Welcome To Electric

Welcome To Electric

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.

WSL History Made

WSL History Made

• 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)

Art Form

Art Form

“The surfboard is a constant blending of curves and how they interact with the water. Making those curves feel comfortable, like an extension of your feet and your mind, is so interesting…There shouldn’t be any rules about what a surfboard looks like.” – Matt Parker

Album Surf presents, “Art Form”, a surf film directed by Matt Kleiner. Starring Asher Pacey, Josh Kerr, and Matt Parker. All original music by Ryan Kleiner. Additional filming by Dan Scott, Dave Fox, Lachlan Mckinnon, Simon Saffinga, and Jacob Wooden.

Pioneers of Pipeline

Pioneers of Pipeline

Out of the entire ocean, there’s one small stretch of reef that’s become the most significant place in the world of surfing: The Banzai Pipeline. Through the eyes of North Shore lifeguard and bodysurfing legend Mark Cunningham, this is the story of the most dangerous, challenging wave in history and the men and women who helped shape how it was ridden.

Phil Edwards takes the first giant leap over the ledge, forever changing the world of surfing.

Before Gerry, there was Butch. The first to peek behind the curtain, paint on the cave walls and make it out alive.

Gerry Lopez by no means invented style, but he was undoubtedly its master.

A brigade of Australians and South Africans descend on the North Shore with a one-track mind-set: be the best guys at Pipe and Backdoor, by any means necessary.

The Banzai Pipeline is considered one of the most demanding and dangerous waves in the world today. This weekend the Billabong Pro Pipeline kicks off and history will be made as 18 women paddle out in the first ever WCT event at this iconic break. This is the story of the women who have paved the way for this moment. The brave and inspiring female surfers who have dared to push themselves over the edge, wave by wave, one generation at a time. Introducing Pioneers of Pipeline with Coco Ho.

Beth Hamilton / Rip Curl

Beth Hamilton / Rip Curl

Hawaiian surfer Bethany Hamilton has been riding with Rip Curl since 1999. After being scouted at a Hawaiian junior surfing event, she signed on with the brand at just nine years old. Today, 23 years later, Bethany and Rip Curl have just inked a new five-year deal that will see their partnership grow into an exciting new phase.

“I have just been kind of in awe that we have been together this long,” says Bethany. “It feels amazing to have been with Rip Curl for this long, and it really feels like we align on so many different levels. I love how the brand is approaching the environment of young women in surfing and really supporting females in the water – that’s something we are really focusing on together.”

Over the next five years Rip Curl and Bethany Hamilton will collaborate across video projects, surf trips, surfwear collections and more. Soon Bethany will launch a Masterclass for the next generation, where women can learn from her experiences both in and out of the water – this is due to launch on the Rip Curl YouTube channel in late February.

“I am really energised with what we are hoping to achieve together over the next few years,” continues Bethany. “In the water I haven’t really set any huge goals at this point, but I’m always ready to charge. Outside of my surfing goals, I love finding ways to empower young women to live their best lives, to overcome challenges and to learn how to have fun in the process.

“I’ve been thinking a lot about my future and what I hope to do with my career, and I feel like with this new deal, I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.”

Rip Curl echoes this sentiment, and is looking forward to what can be achieved in the next five years of this long partnership. “Bethany is all about pushing boundaries,” says Ryan Fletcher, Rip Curl International Team and Events Manager. “And not just for herself, but for women’s surfing in general. That’s something we want to support at Rip Curl.

“She has obviously had fantastic success in WSL Championship Tour events in the past, including a historic semifinals finish at the 2016 Fiji Pro, but her ability to surf the way she does, train as hard as she does, and be a wonderful mum and wife – it’s all a part of the inspiration that is Bethany.”

Stay tuned to Rip Curl and Bethany’s channels over the coming months for exciting new content designed to inspire women in surfing, both in the water and out.

Stay up to date with Bethany and Rip Curl:

Instagram: @BethanyHamilton / @RipCurl_Women

Photo: @chachfiles