The trials for the Billabong Pipe Masters got underway today as 32 surfers battled it out for just two spots in the main event. Big names like Dane Reynolds struggled in the hectic, victory-at-sea Pipe conditions, going down to some relatively unheard of surfers. Guys like local boy Luke Shepardson were the standouts early on.
During his Round 1 heat, Luke slid down the face on a bomb, grabbing his rail, and getting completely covered. After disappearing deep in the tube, he was spit out into glory. When the scores dropped, he was rewarded with a 10. Out in the lineup, Luke put his fists to the air in celebration.
If the early rounds of the trials are any indication of how the competition will play out, it looks like some dark horses could go up against the WSL’s finest. And wouldn’t that make the World Title race interesting?
