Pipe Pro video & slideshow wrap-up

John John Florence © Bernie Baker

Volcom Pipe Pro

ASP 5-Star WQS Event
Pipeline, Oahu, Hawaii
22 January - 7 February 2013

Live Coverage | Results/Photos/Videos etc

Volcom Pipe Pro - Wrap-up

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 5 February, 2013 : - - John John Florence has claimed his third consecutive Volcom Pipe Pro title at the Banzai Pipeline, eliminating Chris Ward, Josh Kerr, and Olamana Eleogram in the final. Perhaps the truest testament to the uncanny surfing talent of this 20-year-old is the reliability with which he can produce world class performances, given all the unpredictability of the ocean and competitive heats.

Florence looked completely relaxed and in tune with the overhead conditions that favored the rights at Backdoor. He positioned himself perfectly for two great tube rides within the first three minutes of the 30-minute final, leaving his three opponents scratching to catch him thereafter. But while they busied themselves hunting down scores, John sat motionless, patiently waiting for almost 15 minutes. At that point he quietly slipped away from the pack, unnoticed, for a third wave at Backdoor that would close the door.

Earlier in the day, Florence survived a super tight quarter final clash with three other surfers who have tasted victory at Pipeline: Jamie O'Brien, Reef McIntosh, and Bruce Irons.

There were moments of hope for Ward and Kerr, both of whom had been in brilliant form over the past two days of incredible surf. This was Ward's second Volcom final in as many years. Prior to the final, Eleogram had been having the break-out performance of his life. But from the beach it was clear that Florence had tapped into a sixth sense in the final that can only come with a lifetime of watching and riding the most coveted surf spot on Earth. With that, he is sure to rule here for a very long time.

Conditions were super clean, consistent, and perfectly hollow throughout the day. Two $1,000 "Electric Perfect 10" tube rides were scored, one by Kerr in the quarter finals, and one by local Marcus Hickman in the round of 32, however he still did not advance.

But for Hickman and seven other Hawaiians, they were still major winners today, guaranteeing themselves a berth in the most prestigious professional surfing event on the planet: the year-ending Pipe Masters in December. The eight highest placed Hawaii surfers in this event, who are not already on the ASP World Championship Tour, win the wildcards. They are: Jamie O'Brien; Reef McIntosh; Bruce Irons; Olamana Eleogram; Kahea Hart; Kaimana Jaquias; Hickman; and Joel Centeio.

Other worthy mentions in this event were Japan's Masatoshi Ohno, and Brazil's Jesse Mendes, who absolutely charged and committed themselves to more than a few heavy barrels.

Also awarded today was the Todd Chesser Memorial Award, given each year to the surfer in this event who charges hard yet retains the spirit of sportsmanship and aloha, like Todd did during his life. The award was presented by Todd's mom, Jeannie Chesser, to local surfer Kahea Hart. Hart looked destined for the final today, but stumbled with an unintended interference in the quarter finals. He was visibly moved to receive the award.

Volcom also awarded $58,000 to the widow and two young daughters of North Shore big wave rider and beloved member of the community, Sion Milosky, who passed away in March, 2011, surfing giant Mavericks, in California. Volcom maintains the "Live Like Sion" fund and has presented the family with a check for the past two winters.

RESULTS:
FINAL
1st: John John Florence - 16.33 points (8.43, 7.9)
2nd: Chris Ward - 14.8 (7.93, 6.87)
3rd: Josh Kerr - 13.83 (8.33, 5.5)
4th: Olamana Eleogram - 13.3 (6.87, 6.43)

Videos:1| 2| 3

Slideshows: 1 | 2 | 3

Check the Full Results

Previous reports:
# 1 : Volcom Pipe Pro welcomes 112 warriors
# 2 : Volcom Pipe Pro kicks off ASP season
# 3 : Carnage at Volcom Pipe Pro warmup
# 4 : Moody surf welcomes start of Pipe Pro
# 5 : The John John show hits Volcom Pipe Pro