Around The World In 80 Waves

Head down to Ehukai to watch the final day of action in the Pipe Masters after the waves are confirmed suitable. Mick Fanning goes out early so it is a straight shoot out betweem Parko and Slater. Who will win the ASP world title and Pipe Masters crown?

It is like a zoo with thousands turning up from all over the island to see the competition. I see surfing legend Gerry Lopez in the car park at Pipeline signing books. “He’s as good as they say he is” is the blatant nod I will give towards his cameo role in Big Wednesday. I am not worthy…

I get to watch world class athletes and world class competition all day for free. The waves the guys are riding defy description. So big, so steep and so heavy really doesnt do them justice. I saw Kelly Slater get absolutely hammered twice by waves crashing down on him, before the third snapped his board in one of his earlier heats, but I also see him and a couple of others bag perfect 10s from the judges pulling into the biggest waves I have ever seen ridden. Not only doing that but taking the drops late, disappearing for 10 seconds and they flying out from inside of the spitting barrels just as you thought they had been minced. Awesome, just awesome. You can see footage here: http://vanstriplecrownofsurfing.com/billabongpipemasters2012/video-view/final-day-highlights-billabong-pipe-masters

Look what I find on the beach!

Kelly goes out to Josh Kerr in the semi final handing Parko the world crown because he has already advance further. A quick ceremony and a stomach full of champagne later Parko paddles out for the final, in which he adds the Pipe Master title to his world crown. Congrats to the fella who has come so close so often.

After getting scorched in the sun all day the girls and I decide to head over to Haliewa so Alexa can buy a board. After a successful shopping mission we find out that there is going to be a Xmas Parade through the town. It is great fun and goes on for over an hour. It gets me all festive as well as thinking of home. The girls treat me to a few beers to thank me for driving them around.