A number of the world’s best surfers, including local Hawaiians and Pipeline specialists, have spoken out against Vans for its handling of the Pipeline Masters competition, arguing that their invitational format and choice of invitees currently ignores a number of the best surfers out at Pipe and that, in turn, has led to the true meaning of being a ‘Pipe Master’ diminishing.
Traditionally the Pipe Masters, which was founded in 1971 by Fred Hemmings, has always been the pinnacle of professional surfing. In 1997, Pipe Masters and Triple Crown ownership was passed to Vans. However, Vans licensed the event to the WSL. For years it has been the last event on the CT calendar, a place where World Champions were crowned at a wave that is seen as the ultimate proving ground at the top tier of the sport. However, from 2021 onwards the event became the opener for the competitive season and in 2022, the ‘Pipe Masters’ title split from the regular WSL season. While the WSL still held a CT event at Pipe, Vans decided to entitle the Pipe Masters event and the ‘Vans Pipe Masters’ became a specialty WSL sanctioned-event, which meant World Tour surfers could compete in the event but it has no bearing on their CT or CS rankings.
Since becoming the Vans Pipe Masters in 2022, the event has adopted a unique format where it invites a combination of CT surfers, free surfers and local chargers to surf empty Pipeline for a chance at a six figure prize purse. The event features three rounds, four surfers per heat with no eliminations or priority, meaning that each surfer gets three cracks at empty Pipe. Heats are 30 minutes long and each wave is scored out of 30, a combination of each score from three judges. The four men and women with the highest three scores after the initial round face off in their respective finals, which adopt a normal contest format.
However, it’s not the format that people are upset about; it’s the choice of invitees. Each year the contest features a plethora of talent, but some argue that there are more deserving surfers who should fill those spots. While all the names for this year’s event are yet to be released, according to social media Jamie O’Brien, possibly the best to ever do it out at Pipeline, is only worthy of an alternate spot for the contest.
In a post to Instagram, Pipe specialist Josh Moniz wrote:
“I usually keep my opinions to myself, but I’ll speak up if no one else will. This isn’t about me trying to get an invitation—it’s about what the Pipeline Masters represents to surfing and the respect that this wave and event deserves. Even if it means I may never surf in this event at Pipe again, I’m okay with that. I’ve had my moments winning events at Pipe, and I’m grateful for all of them. If speaking out helps even one person who deserves a chance but might never get it under the current system, then it’s all worth it.
“I remember growing up and watching only the best Pipe specialists and world tour surfers go head-to-head. That’s what made this event so special. It’s shocking to see how, in such a short time, Vans has nearly ruined what it means to be a Pipeline Master. The way this event has been handled in recent years, since Vans bought the rights to it, feels disrespectful to one of the most iconic waves and events in the history of surfing—right here at OUR home in Hawaii. Excluding a significant number of local and international surfers who have put in the time year after year to earn their spot in the lineup doesn’t sit right with me.
“When I heard that JAMIE was given an ALTERNATE spot in the event, that’s when I felt something has to be said. How can you leave out arguably the greatest Pipeline surfer of all time? To suggest that he doesn’t deserve a spot in an event he has helped define is baffling to me. Many surfers who have barely surfed Pipe have been given spots over the years, which feels like a slap in the face to the locals and internationals who show up season after season without ever being invited. It’s nothing personal against these surfers—they are simply accepting an opportunity that any surfer would take. But the way these decisions are being made feels unfair to those who have truly earnt their place. I understand that with invitational events, it’s hard to make everyone happy. However, making sure that the spots go to those who deserve them and have put in the time is all anyone can ask for.”
It seems Josh is not alone in his sentiment as many of the world’s best and most respected surfers have also chimed in on the comments section, including Jamie who praised Moniz for speaking up.
“I’ve been processing how the Pipeline Masters has become a joke. Whoever is making these decisions clearly doesn’t understand what’s happening in the water at Pipeline today, or season to season. It’s long overdue that someone speaks out, and trust me, they won’t hear the end of it. It’s so sad to see such a prestigious event mishandled like this, with no regard for the athletes putting in the work every day, it has completely lost my respect. It’s time for a change – this event deserves to be taken over by someone who truly understands and respects the sport and the surfers.”
Jamie later went on to make his own Insta post about the situation. He wrote: “Growing up, I was told to ‘let your surfing do the talking,’ but I guess that’s not enough anymore. For nearly 30 years, I’ve dedicated myself to Pipeline—winning every event, building my dream home here, and making Pipeline my life. Last week, I realised I didn’t get a Pipe Masters invite. When I asked why, I was told I’m ‘too old’ and ‘didn’t make the cut.’ Instead, I’m on the ‘alternate list’ with a ‘don’t worry, you’ll probably get in.’
“Looking at the current invite list, it’s not only me that should be on there. There are so many other surfers who didn’t receive their invites and they deserve to be on that list.
I want to shoutout Josh Moniz for also speaking up, but mention that people like Josh, Kalani Chapman, Torrey Meister, Lucas Godfrey, Eli Olson, Tyler Newton, Bruce Irons, Reef Mcintosh, (just to name a few) should without question be in this event. We’ve spent years, putting in the time, the hours, and the dedication at this wave.
“To say I’m upset and disrespected is an understatement. It’s sad to see such a prestigious event being run by kooks who clearly don’t understand the reality of the lineup at Pipeline.”
Former big wave World Champ Billy Kemper said that “Vans has taken away everything the ‘Pipeline Masters’ meant to us growing up”, while Julian Wilson argued that the WSL should never have given up the Pipe Masters title and compared it to ‘golf giving up the Masters and tennis giving up Wimbledon’.
The likes of Kelly Slater, Griffin Colapinto, Benji Brand, Barron Mamiya and John Pyzel all commented in support of Josh’s original comment.
While others have voiced their concern about the format in recent years, it seems this is the first time such talk has really gathered significant support and momentum. Vans are yet to release the full list of invitees and we wonder if the pressure of social media will force them into any last minute substitutions. So far this year’s comp includes names such as Imaikalani DeVault, Puamakamae DeSoto, Bella Kenworthy, Molly Picklum, Noa Deane, Balaram Stack, Mason Ho, Makana Pang, Nathan Florence, Vaihitimahana Inso, Tosh Tudor, Caity Simmers, and Harry Bryant.
We will keep you updated on the rest of the invitees as and when we hear about them.
