Kerr (AUS) vs. Jeremy Flores (FRA)

17-Year Old Jack Robinson Takes Pipe Trials…

Day one of four at the Pipeline ticked off*. A wild and wooly trials saw heroics and oddness, Aussie grom Jack Robbo used his West Oz honed tube smarts to take the win and JOB is joining him in the main event. So the top seeds have Robbo, JOB or Bruce Irons to contend with. No biggy…

The first heat may be a record breaker, only two waves ridden, both take off to pull off due to close out. But that was enough to see Jack Freestone and Griffin Colapinto into the next round. So Jack advanced with a one wave score of 0.87?!?!? A record surely?

Get well soon Owen Wright who’s been hospitalised after feeling wonky after a man sized Rick-rolling at huge Pipe. More on this as we get it. He’s okay and being checked out by the medics.

*Event permit bureaucracy in Hawaii and many events/limited window means the WSL gets four on days to complete the event. So no half days or late calls. It’s either on for the day or it’s not.

Solid conditions on offer at the Pipe Invitational at Pipeline, Oahu, Hawaii on Wednesday December 9, 2015.

WSL PRESS RELEASE

Jack Robinson (AUS), 17, claimed the Pipe Invitational this afternoon, besting a specialist field of 32 to take the prestigious win and advance, alongside Runner-up and former Pipe Master, Jamie O’Brien (HAW), into the Billabong Pipe Masters in Memory of Andy Irons.

The final event of the 2015 Samsung Galaxy World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT) and the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, the Billabong Pipe Masters In Memory of Andy Irons is a highly-competitive event that pits some of the world’s best surfers against one of the world’s most renowned waves.

Jack Robinson

Solid 10-to-15 foot (3 – 5 metre) surf steamed through the world-famous Banzai Pipeline all day, providing the backdrop for incredible barrels and horrendous wipeouts by some of the best Pipeline surfers on the planet.

In the end, it was 17-year-old phenom, Robinson, that came away with the win – turning in one excellent score of a 9.43 to claim the victory over O’Brien, Mason Ho (HAW) and Kekoa Cazimero (HAW). Leading the front of youthful standouts including Griffin Colapinto (USA), Kalani David (HAW), and Luke Shepardson (HAW), Robinson was in-form, collecting impressive scores throughout the event, winning each of his four heats, and has his eyes now set on the main event.

“I just wanted to get the best waves and go against the best guys but the trials were so gnarly,” Robinson said. “Any one of the trialists could take down a CT guy so I’m just stoked to get a few waves against them. It was great to have my dad here and I had a lot of fun – just wanted to go and get it done. I’d be stoked to get a couple of drainers, that’s what it’s all about here and it’d be great to get into a few heats.”

Robinson won the Vans Triple Crown Rookie of the Year award at Sunset last week during the Vans World Cup of Surfing and has had a phenomenal performance in Hawaii this season. With a fourth place finish in the HIC Pro, the official Vans Triple Crown qualifying event, the young Australian has quickly become a fan favorite.

Wade Carmichael (AUS), winner of the Hawaiian Pro, leads the Vans Triple Crown ratings ahead of defending WSL World Champion Gabriel Medina (BRA), Dusty Payne (HAW), Mick Fanning (AUS) and John John Florence (HAW) respectively. Carmichael will surf against Medina and Keanu Asing (HAW) once the Billabong Pipe Masters commences.

Jamie O'Brien placing runner up at the Pipe Invitational on Wednesday December 9, 2015.

Claiming Runner-up, 2004 Pipe Master and local charger Jamie O’Brien (HAW) punched his ticket into this year’s main event after a near-miss last year. Known for his fearless approach to one of the heaviest waves in the world, O’Brien will now have a chance to show his prowess against the world’s best.

“I narrowly missed out last year coming in third so I made it a goal here to get second and I’m excited with the forecast looking really good,” O’Brien said. “I’m really stoked with everyone that came down today in support of the trials and excited we got to put on a good event in some unruly conditions at times. I think today was the hard day coming into a lot of good heats. Guys were surfing great and every heat was like a Final. The best thing about the main event is we’re only surfing one or two heats a day and that’ll give us time to relax – whereas today we had to surf four times and that’s really draining so I’m excited to make the main event.”

Jamie O'Brien advancing into the Final of the Pipe Invitational.

