Epic Conditions Make for a Historic Pipeline Pro
HALEIWA, HAWAII – FEBRUARY 5: Seth Moniz of Hawaii and Eleven-time WSL Champion Kelly Slater of the United States after winning the Final at the Billabong Pro Pipeline on February 5, 2022 in Haleiwa, Hawaii. (Photo by Brent Bielmann/World Surf League)
Sizeable, clean conditions at Pipeline this past weekend made for a historic Billabong Pro. From Kelly Slater’s breathtaking buzzer beater barrel to Moana Jones Wong’s wild card win, this was a contest to remember. Lest we forget 22-year-old Seth Moniz’s impressive show against the G.O.A.T in his first Billabong Pro final.
The tone was set for an memorable event when Slater showcased his grace under pressure, locking in a 9.23 in his heat with Barron Mamiya with just 10 seconds left on the clock. Locking in his position in the final, Slater maintained his incredible focus against Hawaiian competitor Moniz. Just one week away from his 50th birthday, Slater gave an ageless performance.
“I was out there just telling myself,” an emotional Slater explained following the Final. “Be in the moment no matter how much tension there is, just breathe.”
Ultimately, Slater secured his win with several 9 point rides throughout the heat, threading Backdoor barrels with apparent ease. This makes for his eighth win at Pipe, long after his first win back in 1992.
Slater, arguably the name most synonymous with competitive surfing, elected to ride his Firewire Houdini model. Developed from Slater’s previously proven formula for step-ups, this shape hides volume under the chest for better paddling while maintaining a tapered rail for maneuverability. He elected to pair this personally crafted shape with a quad fin setup, breaking away from the typical tri-fin setup you would expect to see in competition at this level.
Wild Card Moana Wong Takes the Win
Slater was joined in victory by wild card competitor Moana Jones Wong. Wong, 22, took the first ever women’s Billabong Pipeline Pro win, displaying her experience at the world class wave. Born and raised in Hawaii, Wong was a clear crowd favorite during her final heat against Carissa Moore.
Perhaps what struck spectators most was the joy and comfort that Wong exuded after each barrel she packed during the contest. Wong would emerge from each wave beaming, both hands raised above her head in a showing of unbridled enthusiasm not often seen on such an intense competitive stage.
Breathless on the winner’s platform, Wong spoke as a trademark grin spread across her face. “I don’t believe it…this was the best moment of my life.”
Slater spoke to Wong’s expert read of Pipe’s classic conditions during the final, pointing out her paddle power and apparent comfort on her equipment. Wong, the newly appointed “Queen of Pipe”, rode her Chilli Faded 2.0 throughout the event. The full nose of this shape paired with a medium entry to allow for paddle power and tight maneuverability at high speeds.
We can expect to see more great moments from Wong, as she secured another wild card invitation to the Hurley Pro in Sunset Beach.
