Kawai’s Perfect 10 Barrel in the VLCQ- Photo: Tom Carey
Pipeline, Oahu, Hawaii (January 31st, 2013): Today marked day five of the 2013 Volcom Pipe Pro waiting period and after four straight “lei days,” mother nature finally cooperated allowing the contest to be called on in temperamental yet fun conditions with waves ranging from head high to more than double-overhead. There was no shortage of excitement throughout the day’s event which started out with the local trials, then the round of 112, into the thrilling VLCQ heat, and finished off halfway through the round of 96. The day’s competition saw epic tube rides, nasty wipeouts and some high scores, including Kawai Lindo’s perfect 10 in the VLCQ.
The Volcom Last Chance Qualifier, or VLCQ, was a new addition to the 2013 Volcom Pipe Pro which proved to be a huge success and was one of the most exciting, highest scoring heats of the day. Waialua’s Kawai Lindo faced both triumph and defeat in the VLCQ where he earned the only $1,000 “Electric Perfect 10″ score of the day, yet in the end lost the battle for a wildcard in a stacked heat that included Tom Dosland, Mark Healey, Dave Wassel, Gavin Beschen, and JD Irons. JD’s combined score of 14.93 went on to win the VLCQ and the coveted final wildcard spot into the round of 96.
Aside from Kawai’s perfect 10, todays competition also saw high scores from Nic Von Rupp (9.93), JD Irons (9.00), Bruce Irons (8.33) and Makua Rothman (8.93). Makua also had the day’s highest combined two-wave total (16.86) and was the dominating standout in the round of 112 despite a recent torn calf muscle that had him couch-ridden.”It felt great, actually,” said Rothman. “It was a pretty heavy tear, blew it up, but no problem today so I’m heading home to rest up.” Rothman’s younger brother Koa also advanced today.
With waves still rising late into tonight, organizers will reconvene tomorrow morning for a 7:30am (HST) call on whether competition will resume. Seven days of the holding period remain, with plenty of competition to come. Official forecaster, Surfline.com reports that Pipe will be maxed out Friday morning with some sets washing through, but gradually becoming more manageable through the day as the swell eases.
Top seeds will enter the draw in the Round of 64 on the next day of competition: Kolohe Andino (CA, USA), John John Florence (HI, USA), Tanner Gudauskas (CA, USA), Nat Young (CA, USA), Jamie O’Brien (HI, USA), Alex Gray (CA, USA) & Josh Kerr (AUS).
More; http://www.volcompipepro.com/index.html
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