Turning heads during his Pipe Invitational run, local young gun Luke Shepardson (HAW), 20, posted the event’s only perfect 10 in Heat 8 of Round 1, but couldn’t find the scores needed to advance from the Quarterfinals. Finding a pristine Pipeline bomb, Shepardson locked into the barrel with equipment made for these conditions – beating multiple sections and finding a clean exit.

“I knew it was a really, really good wave,” said Luke Shepardson. “And I thought it’s either a 10 or a 1. I was super stoked I made it. I’m riding a 6’10, I was thinking I would ride my 6’8, but I think the 6’10 helped a lot. As I bottom turned into it there was a warble in the wave and the board almost skidded out – the couple extra inches held the rail and helped me get out of it. I think that was my best wave ever at Pipe. It’s the best feeling I ever got, especially because it’s in a contest and the whole world is watching.”

Mason Ho of Hawaii advancing into the Final of the Pipe INvitational on Wednesday December 9m, 2015.

Three-time WSL Champion and current Jeep Rankings’ Leader Mick Fanning (AUS), Filipe Toledo (BRA), Adriano de Souza (BRA), reigning WSL Champion Medina, Owen Wright (AUS) and defending Pipe Master Julian Wilson (AUS) are all in the running for the 2015 WSL Title, which will be decided at the final stop of the 2015 Samsung Galaxy WSL Championship Tour, the Billabong Pipe Masters.

Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) and Matt Banting (AUS) have withdrawn from the event. They’ve been replaced by former Pipe Master Bruce Irons (HAW) and current Vans Triple Crown ratings’ leader Carmichael in the main event.

Irons has drawn Fanning and compatriot Sebastian Zietz (HAW) while Carmichael will take on Medina and Hawaiian rookie Keanu Asing (HAW) in Round 1 of competition.

Organizers will reconvene tomorrow morning at 7:00am to reassess conditions.

Surfline, Official Forecasters for the World Surf League, are calling for:

Large WNW swell peaks early Wednesday morning, with Pipe expected to be mainly maxed out. However, watch for the surf to gradually become more tame through the day, especially over the afternoon. The swell eases a couple notches for Thursday (but still solid) and shifts more NW’erly in angle. The swell continues to ease over Friday and the weekend. Breezy ENE veering East Trades through Wed/Thurs, then backing off some over Friday and veering ESE. Watching for a possible good size NW swell for around the 15th-17th.

The Billabong Pipe Masters will be webcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com and on the WSL app.

Late news: Owen Wright has been taken to hospital at Queens in Honolulu after getting rolled during a freesurf. Word is concussion, get well soon big man.

PIPE INVITATIONAL FINAL RESULTS:
1 – Jack Robinson (AUS) 9.43
2 – Jamie O’Brien (HAW) 8.70
3 – Mason Ho (HAW) 5.53
4 – Kekoa Cazimero (HAW) 1.50

PIPE INVITATIONAL SEMIFINAL RESULTS:
SF 1: Jack Robinson (AUS) 13.00, Mason Ho (HAW) 11.70, Griffin Colapinto (USA) 7.53, Kalani David (HAW) 4.23
SF 2: Jamie O’Brien (HAW) 18.00, Kekoa Cazimero (HAW) 9.34, Myles Padaca (HAW) 2.63, Nathan Florence (HAW) 1.57

Mason Ho

Tom Butler Nails 2nd Place In The Big Cow!

Tom1

Super Sunday wasn’t all about Pe’Ahi, La Vaca Gigante (literally Big Cow) was going off in Spain. Tom Butler made the final and nailed 2nd place in the event. Sharpy caught up with him somewhere in the middle of Spain. (Tom’s new edit will also be dropping on carvemag later today).

What the hell you doing in Spain?

I got the call Wednesday evening from Jesus, the La Vaca big wave event organiser, he’s a pro poker player during the day, he’s the guy that set up the comp. It’s not been run for four years as conditions haven’t been right. It went off big style this year, 15-18 foot or so. It took us two days to drive down from Ireland, got here 5am Saturday morning. Split the drive with my manager Matt.
We met the guys Saturday lunchtime and had a warm up surf in a few shifty ten-footers. Good to get some time out there.
Come the comp day I was in heat four so got plenty of time to prepare and figure out how the place works.

Tom4

First time there?

