Pipeline wipeout leaves Tuhiti Haumani in critical condition

Story by Jake Howard

Pipeline again asserted its dominance today when Tahitian surfer and Volcom team rider Tuhiti Haumani was found unresponsive in the water. Having apparently been knocked unconscious on the bottom, nearby surfers helped get Haumani onto a Water Patrol Jet Ski. He was then transported to the beach at Ehukai where lifeguards immediately began attempts to resuscitate him. Paramedics arrived on scene shortly later and continued CPR.

According to the Honolulu Police Department he was rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Haumani’s current condition is still unclear.

Several hours prior, Pipe had been buzzing with activity as John John Florence claimed his forth Volcom Pipe Pro title against Kelly Slater, Mason Ho and Sebastian Zietz. But with the swell on the rise through the afternoon, the conditions turned from idyllic to deadly.

Pipe’s been taking scalps lately. Earlier in the week, Italy’s Leonardo Fioravanti broke his back there after a heavy wipeout, narrowly escaping permanent paralysis.

News of Haumani’s evoked memories of the late Tahitian Malik Joyeaux, who died surfing Pipeline in 2005. Our thoughts and best wishes are with him and his family at this time. More to come as it becomes available.