The Pipe Masters began in 1971 when local surf legend Fred Hemmings organized the first official event. Back then, the idea of surfing the Pipeline competitively was still daring. The break itself, known for its shallow, jagged reef and hollow waves, was discovered in the late 1950s by surf pioneers like Phil Edwards and Butch Van Artsdalen. However, it wasn’t until the Pipe Masters was founded that the wave gained its legendary status as a place where surf champions were made.
In the early days, surfers rode boards far less maneuverable than today’s equipment, making the ride through Pipeline’s heavy barrels even more treacherous. The inaugural Pipe Masters was won by Jeff Hakman, setting the stage for an event that would become a rite of passage for professional surfers.
The Wave Itself: Banzai Pipeline
Pipeline is notorious for its powerful waves that break over a shallow, lava-formed reef, offering both left and right-hand rides known as “Backdoor” and “Pipeline,” respectively. The left-breaking wave (Pipeline) is the more famous of the two, producing some of the cleanest barrels in surfing. The right-breaking wave (Backdoor) offers a shorter but equally challenging ride.
Pipeline’s winter swells, which typically range from 10 to 20 feet, create an awe-inspiring — and often dangerous — spectacle. It is not uncommon for even the best surfers to suffer injuries on this wave due to its unforgiving reef. As a result, surfing Pipeline is not just about skill; it’s about respect for the ocean and knowing when to charge and when to hold back.
Key Surfers: The Kings and Queens of Pipe
Over the decades, several surfers have etched their names into Pipe Masters history:
- Gerry Lopez – Known as “Mr. Pipeline,” Gerry Lopez dominated the event in the 1970s. His smooth style, composure, and ability to tame the unruly barrels set a benchmark for tube riding.
- Kelly Slater – The 11-time World Champion holds multiple Pipe Masters titles. His rivalry with other surfing icons like Andy Irons defined an era. Slater’s mastery of Pipeline, especially in high-pressure situations, is legendary.
- Andy Irons – The late, great Andy Irons brought power, aggression, and style to Pipeline. His multiple victories at Pipe cemented his status as one of the greatest surfers to ever compete.
- Jamie O’Brien – A North Shore local, O’Brien is known for his intimate knowledge of Pipeline. His fearless approach and creative style make him a standout at the event.
- Carissa Moore – As women’s surfing gained ground at Pipeline, Hawaii’s own Carissa Moore has shown that the wave isn’t just for the guys. Her world-class barrel-riding skills have set a new standard in women’s competitive surfing.
Unforgettable Moments: Pipe’s Defining Rides
Over the years, the Pipe Masters has delivered some of the most thrilling and dramatic moments in surfing:
- 1995: Kelly Slater claimed his first Pipe Masters title in a heated final against Rob Machado. The contest was a testament to Slater’s ability to rise under pressure and kickstarted his domination at Pipeline.
- 2004: Andy Irons vs. Kelly Slater. Their showdown in the final heat is remembered as one of the greatest duels in surfing history. Irons’ victory that year solidified his place in surfing folklore.
- 2019: Italo Ferreira of Brazil clinched the world title at Pipe by defeating Gabriel Medina. The drama and tension of the final heat, with world title implications on the line, made this an unforgettable event.
- 2020: For the first time, the women’s WSL championship tour event was held at Pipeline, marking a historic shift toward equality in surfing competitions. “Pipeline’s for the fucking girls”, after all!
The Competition Format and Who Competes
The Pipe Masters has traditionally been an invite-only event, with spots given to the world’s top surfers from the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour, Pipe specialists, and local wildcards. In 2023, the event became part of the WSL Championship Tour as the season’s opening event, meaning both men and women now compete for season points.
The format is structured around multiple rounds of heats, with surfers competing head-to-head or in three-person heats, striving to score the highest wave totals based on commitment, difficulty, maneuvers, and barrel-riding prowess.
Last year, local legends John Florence and Moana Jones-Wong won at the Vans Pipe Masters, highlighting the remarkable homegrown talent the North Shore produces on loop. This season, Vans have dedicated half the invite slots to locals, residents of Hawaii and Native Hawaiians to respect the locals and pay homage to this incredible part of the world.
The Pinnacle of Surfing Glory
The Pipe Masters isn’t just a contest — it’s a celebration of the raw power of nature and human courage. Pipeline’s perfect, deadly barrels continue to challenge each new generation of surfers, reminding them of the wave’s unforgiving nature and the potential for glory. For any surfer, winning the Pipe Masters is the ultimate badge of honor, a testament to skill, bravery, and a deep respect for the ocean.
The Banzai Pipeline stands as a timeless monument in the surfing world, and the Pipe Masters ensures its legend will live on.