Yes, so was good to get in before the event. It’s a peak about a km out to sea and the right is the main wave. It’s a bit like El Buey, a big drop then you get a section to do a few turns. If you go left you’re going towards the rocks, you’ve got to kick out and get back out real fast. I got pretty close to the rocks during the final, it’s pretty sketchy. There’s a lot of water moving out there too. It’s on a slab and changes a lot with the tide.

Tom2

Was a bit hard to figure out what was going on from the Spanish webcast?

Yeah a pity the webcast was only in Spanish but they plan to make it better next year so it’s easier for people around the world to tune in. The police reckoned there were 12,000 people lining the cliffs. Pretty mental.

How was the sharp end of the event?

I went from the second semi straight into the final, so was in the channel for half an hour with no refreshments before going straight back in to it. It’s a long paddle so no point coming back in. My first wave was a huge left, biggest wave of the final, I’ve not seen it yet but it felt solid, came off the bottom and it ran loads. I got smashed on the end section as I tried to pull in. Then I got nailed by the next four waves in the set. The ski finally got to me and gave me a lift back to the keyhole and Matt was there wading in his jeans with my spare 10’6”. Then I had to make the paddle back out through the shorebreak and get a lift near to the peak. Only one wave was caught in the last ten minutes of the final so I didn’t miss many.

Who won?

Congrats to Alex Zirke from the Canaries, from Tenerife, he won the thing.

What’s next?

Heading down to Nazaré right now, it’s looking massive for the week. It’s going to be huge and good winds so straight into it.

Just what you want after driving through the night!

Got to get it while the going’s good haven’t you Sharpy! We’re filming a big wave web series through the winter so it’s all good. Been a good season so far. How was Jaws??? Mental. Amazing too watch the production level live. If something goes wrong it goes wrong in front of the world. Guys were charging so hard.

Get some coffee in you and drive safe.

Cheers, sweet. I’ll be in touch!

Photos: La Vaca
Tom3

Emily Williams…

Emily Williams is a Welsh grom with a big future. She got christened ‘Sheggings’ on the Fourth Mentawai trip after her fair Welsh skin got a bit burnt and she (sensibly) surfed in leggings. Something she will never hear the end of. One to watch in the future. Here’s a new edit by Mr B. See the full team film here.

Photos by Sharpy

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Pe’Ahi Challenge

Huge set rolls through Peahi

Local Hawaiian Billy Kemper (HAW) has emerged victorious on a monumental day for the surfing world with the planet’s best big wave riders taking on unprecedented wave heights at Pe’ahi for the maiden World Surf League (WSL) Big Wave Tour (BWT) competition held on the island of Maui.

Billy Kemper of Maui (pictured) during the Final of the Peahi challenge.

Hailing from the nearby Maui town of Ho’okipa, near the amphitheater-esque cliffs of the infamous big wave venue at ‘Jaws,’ Kemper has beat out an international field of big wave gladiators to claim the crown as Pe’ahi Challenge champion on a day that saw 40’-to-50’ foot waves contested with no shortage of action, carnage and high drama.

Catching the first wave of the event, the new BWT Rankings Leader never looked back and earned great rides throughout the day, bettering his single-wave scores with each, successive round. The 25-year-old put up a highlight reel of impressive surfing – earning an 8.00 (out of a possible 10) in the Final, which, with the BWT format, equivalates to a 16.00 (out of a possible 20) as a surfer’s top score is scored twice. Backing it up with a 6.77, the Maui native came away with a historic win.

“This is a dream come true,” Kemper said. “We’ve been talking about this moment for years and to have a paddle event in my backyard at, to me, one of the most premier, outstanding waves in the world, means everything to me. I just want to dedicate to this my brother. To paddle Pe’ahi has been a dream of mine for a very long time and to be out there with some of my favorite surfers and best friend – I’m just speechless.”
Billy Kemper of Maui (pictured) during the Final of the Peahi challenge.

With the treacherous swell in the water, each of the surfers and WSL water-safety staff kept a close watch on all involved in the event, with several dramatic wipeouts recorded on the live broadcast.

“We passed the word talking out there and I told the boys we can always surf another big day at Jaws but we can never replace each other,” Kemper said. “The main thing is at the end of the day to come back our families. I’m there for everyone and they’re all there for me.
It’s a feeling you can’t reproduce or explain it to people. Just a feeling of breaking through a fear factor where it’s all adrenaline. I’m over the moon – I’m just happy to be sitting here doing this interview.”

