“Just Getting One Wave Out Here Means You’re In Debt Forever”

The Vans Pipe Masters is due for a return and, with sand already sweeping nicely off the reef amid a blossoming El Niño, we’re expecting a more traditional Pipe showing than last year.

Which isn’t to say that last year wasn’t substantial — it was actually quite large and frightening, just imperfect.

Despite that, Balaram Stack ignited an unrelenting blaze of impeccable wave selection and slack-shouldered chandelier negotiation. In return, he hoisted his first ever trophy at a wave he’s dedicated the past couple decades to.

The win — celebrated with his dear mother Mary — capped off a remarkable year for the native New Yorkers coming in conjunction with the release of his long awaited profile film ‘Hail Mary’.

Tracking Bal down to shoot the above profile clip proved rather difficult — between last minute Namibia strike missions, fishing trips, passport issues, and a life split between Hawaii, California, and New York, the surefooted goof can be quite elusive.

We finally linked with him at the Volcom house — which he has rightfully earned a royal room in — for a day of spearfishing and conversation about Mother Pipeline. Click above for some thoughtful articulation regarding his uniquely anthropomorphic relationship with the wave that has given him everything.

“It’s a World Title for me  — if I could do that again, I wouldn’t know how to pay her back.”