I saw the Pipe Masters for the first time back in 1994. It was my first trip to Hawaii, so I was in awe of the place in general. However the Pipe Masters was a pretty average affair that year with the event being moved to Ehukai Beach Park and run in 2-4 foot wind-blown slop. Kelly won it that year and has gone on to win quite a few more since, not to mention racking up eight world titles along the way.
The ‘95 Pipe Masters really stands out to me as a legendary event, mainly because of the way that Kelly absolutely dominated. He was completely untouchable that year, doing stuff that no one had even seen at Pipe before. I think the following year saw a rejuvenated and supremely fit Occy return and almost win the event (Kelly won), of course Occy did go on to win the World Championship a year or two later.
In 1997, we saw two local veterans make the final of the Pipe Masters, Michael Ho and Johnny Boy Gomes. Johnny went on to win it that year, most likely the greatest competitive moment of his career.
The 1998 final was an absolute thriller with Bruce Irons vs. Jake Paterson. Irons pretty much had it in the bag and was just stepping on to the sand with ten seconds left in the heat when Jake Paterson took off on what looked like a pretty unmake-able wave, but somehow pulled it off and rode it to victory. I felt bad for Jake though. He'd just won the Pipe Masters and all they gave him was a large plastic check. No trophy that I could see.
In 1999, Kelly once again resumed his place on the podium after fighting it out at 3-4 foot backdoor with Sunny Garcia. The 2000 event was probably the best ever with a perfect ten-foot west swell which lasted for an incredible four days along with perfect weather conditions. Rob Machado beat out Australia's Mick Lowe for the title. It was still a dream come true for Mick though as his life goal was just to surf perfect Pipe with one other guy out. The 2000 event also hosted a "Pipe Masters of the 80's session” which went down in the most perfect Pipe I've ever seen. Just a handful of guys; Mike Ho, Simon Anderson, Rob Page and Tommy Carroll were laughing their heads off at their good fortune. Just like a bunch of kids set loose in a candy store.
2001 was finally Bruce's year, while his big brother Andy took out the 2002 and 2003 events. Local charger Jamie O’Brien fought his way through the trials event then on through the main event to take it out in front of his proud Dad and many friends in 2004.
Of course, 2005 was once again Andy's year and he very much seems to be the man to beat out there these days. The contest has come a long way in ten years, especially the quality of the surfing. Pretty much everybody charges the place these days.
It's always an exciting event to watch and it's all free. There are no tickets to be bought. Just rock up and park your but on the beach and watch one of the greatest shows on earth. Being at the mercy of nature and what it throws at you, surf contests can get pretty damn boring at times, but the Pipe Masters is pretty much always a great show. Well worth checking out if you find yourself on the island of Oahu between the 8th and 20th of December.
All words and photos @ Sean Davey