Earning runner-up and also a Pe’ahi ‘grom’, Albee Layer (HAW), 24, showcased his affinity for the barrel – earning a standup tube ride that was rewarded with a 7.60. Riding an 8’8”, the shortest equipment in the event, Layer looked unstoppable heading into the Final.

“I was just trying not to psych myself out so I hung out with a lot of friends,” Layer said of his pre-event routine. “My shaper, Sean Ordonez, just keeps going smaller and smaller with my boards and it keeps working better and better for me. I’m just really trying to get in the barrel – I’m not trying to get the biggest wave. That’s the wave I’m always looking for – the barrel. They’re a little harder to find but eventually you’ll get one.”

Greg Long winning his Round 2 heat.

Earning a third-place, a true legend of the big wave sport, Greg Long (USA) secured the highest single-scoring wave of a 9.00 alongside Shaun Walsh (HAW), during his Round 2 heat – pulling a critical drop and locking into a massive barrel that he was unable to come out of. The 32-year-old Californian knows this lineup all too well and couldn’t believe the waves that were coming in.

“It was probably one of, if not the best waves of my life even though I didn’t make it,” Long said. “It’s been a dream of mine to catch one of these barrels and to see that vision. It’s the perfect direction to do it and get the waves from way out the back. Paddling in it looks impossible to make it all the way to the channel but then you get around that first section coming from behind and you’re set. I was lucky in that heat with the wind settling down a bit and a couple multiple wave sets to clean it up and then that wave came through – just was out the back and got the greenlight to catch it.”

Ian Walsh of Maui, Hawaii (pictured) placing runner up during Semifinals Heat 2 at the Peahi Challenge on Sunday December 6, 2015.

Universally-respected big wave surfer, Ian Walsh (HAW) had an incredible day at Pe’ahi, winning his Round 1 heat and advancing to the Final behind Albee Layer (HAW) in the Semifinals. Walsh also had one of the heaviest wipeouts of the day, but continued to charge through nonetheless.

“There was just a chandelier coming down and it hit my back shoulder and feel like I didn’t penetrate the water at all – just started spinning on the face then a long drop over the falls,” Walsh said. “It takes a lot longer than normal days of surfing when you go over the falls here, so you have a lot of time to think about your mistake. Then it’s really violent, everything is flying everywhere and you’re trying to feel the tension on your leash to make sure the board is not close to you. Just a lot going on – but you’re really just focused on holding your breath and trying to get back to the surface.”
Shane Dorian of Hawaii makes the drop into one of the biggest waves of the morning at the Peahi Challenge at Peahi, Maui Hawaii on Sunday December 7, 2015.

Making his maiden voyage to the infamous break at Pe’ahi, Gabriel Villaran (PER) showed his prowess in taking on the world’s best, including a stacked local lineup, and making a run to the Final – topping Shane Dorian (USA) in the Final. Earning his spot to the Final with a buzzer beater, the Peruvian was elated coming out of his Semifinal heat.

“It feels amazing because this wave is next level,” Villaran said. “The wind is really challenging and is making the drop really hard. It’s my first here so to get a few waves and get a little barrel at the beginning so I’m really happy. The guys out here, especially the locals, are really good and I’m just trying to figure it out. I’m enjoying the day and just really an epic day – to make the final is a great opportunity for me.”
Greg Long of the USA (pictured) winning his Round 1 heat at the Peahi Challenge on Sunday December 6, 2015.

For more go to www.worldsurfleague.com. The window for the BWT Northern Hemisphere began on October 12, 2015 and extends through February 28, 2016 with three more contests scheduled including: Oregon Challenge at Nelscott Reef, Lincoln City, Oregon; Punta Galea Challenge, Punta Galea, Basque County, Spain; and Todos Santos Challenge, Todos Santos, Baja California, México.

PE’AHI CHALLENGE FINAL RESULTS:
1 – Billy Kemper (HAW) 22.77
2 – Albee Layer (HAW) 19.33
3 – Greg Long (USA) 16.26
4 – Ian Walsh (HAW) 1.00
5 – Gabriel Villaran (PER) 0.80
6 – Shane Dorian (HAW) 0.00

PE’AHI CHALLENGE SEMIFINAL RESULTS:
SF 1: Greg Long (USA) 21.53, Billy Kemper (HAW) 16.66, Gabriel Villaran (PER) 12.03, Trevor Carlson (HAW) 11.04, Shaun Walsh (HAW) 8.66, Carlos Burle (BRA) 3.34
SF 2: Albee Layer (HAW) 23.60, Ian Walsh (HAW) 19.79, Shane Dorian (HAW) 17.67, Mark Healey (HAW) 14.09, Nic Lamb (USA) 10.07, Kai Lenny (HAW) 9.56

