The Vans Pipe Masters Invite Show, Episode 1

Welcome to the first episode of the Vans Pipe Masters Invite Show, in which Keala Kennelly, Makua Rothman, Nathan Fletcher, and Michael Ciaramella discuss the new format, rules, prize purse, and, most importantly, the 60 invitees.

Or at least some of the invitees. The show reveals which male CT surfers will be competing, as well as the entire 20-surfer female field.

Spoiler alert: It’s stacked. Like, 32 World Title’s worth of talent stacked.

We also get doused in historical Pipe knowledge (which will be needed to win obscure arguments while watching the live webcast in December) along with candid and insightful banter about the re-imagined event. You can re-read all the details here, or allow our hosts to refresh your memory.

Plus, did you know that Keala once beat Andy Irons in a heat?

Some talking points:

Format: Will the no priority favor the 50% Hawaiian contingent?

Makau Rothman says, “Commitment is the bottom line… some guys want it, some guys don’t.” Meanwhile, Keala Kennelly suggests that the three-heat no-loser format will inspire creativity and push surfers to new heights (or depths).

Rules: Will an equal emphasis on airs and tubes progress the sport?

Our hosts certainly believe so. They also honor the steps that surfers like Kelly Slater, Christian Fletcher, and Nathan Fletcher have taken at Pipe to change the scope of what’s possible.

Invitees: With 20% of the spots filled by CT surfers, will comp-savviness prevail?

That remains to be seen. But, with the male and female winners set to take home $100,000 each — as well as one of the most prestigious titles in all of surf — you can be damn sure that every competitor will be putting it all on the line.

The 2022 Vans Pipe Masters event window opens December 8-20th and you’ll be able to watch the live action and more at VansPipeMasters.com, Stabmag.com, and YouTube.

We’ve got plenty more on the way. Next up? Episode 2 of the Vans Pipe Masters Invite Show will reveal the rest of the competitors (and more) on Thursday, October 20th at 8am PST.