“It was really challenging and really hard today,” said Slater. “I just figured if I’m going to win this contest, which I have to do to win the title, I’ve got to get through the best guys."
Behind the scene and action shots from the first day of the Pipeline Masters.
“Oh, its amazing,” said Florence. “It’s really peaky out there now but when you get in the spot there’s crazy good rights coming in.”
The swell was north, the winds were light, and most importantly the Pipe Masters were on hold. Yesterday all eyes were on Jaws as the world's best big wave surfers, plus a phalanx of photographers, flew into Maui.
Californian Nic Lamb wins the Puntea Galea Challenge held in huge, unruly conditions.
The waiting period of the Pipe Masters has begun and the spotlight has intensified on the world's most famous wave.
Matt Dunbar rattled off these shots on the first day of the waiting period.
“I paddled off after that heat and there were some tears and some emotions,” Gilmore said. “I took a few breaths - it was a long year and I have to think about everything that’s happened along the way - the good results and the bad.”
Courtney Conlogue delivered the performance of the event, scoring the first Perfect 10 of the Target Maui Pro and her first ever in WCT competition.
"It's always been a dream of mine to win here since I watched Andy (Irons) win," Payne said through tears of hard-earned elation.
If Matt Wilkinson is eliminated before the Quarterfinals of the Pipeline Masters, there's a good chance he won't make next year's Tour.