PE’AHI CHALLENGE ROUND 1 RESULTS:
Heat 1: Billy Kemper (HAW) 21.07, Gabriel Villaran (PER) 18.17, Carlos Burle (BRA) 17.27, Nic Vaughan (USA) 16.70, David Wassel (HAW) 8.33, Nathan Fletcher (USA) 6.00
Heat 2: Greg Long (USA) 24.50, Shaun Walsh (HAW) 23.83, Trevor Carlson (HAW) 14.74, Aaron Gold (HAW) 6.00, Makuakai
Heat 3: Albee Layer (HAW) 11.93, Nic Lamb (USA) 10.34, Mark Healey (HAW) 9.63, Yuri Soledade (HAW) 9.27, Tyler Larronde (HAW) 7.61, Grant Baker (ZAF) 5.34
Heat 4: Ian Walsch (HAW) 21.67, Kai Lenny (HAW) 19.21, Shane Dorian (HAW) 18.17, Natxo Gonzalez (EUK) 4.01, Koa Rothman (HAW) 1.20, Anthony Tashnick (USA) 0.20

2015 WSL BIG WAVE TOUR TOP 5 (after two events):
Billy Kemper (HAW) 15,625
Makuakai Rothman (HAW) 13,156
Albee Layer (HAW) 13,020
Greg Long (USA) 10,850
Nic Lamb (USA) 10,565

Star Wars Stormtroopers Take The Severn Bore?!

Surfers dressed as Star Wars Stormtroopers ride the Severn Bore in Gloucestershire. 27 November 2015. See SWNS story SWTROOPER: There was an unworldly sight in the Forest of Dean this morning (Friday 27th November) when a trio of Star Wars Stormtroopers surfed the spectacular Severn Bore. Key scenes from the upcoming Star Wars episode VII were filmed in nearby Puzzlewood and can be seen several times in the trailer. Swapping the Death Star for surfboards, the elite soldiers of the Galactic Empire took to the waves to mark the release of the highly anticipated new Star Wars film and a new TV & Movie Trail. The Forest of Dean’s atmospheric and picturesque location provided a natural stage for the film, which director J.J Abrams referenced in a thank you letter to all of the movie's cast and crew.
Forget all the Black Friday nonsense and appreciate the wonder that is stormtroopers surfing the Severn Bore?! Don’t know about you lot but so totally frothing to see it that we’re going to the midnight showing on opening day…

There was an unworldly sight in the Forest of Dean this morning (Friday 27 November) when a bunch of Star Wars Stormtroopers surfed the Severn Bore.

Key scenes from the upcoming Star Wars episode VII were filmed in nearby Puzzlewood and can be seen several times in the trailer.

Swapping the Death Star for surfboards, the elite soldiers of the Galactic Empire took to the waves to mark the release of the highly anticipated new Star Wars film. The Forest of Dean’s atmospheric and picturesque location provided a natural stage for the film, which director J.J Abrams referenced in a thank you letter to all of the movie’s cast and crew.

