Pipeline Was (And Still Is) Pumping Today

Pipe had laid dormant up until today, and we mean ‘up until today’ in a big way.

It was nothing short of firing this afternoon, and with the Vans Triple Crown in town and World Title showdown a fortnight away, the atmosphere was dialled up to Kelly Slater’s title count.

We often complain about the all-encompassing nature of Instagram, but today it provided a semi-constant (and near-live) stream from the sand at Pipe. 

As the sun sets on Oahu, and frantic editing ensues, we’ve compiled a quick hit of the best tubes we’ve witnessed over the past 12 or so hours. 

Slide in below. 

Barron Mamiya

Filmed from the relatively steady iPhone of Chris Cote, Barron slides into a peeling bomb. The footage cuts it a little short, but we’re certain he sneaks out before Gums takes him out. 

Reef McIntosh

The first we’ve seen from the water this afternoon, and it’s very unlikely it’ll be the last. Reef McIntosh understandably grabs rail on a wave that shows why Pipeline is the deadliest wave on the planet. 

Here’s another angle just for kicks. 

Brett Barley

The North Carolina gent’s handle on the East Coast clearly translates over to Pipe. We’re sure he ain’t missing the frigid waters of home though.

Jordy Smith

Jordy’s off the Cymatic of days earlier, but has evidently switched to his new choice of craft with ease. 

Italo Ferreira

It’s a shame that the faux-blonde Brazilian isn’t in the WT mix (despite winning 3x events already), but this won’t stop him from deciding who takes it home. Especially when he’s slotting late bombs like the one above. 

Nathan Florence

“I waited two hours for that thing and went straight in after!” Nathan told Stab. “It was the only one I got.” Despite that, we’re sure Nate’s content with what is undoubtedly an early ride of the season nominee.

We’ll continue to update as the scroll-fest keeps us dialled on all the recent happenings. And for those averse to low-quality, raw footage, don’t stress, we’ll have a first day edit up on the site within the coming hours. We’ve had a lens on the sand and are currently whip-cracking in the edit bay…