[i]Friday 2 December, 2005
Pipeline, Ehukai Beach, Oahu, Hawaii
RIP CURL PRO PIPELINE MASTERS
(8-20 December)
EVENT #11 ON THE FOSTER’S ASSOCIATION OF SURFING PROFESSIONALS (ASP) MEN’S WORLD TOUR
Live on www.aspworldtour.com and www.ripcurl.com
Steeped in tradition, the Rip Curl Pro Pipeline Masters event has played host to many incredible battles. Many have been man against man, but most significantly the best have been man against ocean.
In its 35th anniversary year all and sundry are expecting the event to be the ultimate climax to a dramatic Fosters ASP Mens World Tour season and the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing especially since the pressure cooker chase for the coveted world crown has already been won by Kelly Slater (USA).
[/i]Expect the likes of defending champ Jamie OBrien (HAW) plus former winner Bruce Irons (HAW) to be standouts. Plus be prepared for Andy Irons (HAW) to come out all guns blazing as he seeks revenge on Slater for upsetting his 2005 world title campaign.
Also expect world numbers three and four, Australians Phil MacDonald and Mick Fanning, to put on a solid showing in an attempt to salvage some lost ground on the front finishers in order to put themselves in better grid positions for 2006.
In fact, theres a host of the elite tours best plus a swag of local wildcards who are guaranteed to put on fantastic displays, but the most anticipated show will hopefully come from Pipeline the wave. If it serves up the majestic lines that have made it one of the most famous surfing locations on the planet, viewers will be treated to some of if not the best surfing of the year.
Before we embark on the finale of the year, the Rip Curl Pro Pipeline Masters, its important to look at the history and the stories which have lead to the event being dubbed the greatest show on Earth.
Rip Curl Pro Pipeline Masters Brief History
The initial Pipeline event was founded by 1968 world champion Fred Hemmings in 1977. It was then named the Hawaiian Masters.
It was designed for TV with only six surfers being invited. And when only 50 spectators were on the beach to watch the ABC buzzed in 100 people create the illusion that there was a festive environment for the awards.
The original judging criteria consisted of: the win will go to the surfer who can ride the deepest in the tube for the longest period of time, reappear and then complete the wave without falling off his surfboard. This is still the basis for getting big scores at Pipeline today.
Jeff Hakman (HAW) took the first prize of $US500 and became the first Pipeline Master.
Gerry Lopez wins the second event in 1972 and with incredible waves prompting a stunning performance from Lopez, broadcaster Jim McKay from the ABC wipes tears from his eyes on air. Lopez goes on to win again in 1973 then announces his retirement to the stunned media.
Only two US east coasters have won the event. Jeff Crawford in 1974 and of course Kelly Slater. Slater has won in 1992, 1994,1995,1996 and 1999.
After Hawaiian Rory Russell scores back to back wins in 1976 and 1977 a brash Larry Blair becomes the first Aussie to win. He goes back to back in 1978 and 1979.
Mark Richards wins in 1980 while three-finned Thruster inventor Simon Anderson wins in 1981.
In 1982 Hawaiian Michael Ho, complete with a cast on a broken arm, slides down the face of some monster swells and wins. He returns to make a final again in 1997 at age 40. He was defeated there by fellow Hawaiian Johnny Boy Gomes. Hos younger brother Derek would also claim titles in 1986 and again in 1993.
In 1985 19-year-old whiz kid Mark Occhilupo claims victory in wild conditions. Occy is still one of the most popular members competing on the tour. He is now aged 39.
1991 and Tom Carroll receives devastating news concerning the passing of a family member. He paddles out in the finals and attacks the wave with pure aggro. He completes what is known as the snap that was heard around the world. A huge gouge in the pocket of a beast of a wave a manoeuvre very few have the courage to attempt. Carroll had won previously in 1987 and in 1990.
Jake Paterson (AUS) and Rob Machado (USA) pigeonhole wins in 1998 and 2000 respectively in between Slaters rampage of victories. Machados victory, particularly was a masterful display in pristine Pipeline conditions.
2001 and younger brother Bruce begins three years of Irons Brothers domination of Pipe. Andy wins in 2002 and 2003. The 03 victory will be remembered particularly because of the showdown for the world title race where Andy Irons came from behind in the ratings to win Pipe and the world title in front of a shattered Slater.
2004, wildcard Jamie OBrien whips the field of better known elite tier tourers and claims victory in front of a ranting home crowd.
Pipeline Event Champions Year by Year
Year Champion Home Country
2003 Andy Irons Hawaii
2002 Andy Irons Hawaii
2001 Bruce Irons Hawaii
2000 Rob Machado California
1999 Kelly Slater Florida
1998 Jake Paterson Australia
1997 John Gomes Hawaii
1996 Kelly Slater Florida
1995 Kelly Slater Florida
1994 Kelly Slater Florida
1993 Derek Ho Hawaii
1992 Kelly Slater Florida
1991 Tom Carroll Australia
1990 Tom Carroll Australia
1989 Gary Elkerton Australia
1988 Robby Page Australia
1987 Tom Carroll Australia
1986 Derek Ho Hawaii
1985 Mark Occhilupo Australia
1984 Joey Buran USA
1983 Dane Kealoha Hawaii
1982 Michael Ho Hawaii
1981 Simon Anderson Australia
1980 Mark Richards Australia
1979 Larry Blair Australia
1978 Larry Blair Australia
1977 Rory Russel Hawaii
1976 Rory Russel Hawaii
1975 Shaun Tomson South Africa
1974 Jeff Crawford USA
1973 Gerry Lopez Hawaii
1972 Gerry Lopez Hawaii
1971 Jeff Hakman Hawaii
Rip Curl and ASP will be hosting a live webcast of the entire event. Stay tuned to www.ripcurl.com and www.aspworldtour.com for all the details.
For further information about the Vans Triple Crown Of Surfing go to www.triplecrownofsurfing.com