Page 10 - MidWeek Leeward - Dec 21, 2022

10
DECEMBER 21, 2022
Aloha surfers and beachgoers, December so far has been a bit of a mixed bag of surf — perfect days mixed with plenty imperfect, as in lame to ludicrously lame, days. I guess this nice- ly matches the real world.
As of this writing, we’re awaiting small northwest surf to finally kick off the Vans Pipe Masters. The holding period was from Dec. 8 to 20. They had to postpone five days straight as the surf had been pretty unrideble. The forecast was shifting to near high surf warning levels and bigger as this article went to print, but onshore winds may be an issue. Regardless, The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitation- al will be keeping a close eye on this. These long- range models can fall flat or at least deflate, so go to snnhawaii.com for the latest, most accurate forecasts.
BY GARY KEWLEY
Big News About Big Names In The World Of Surfing
Back to the Vans Pipe Masters, which retains its usual December calendar spot but is now a specialty World Surf League-sanc- tioned event. This means World Tour surfers can par- ticipateintheevent,butre- sults will not affect Cham- pionship Tour or Challenger Series rankings.
Plus, the Vans Pipe Mas- ters is reimagined this year and will give equal weight to scoring airs and turns as much as barrels — a bold first at this fabled reef.
Visit surfnewsnetwork. com for on, off or standby reports for the Vans Pipe Masters, the Eddie Aikau and the Billabong Pro Pipe.
Must present coupon.
Not combinable with other offers. Not Valid with Party Pans. Valid on Oahu only. Expires 12/31/22
There are 60 handpicked surfers — 40 men and 20 women — who are previous world champs, Olympians, Pipe Masters, aerialists and some of the sport’s fast- est-rising stars.
Plus, it makes really good footwear. I’m wearing some right now.
Pearl City Gateway • (808) 456-8868 Hawaii Kai Towne Center • (808) 395-8882 Moanalua Shopping Center • (808) 422-8800 Kapolei Commons • (808) 693-8886 Ewa Town Center • (808) 683-4888 Waipio Laniakea Plaza (Next to Costco) • (808) 680-0888 Queen Kaahumanu Center Maui • (808) 873-9688
Some big news is the big namesmissing—thesesurf- ers who were on the invitee
list are no longer: two-time world champ and multiple Pipe winner John John Flor- ence, Kelly Slater with a re- cord that’s too long to write about in this article, current world champ Filipe Toledo, three-time world champ and Pipe Master Gabriel Medi- na, 2019 world champ and Pipe Master-hopeful Italo Ferreira, and the greatest femalesurfereverandPipe Master-hopeful Stephanie Gilmore.
Medina, Toledo and Fer- reira have all cited injuries for not taking their invita- tions, while Gilmore, newly minted eight times world champion, pulled out due to a scheduling conflict.
This photo shows a scene from a previous Vans Pipe Masters event. PHOTO COURTESY SEAN DAVEY PHOTOGRAPHY
Florence may be out just for personal reasons to fo- cus on 2023 — or maybe he knew about the sketchy fore- cast? As for Slater, he can do whatever he wants.
Either way, my forecast is that Pipe will steal the show for both events as it has since the time it was first ridden.
15% OFF
Still, what Vans is doing is awesome. It has been sup- porting surfing for ages.
Check out classic Pipe im- ages from Sean Davey Pho- tography at seandavey.com.
Entire Bill!
For decades, it’s been about the tube, period. Vans has always been on the van- guard of performance prod- uct and marketing.
gary@surfnewsnetwork.com
w/meal purchase
A
As a clarification, the World Surf League 2023 Tour which kicks off with the Billabong Pro Pipe on Jan. 29 has nothing to do with the Vans Pipe Masters,
20
5
which is a specialty invita- tion event.
Mahalo and aloha,
GQ, droppin’ in 4 U!
!
Let Us Be Your 2nd Ki
2-5PM FREE GYOZA
Inquire about our Catering Menu! Call Now
NEW MENU ITEMS!
!
Gift certificates available for any occasion
1
1
5
it
t
t
tc
c
c
ch
h
h
e
e
n
!
!
!
w!