Jamie O’Brien Won A Big Check Worth $40k

There’s no barrel contest without a barrel. Today, the Backdoor Shoutout recognized this obvious statement.

In the morning, one out of ten waves looked okay for the event’s standard. For an average surfer searching for a tube and a beating at Pipeline, or more so take off on the shoulder, outrun the barrel and kick out, it looked pretty fun. But, after watching the remaining round five heats from the Weedmaps Pipe House, there isn’t a single wave worth remembering.

Although, Noa Deane tried some airs. That was entertaining-ish.

Talking with Nathan Fletcher while he waited for a heat that wouldn’t run, he told me, “I’m just going to go out there and try airs on my 7’6,” he laughed. (I recorded it in an Instagram story… you know, for the views) “People are going to be like, he’s probably so stoned he doesn’t know what he’s talking about.” At the time, Nathan was twisting up a joint.

Two of the best to do the Pipeline boogie, Bruce Irons and JOB.

After round five was feather-dusted, they called the contest off. The wind had picked up. Barrels were less than few, and to run another round would beat the horse dead. In the end, Jamie O’Brien won for the best performance. The Da Hui Wax team starring Nathan Florence, Koa Smith, Jamie O, and Makai McNamara took the team award.

At the end of the awards ceremony, Eddie Rothman got on the mic for a closing statement. The Da Hui Backdoor Shootout is largely based on Hawaiian Pride. It’s run by Hawaiians for Hawaiians. They’ve had their permits pulled twice in the last couple years. They hit some bumps. They’ve dealt with political dramas.

The emotionally charged Eddie Rothman.

“They’ve taken our land,” said Eddie. “And now they’re trying to take the ocean too, and we can’t let that happen!” He finished the speech and people cheered. They took photos. They clapped palms. And, the Backdoor Shoutout was a sealed shut, until next year.

“It was like the waves had decided they didn’t want to be ridden anymore,” said photographer Brian Bielmann over a beer back at the house. “They had to finish off the round. It seems like nature had its fill of us,” he smiled. “Is that too deep?”

Five men went home richer than they woke up this morning. Time to buy electronic currency, or something…

The Da Hui Backdoor Shootout Results:
1. Jamie O’Brien
2. Seth Moniz
3. Keito Matsuoka
4. Balaram Stack
5. Mason Ho