FANTASYSURFER NEWS: 2004 Rip Curl Pipeline Masters

Monday, December 13, 2004 (Pipeline, Hawaii) The Rip Curl Pro Pipeline Masters was eventually postponed today, after lengthy evaluation. A major swell has hit the entire north shore, creating massive waves, but it was deemed too unruly for round one of the Foster’s ASP World Championship Tournament (WCT) to commence. Four Foster’s Expression Session heats were held however, utilizing the Pipe specialists on hand.

Solid 10-12 ft (3-4m) surf, with consistently larger sets breaking further outside, pounded the shallow reef break all day. A predominantly north swell, there was just enough west direction to produce infrequent, yet perfect Pipeline barrels. With sun shining and a huge crowd on the beach, it was easy to mistake this for a classic day at Banzai Pipe, though all-too-often closeouts reminded everyone just how heavy it really was.

Gambling their fortunes and being rewarded this morning during the prolonged free-surf were world champions Tom Curren and Kelly Slater, as well as Brazil’s rising star Bernardo Pigmeu and local Hawaiian wildcard Jamie O’Brien. While makable rides were few and far between, these chargers committed themselves to some incredible drops and emerged unscathed from the deepest of pits, receiving hoots and plenty of applause from disbelieving spectators.

“That was a good ride,” acknowledged the always humble Curren, following his backhand gem. “There aren’t too many, but if you get one they’re good. It’s just great to be back on the north shore and be a part of the Triple Crown again.”

Hawaiian Randall Paulson, who contested the Rip Curl Code STL Trials last week, scored arguably the best barrel of the winter season so far at Pipeline with his amazing disappearing act on a 10ft+ set. 1998 Pipeline Master Jake Paterson (West AUS) witnessed the ride and reasoned, “That was a 12 (out of a possible 10 points)!”

Not so lucky was Californian Pat O’Connell, who was scheduled to contest the opening heat against Paterson and Shane Beschen. During his early morning session a falling lip literally compressed him on impact. While lucky to avoid any serious damage, his surfing was done for the day and organizers agreed to move their heat until the end of the round, ensuring added recovery time.

The Foster’s Expression Session elimination heats showcased eight local Hawaiians, together with another eight surfers from the ASP’s World Championship Tour (WCT). Four heats were run today, with the following eight surfers advancing to the main Foster’s Expression Session to be held on the final day of the Rip Curl Pro Pipeline Masters: Tamayo Perry (HAW), Rocky Canon (HAW), Kainoa McGee (HAW), Tom Curren (USA), Beau Emerton (AUS), Kieren Perrow (AUS), Liam McNamara (HAW) and Danny Fuller (HAW).

Another decision will be made tomorrow morning by 7am(local time).

The Rip Curl Pro Pipeline Masters is part of the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing. Contest action can be viewed by LIVE webcast on www.ripcurl.com & www.aspworldtour.com or at www.triplecrownofsurfing.com from December 8 through 20.

The Vans Triple Crown of Surfing is made possible through the support of a partnership of the world's leading brands and media companies including: Ford Trucks, G-Shock, O'Neill, Rip Curl, Surfing Magazine, Surfline, Oahu's Turtle Bay Resort, The Honolulu Advertiser and Fox Sports Net.

Upcoming Rip Curl Pro Pipeline Masters Round One (1st>Rnd3; 2nd, 3rd>Rnd2) H1: Jake Paterson (AUS); Pat O'Connell (USA); Shane Beschen (USA) H2: Michael Lowe (AUS); Darren O'Rafferty (AUS); Toby Martin (AUS) H3: Peterson Rosa (BRA); Raoni Monteiro (BRA); Greg Emslie (ZAF) H4: Nathan Hedge (AUS); Tim Curran (USA); Beau Emerton (AUS) H5: Luke Egan (AUS); Kalani Robb (HAW); Luke Hitchings (AUS) H6: C.J. Hobgood (USA); Richard Lovett (AUS); Eric Rebiere (FRA) H7: Taj Burrow (AUS); Lee Winkler (AUS); Jamie O'Brien (HAW) H8: Andy Irons (HAW); Cory Lopez (USA); Mikey Bruneau (HAW) H9: Kelly Slater (USA); Paulo Moura (BRA); Pancho Sullivan (HAW) H10: Joel Parkinson (AUS); Sunny Garcia (HAW); Bruno Santos (BRA) H11: Daniel Wills (AUS); Neco Padaratz (BRA); Armando Daltro (BRA) H12: Phillip MacDonald (AUS); Victor Ribas (BRA); Nathan Webster (AUS) H13: Dean Morrison (AUS); Guilherme Herdy (BRA); Chris Davidson (AUS) H14: Mark Occhilupo (AUS); Trent Munro (AUS); Marcelo Nunes (BRA) H15: Tom Whitaker (AUS); Bruce Irons (HAW); Troy Brooks (AUS) H16: Taylor Knox (USA); Kieren Perrow (AUS); Michael Campbell (AUS)