HIC Pipeline Pro

Banzai Pipeline Oahu, Hawaii
27 January - 9 February 2009

HIC Pro Goes Off at Gnarly Pipeline; Last 8 Slots for Pipeline Masters Finalized

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 6 February, 2009 : - - Honolulu -- There was more bloodshed and hold-downs at Pipeline than a UFC match today, as 56 of Hawaii's best Pipeline surfers put it all on the line at the HIC Pipeline Pro in a bid to secure a place in December's prestigious Pipeline Masters.

Pounding waves of up to 15 feet well and truly lived up to Pipeline's fearsome reputation and by 5 p.m., eight surfers had sealed the deal. But not all were left standing. Oahu's Jonah Morgan (Haleiwa), Flynn Novak (Haleiwa), Liam McNamara (Haleiwa), and Mason Ho (Haleiwa); Maui's Hank Gaskell (Hana) and Dusty Payne (Lahaina); and Kauai's Gavin Gillette (Kilauea) and Sion Milosky all won Pipeline Masters berths.

Novak, 25, suffered the worst of the top eight, literally putting his life on the line in a list ditch effort to qualify. He wound up being shipped to shore in a rescue by the Water Patrol jetski with a head and lower back injury that knocked the air out of him for a good 15 minutes. While he eventually left the beach under his own power, the injury was bad enough  to require stitches and  prevent him from flying to Brazil this evening for a World Tour competition.

"It was that very last ride," said Novak. "I pulled into the barrel and the bottom dropped out on me. I landed on my back on dry reef and lost all my wind, my head hit next and that's all I remember. But it was worth it. I'm in!" No-one understands the prestige of competing in the Pipeline Masters better than 20-year-old Mason Ho, whose father, Michael, and uncle, Derek, attained legendary status in the world of surfing at this venue.

"That's always been the goal... to follow dad," said Mason Ho. "I'm so happy. A dream come true for sure. "This is the first event I ever got to surf at Pipe. I never got a shot before. I've definitely got to get my practice in now. "I was nervous - everything about it. Even walking down here for a heat. I don't like looking at it. I put my leash on way up there and then run straight out.

"I've been chasing the (Qualifying Series tour) for two solid years. I just want to get on the tour like dad. Maybe win a title like Uncle Derek."

In keeping with the February tradition, Pipeline was at it's scary best today: all hair and teeth. While it can definitely get bigger, it rarely gets more dangerous. in fact, today was easily the gnarliest day of the winter - a shifting, heaving lineup that rolled the dice on every ride. Winds were variable clocking from off-shore to light on shores and then back to clean and glassy for the final heats.

Jonah Morgan, Flynn Novak, and Jesse Merle-Jones consistently posted the top wave scores through the rounds; Merle Jones falling one spot short of a wildcard win today after Morgan and Novak ultimately edged him out. Maui's Dusty Payne, 20, was also a feature today, as was renowned North shore charger Mark Healey. Healey, like Merle-Jones, was unfortunate to narrowly miss out on the prize.

In all there are 64 starters in the Pipeline Masters; 48 come from the ASP Dream Tour and sponsor wildcards, eight come from the HIC Pipeline Pro, six from a Surfer Peer Poll, one will be reserved for a Tahitian, and the final spot will go to a Triple Crown contender after the first two events of that winter series are held.

The six surfers recently voted into the Pipeline Masters by way of the Surfer Peer Poll will not be competing tomorrow. Those surfers are: Reef McIntosh, Kamalei Alexander, Danny Fuller, Marcus Hickman, Kalani Chapman, and Jamie O'Brien.

The HIC Pipeline Pro is the first of six men's events sanctioned by the Association of Surfing Professionals in Hawaii, for 2009. HIC was the original sponsor of this event, launching it back in 1990. It ran under HIC's banner through 2001, and their return has been enthusiastically received.

About HIC - Hawaiian Island Creations: Hawaiian Island Creations was founded in Kailua, Hawaii in 1971, by surfing brothers Jimmy and Stephen Tsukayama. Since then, HIC has been providing surfers with the island's best surfboards, clothing and surf gear...by surfers, for surfers!

Store locations: (Oahu) Ala Moana Center, Pearlridge Center, Kailua, Ward Center, Mililani Town Center, Kapolei Marketplace, Haleiwa Town, Lahaina Cannery Center (Maui).

www.asphawaii.org

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