Of all the events in surfing, a few stand out from the rest. One of them is the Vans Pipe Masters, and it’s just around the corner. With a window from December 8-20, it’s the time of year when Pipeline is very likely to put on a show worthy of the best Pipe surfers on the planet.
Running since 1971, the event’s previous winners are a who’s who of surfing history. Jeff Hakman, Gerry Lopez, Kelly Slater, Shaun Tomson, Mark Richards, Michael Ho, Simon Anderson, Dane Kealoha, Derek and Michael Ho, Rob Machado, Bruce and Andy Irons, Jamie O’Brien… the list goes on, and it’s all legends.
Getting an invite into the Pipe Masters is a bit of a milestone for any surfer. It is, as I mentioned, one of the most iconic contests in the sport.
“Building on more than 50 years of history,” the event’s sponsor writes, “Vans reimagines the iconic Pipe Masters as a specialty invitational event fueling innovation, community, and progression by showcasing some of the most talented men and women surfers in the world.”
Coco Ho hasn’t won there just yet, but if she can take down the rest of the field, she’ll join Moana Jones Wong, Carissa Moore, and Molly Picklum as owners of one of the most coveted trophies in all of surfing. Ahead of the contest, Vans put together a few quick videos with surfers who will be paddling out. Coco Ho is up first.
“Pipeline is extremely intimidating,” Ho says. “But it’s the most rewarding, beautiful barrel of your life.”
