The Billabong Pipe Masters rolls into its second day, more upsets and careers on the line.

Words and photos by Ben Bugden

As the sun retired lazily into the ocean off Kaena Point this evening, and crew here on the North Shore settled in for their bbq’s, Ahi skewers and perhaps a mellow beer or two, the tranquil mood seemed strangely at odds with the gladiatorial like scene that was the second day of competition here at the Billabong Pipeline Masters. The spectacle was perhaps summed up best by Hawaiian state sports hall-of-famer, and all round legend, Fred Hemmings, when he declared the first two days of competition at this year’s contest as the best and most intense in the 40 or so years he has been watching – a big call, but you can bet there aren’t too many people in a better position to make that call than Fred. The feats of athleticism and straight up, balls out charging that has been displayed over the past two days do nothing to dissuade the argument either.

Everybody’s new favourite surfer, John John Florence led the charge and continued his clinic on how to surf ridiculously big pipe, posting a 19.10 total in round three and backing it up with a 17.67 in round four – a display that has the quietly spoken Hawaiian sitting firmly as the favourite to win. The only hurdle being the small matter of 11-time world Champion, Kelly Slater, who meets John John tomorrow in quarterfinal two. Guaranteed to be a salivating matchup, it could also very well be the heat of the year.

Joel Parkinson and Kieren Perrow fly the flags as the last remaining Australians. Kieren has just secured himself another year on tour with a gutsy display to reach the quarters and a minimum fifth place finish. Unfortunately this comes at the expense of good friend and travel partner Kai Otton who will now be bumped off tour. Showing how pumped he was after his round three win, Kieren casually gave an interview without flinching as doctors simultaneously closed a large gash in his heel and ripped a ten-cent piece sized chunk of dangling flesh from his hand after a nasty wipeout late in the heat at backdoor.

Tune in tomorrow for what is guaranteed to be one hell of a climax to the year, as the 2011 Pipeline master will be crowned.

Gallery below.