All photos courtesy of SWNS.com    Shots by Adam Gray & Alastair Johnstone
Surfers dressed as Star Wars Stormtroopers ride the Severn Bore in Gloucestershire. 27 November 2015. See SWNS story SWTROOPER: There was an unworldly sight in the Forest of Dean this morning (Friday 27th November) when a trio of Star Wars Stormtroopers surfed the spectacular Severn Bore. Key scenes from the upcoming Star Wars episode VII were filmed in nearby Puzzlewood and can be seen several times in the trailer. Swapping the Death Star for surfboards, the elite soldiers of the Galactic Empire took to the waves to mark the release of the highly anticipated new Star Wars film and a new TV & Movie Trail. The Forest of Dean’s atmospheric and picturesque location provided a natural stage for the film, which director J.J Abrams referenced in a thank you letter to all of the movie's cast and crew. A surfer dressed as a Star Wars Stormtrooper rides the Severn Bore in Gloucestershire. 27 November 2015. See SWNS story SWTROOPER: There was an unworldly sight in the Forest of Dean this morning (Friday 27th November) when a trio of Star Wars Stormtroopers surfed the spectacular Severn Bore. Key scenes from the upcoming Star Wars episode VII were filmed in nearby Puzzlewood and can be seen several times in the trailer. Swapping the Death Star for surfboards, the elite soldiers of the Galactic Empire took to the waves to mark the release of the highly anticipated new Star Wars film and a new TV & Movie Trail. The Forest of Dean’s atmospheric and picturesque location provided a natural stage for the film, which director J.J Abrams referenced in a thank you letter to all of the movie's cast and crew. Surfers dressed as Star Wars Stormtroopers ride the Severn Bore in Gloucestershire. 27 November 2015. See SWNS story SWTROOPER: There was an unworldly sight in the Forest of Dean this morning (Friday 27th November) when a trio of Star Wars Stormtroopers surfed the spectacular Severn Bore. Key scenes from the upcoming Star Wars episode VII were filmed in nearby Puzzlewood and can be seen several times in the trailer. Swapping the Death Star for surfboards, the elite soldiers of the Galactic Empire took to the waves to mark the release of the highly anticipated new Star Wars film and a new TV & Movie Trail. The Forest of Dean’s atmospheric and picturesque location provided a natural stage for the film, which director J.J Abrams referenced in a thank you letter to all of the movie's cast and crew. A surfer dressed as a Star Wars Stormtrooper rides the Severn Bore in Gloucestershire. 27 November 2015. See SWNS story SWTROOPER: There was an unworldly sight in the Forest of Dean this morning (Friday 27th November) when a trio of Star Wars Stormtroopers surfed the spectacular Severn Bore. Key scenes from the upcoming Star Wars episode VII were filmed in nearby Puzzlewood and can be seen several times in the trailer. Swapping the Death Star for surfboards, the elite soldiers of the Galactic Empire took to the waves to mark the release of the highly anticipated new Star Wars film and a new TV & Movie Trail. The Forest of Dean’s atmospheric and picturesque location provided a natural stage for the film, which director J.J Abrams referenced in a thank you letter to all of the movie's cast and crew. A surfer dressed as a Star Wars Stormtrooper rides the Severn Bore in Gloucestershire. 27 November 2015. See SWNS story SWTROOPER: There was an unworldly sight in the Forest of Dean this morning (Friday 27th November) when a trio of Star Wars Stormtroopers surfed the spectacular Severn Bore. Key scenes from the upcoming Star Wars episode VII were filmed in nearby Puzzlewood and can be seen several times in the trailer. Swapping the Death Star for surfboards, the elite soldiers of the Galactic Empire took to the waves to mark the release of the highly anticipated new Star Wars film and a new TV & Movie Trail. The Forest of Dean’s atmospheric and picturesque location provided a natural stage for the film, which director J.J Abrams referenced in a thank you letter to all of the movie's cast and crew.A surfer dressed as a Star Wars Stormtrooper after surfing one section of the Severn Bore on the River Severn in Gloucestershire, England. November 27 2015.  See SWNS story SWTROOPER: There was an unworldly sight in the Forest of Dean this morning (Friday 27th November) when a trio of Star Wars Stormtroopers surfed the spectacular Severn Bore. Key scenes from the upcoming Star Wars episode VII were filmed in nearby Puzzlewood and can be seen several times in the trailer.  Swapping the Death Star for surfboards, the elite soldiers of the Galactic Empire took to the waves to mark the release of the highly anticipated new Star Wars film and a new TV & Movie Trail. The Forest of Dean’s atmospheric and picturesque location provided a natural stage for the film, which director J.J Abrams referenced in a thank you letter to all of the movie's cast and crew. Surfers dressed as a Star Wars Stormtroopers wait for the Severn Bore on the River Severn in Gloucestershire, England. November 27 2015.  See SWNS story SWTROOPER: There was an unworldly sight in the Forest of Dean this morning (Friday 27th November) when a trio of Star Wars Stormtroopers surfed the spectacular Severn Bore. Key scenes from the upcoming Star Wars episode VII were filmed in nearby Puzzlewood and can be seen several times in the trailer.  Swapping the Death Star for surfboards, the elite soldiers of the Galactic Empire took to the waves to mark the release of the highly anticipated new Star Wars film and a new TV & Movie Trail. The Forest of Dean’s atmospheric and picturesque location provided a natural stage for the film, which director J.J Abrams referenced in a thank you letter to all of the movie's cast and crew.