The prestigious Pipeline Masters Surfing Competition, a highly anticipated event in the World Surf League season, has faced a setback as poor weather conditions have forced a delay in its start. Organizers have made the tough decision to postpone the competition for at least two days, hoping for improved waves at Hawaii’s iconic Banzai Pipeline.
The Pipe Pro, which marks the first stop on the 11-event tour, was scheduled to kick off on the North Shore of O’ahu. However, the opening heats have been rescheduled as officials wait for more favorable surfing conditions. World Surf League commissioner Jessi Miley-Dyer expressed the challenges of predicting the ever-changing forecast for the renowned wave.
“We are going to be off for today, and we’re also going to be off for tomorrow. Not the nicest day, and we know we are going to get some better conditions in the window,” Miley-Dyer noted. “Our first day that we’re really looking at is going to be Wednesday. The forecast is changing a lot, and it’s challenging because you know that this wave is so good. We’re going to come back Wednesday and hopefully will have a start to the competition.”
Among the talented surfers set to compete in the Championship Tour of the men’s and women’s categories are several Australians, including silver medalist Jack Robinson and Olympian Molly Picklum. Picklum, a finalist in the Pipe Pro last year, showcased her prowess with a perfect 10 score during the competition, ultimately falling short to world champion Caitlin Simmers. Despite a foot injury during the off-season, Picklum remains determined to vie for the top spot.
“I’ve been out there [at Pipeline] and I can get barreled and I’ve had a couple nice rides since being here,” Picklum shared optimistically. “I have been carefully loading my foot up, just being mindful that I also have a whole season, and the goal is to win the world title at the end of the year. Now it’s at a place where it’s 100 per cent.”
As fans eagerly await the start of the competition on Wednesday, the anticipation for thrilling surf action at the Banzai Pipeline remains high. Stay tuned for updates on the rescheduled events and the incredible feats that these talented surfers are sure to deliver.