by Ed Temperley on Friday 1st February, 2013 17985 Views
3 of 5
Waialua's Kawai Lindo experienced both sides of Pipeline's hand today, finding the only $1,000 "Electric Perfect 10" score of the day for a barrel that reeled off flawlessly. But at the end of his battle for a wildcard in a stacked heat that included Mark Healey (HI), Dave Wassel (HI), and JD Irons (HI), it still wouldn't be enough. Kauai's JD Irons trumped him to move on. North Shore local Makuakai Rothman posted the highest two-wave heat score of the day: 16.86 points out of 20 (8.93, 7.93). His backhand tube riding was brilliant and delivered a satisfying return to the water after a recent torn calf muscle that had him couch-ridden. "It felt great, actually," said Rothman. "It was a pretty heavy tear, blew it up, but no problem today so I'm heading home to rest up." Rothman's younger brother Koa also advanced today.
© 2013 Volcom/Bernie
Ex-pat Australian Anthony Walsh first surfed here at the Pipeline more than a decade ago, at the age of 16. He says he was hooked from that day on and is now married to a local girl and surfs Pipe whenever he can. His experience showed today and gave him an early round win. "There's definitely good ones out there, there are tens," said Walsh "But with this wind, the backwash and a rising swell, it's definitely tricky. Putting in time out there definitely helps with knowing where to sit when it's like this or bigger." Other top scorers today included JD Irons (Kauai) - 14.93 (9.0, 7.93), Nic Von Rupp (Germany) - who came close to an Electric Perfect 10 with a needle-threading tube ride of 9.93 points, and a similarly satisfying grab-rail backside tube for Brazilian Sidney Guimaraes that saw him throw the biggest double-fisted pump of the contest so far (8.0).
© 2013 Volcom/Bernie17985 Visits -
Astonishing footage of one of the world's most dangerous breaks rediscovered in a familiar place
Era of high activity for Atlantic hurricanes set to continue say the NOAA
Goofy surfers stand resolute beside the form guide
Join Our World is Blue as they host the Downderry and Seaton Ocean Day
OLI Adams and Yannick de Jager search for breaks upside of the colder latitudes continues.
A perfect 10 and goofy surprises at the opening day of the Oakley Pro Bali.
Get the ultimate Magicseaweed.com experience with MSW Pro