It was heavenly conditions on the North Shore today, with blue skies and crystal-clear waters to kick off the women’s WSL season. Enough to make you wanna leap through the screen or start strumming a ukulele.  Unfortunately, it didn’t provide what us surf fans wanna see when it comes to Pipe – big and scary pits. Despite, the lack of waves it was a full day of competition with the women’s opening, elimination and round of 16 rounds were contested. The WSL were desperate to get the ball rolling with the forecast not looking promising for the remainder of the waiting period. The women had limited opportunities throughout the day. To put it into perspective, only six of the sixteen surfers finished with a heat total over 10.

The significant news of Day Two of the Pipe Pro was Steph Gilmore’s and The Queen of Pipe Moana Jones Wong surprise eliminations from the event. The teenage duo of WSL rookie Caitlin Simmers and event wildcard Alyssa Spencer did enough in their heat to take down the GOAT. While, Moana, with scarce tube opportunities was defeated by Lakey Peterson in their round of 16 heat.

The hype around Caity Simmers is the biggest we’ve seen since possibly Steph’s , Tyler’s or even Carissa’s arrival on the scene. The Californian rookie showed why she’s garnered the praise with a cheeky backdoor tube and a slicing hack to take out her must-win heat. However Caity’s Pipe debut would be cut short, falling to Brisa Hennessy in the Round of 16.

Steph on the other hand was filmed in the locker room post-heat, expressing the frustration of how she competed, feeling as though she’s gone in her words “from hero to zero”.

Pipeline continues to be a struggle for the eight-time world champ. Despite an illustrious career, it’s the one major trophy missing from the cabinet (Maybe Teahupo’o too) and Steph has suggested she doesn’t feel complete without it. The loss today is likely to make her hungry to return next year.  

Wave of the day was Molly Picklum’s eight-point backdoor ride. The 2022 Van’s Pipe Master manoeuvred her way through a deep tube and finished with a high-risk turn on the shallow end section. However, Molly’s got a big task ahead when she meets Carissa Moore in the Quarters.

Swell is supposedly easing into the weekend and early next week. Hopefully Huey can conjure a few waves on the North Shore so we can see the women get proper pitted in pumping Pipe conditions.

Women’s Quarterfinal Match-Ups
Heat 1: Brisa Hennessy v Lakey Peterson
Heat 2: Tatiana Weston Webb v Tyler Wright
Heat 3: Carissa Moore v Molly Picklum
Heat 4: Gabriela Bryan v Bettylou Sakura Johnson