BANZAI PIPELINE — With conditions on the North shore still idling, the Billabong Pipe Pro, the first stop on the World Surf League (WSL) 2022 Championship Tour (CT), is on hold for another day, awaiting its next call, on Saturday at 7:40 am HST.
“Today we have pretty good swell already, but we are going to hold until tomorrow to make the next call,” said Jessi Miley-Dyer, WSL SVP of Tours and Head of Competition. “When we are looking at Finals Day, we are looking at some great swell in the window. I think tomorrow looks really good. It still looks like a similar size to today and there is going to be a reinforcing swell tomorrow, and more importantly, the winds look really good. I think tomorrow is a potential Finals Day.”
Household names Carissa Moore (recent Olympian and 5-time WSL Champion) and Kelly Slater (11-time WSL Champion) light up the lineup as they face Lakey Peterson and Kanoa Igarashi, respectively.
It’s town vs. country when Seth Moniz and John John Florence go head to head for a place in the semifinals.
The North Shore’s newest talent Moana Jones Wong and event wildcard will go up against two-time WSL champion and Aussie Tyler Wright in Heat 1 of the women’s semifinals.
If you’re not up for watching the pros battle it out this weekend, take advantage of the incoming swell bump and break out your own boards and head on out. Just make sure to head out early to beat traffic.
And, know your limits. If in doubt, don’t go out.
Billabong Pro Pipeline Women’s Semifinals Matchups:
HEAT 1: Tyler Wright (AUS) vs. Moana Jones Wong (HAW)
HEAT 2: Carissa Moore (HAW) vs. Lakey Peterson (USA)
Billabong Pro Pipeline Men’s Quarterfinals Matchups:
HEAT 1: Kelly Slater (USA) vs. Kanoa Igarashi (JPN)
HEAT 2: Miguel Pupo (BRA) vs. Lucca Mesinas (PER)
HEAT 3: Seth Moniz (HAW) vs. John John Florence (HAW)
HEAT 4: Caio Ibelli (BRA) vs. Samuel Pupo (BRA)
For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.
Always expect to encounter rip currents in or near the surf zone, per the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), with rip current strength increasing with surf size. Swimmers should exercise caution at all times and enter the water near a lifeguard. For safety information, and latest beach hazard updates in Hawaii, please visit Hawaii Beach Safety.
