Photo: WSL
The first stop on the 2024 Championship Tour will be Banzai Pipeline for the Pipe Pro. The event is one of the most iconic on the tour schedule and usually always includes some unforeseen drama. That’s why we love it. Thanks to an update from the WSL, we know who’s gonna be there. The newly announced wildcards are Moana Jones Wong, Shion Crawford, and Jackson Bunch. They will be joining a host of competitors descending on Pipeline beginning January 29 to February 10 to kick off the 2024 campaign.
Moana Jones Wong. Photo: WSL
Nicknamed the “Queen of Pipeline,” Moana Jones Wong will be vying for her second Pipe Pro victory. She’s also confirmed her competitive (barrel-riding) prowess with back-to-back Hawaii/Tahiti Nui Regional QS victories in the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 seasons, and a Pipeline Masters win.
“To be able to surf Pipeline with the greatest women surfers in the world is amazing,” said Jones Wong. “I am excited to surf an empty lineup at my favorite wave in the world. Hopefully, we score some epic Pipeline during the window and see what it can do.”
Shion Crawford. Photo: WSL
Shion Crawford, hailing from Haleiwa, Oahu, was selected based on his current Challenger Series ranking. He and Bunch were the highest-ranked Hawaii competitors. Shion is currently ranked 34 on the CS, in addition to claiming the 2023/2024 Hawaii/Tahiti Nui Regional QS title.
“I was very speechless about getting that call-up,” said Crawford. “I looked at my phone, then looked at my friend Jackson [Bunch] and just couldn’t say anything, just thinking no way. I’m stoked to surf against the top guys, put my head down, and send it on a couple. I know I can beat anyone, I need to put my mind in the right place and let my surfing do the talking.”
Jackson Bunch. Photo: WSL
Jackson Bunch of Paia, Maui was also selected based on his Challenger Series performance. In addition to his number 23 rank on the CS, his achievements include a second place finish at the 2023 World Junior Championships and a number two ranking in the 2023-2024 Hawaii/Tahiti QS.
“My dad got the text and called me while I was in the car with my friend Shion [Crawford], and we both started freaking out,” said Bunch. “Three other guys out at Pipe, even one other guy out at Pipe, that’s all you can ask for since it’s so hard to catch a wave out there. I just really hope the waves are pretty fun, and if it’s good, I’m just going to give it my all.”
