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Pipeline was in prime form yesterday for finals day in the fan favourite Da Hui Backdoor Shootout. The locally run event is renowned for delivering excellent conditions and 2023 was no different. Koa Rothman was calling the waves yesterday the most perfect he has ever seen at Pipeline. The Hawaiian may be slightly biased due to his home ties but he wasn’t wrong as Pipe did look amazing throughout the day. However, the infamous surf spot also reminded the world that she can be deadly.
The North Shore Lifeguards were working overtime as Pipe heavy hitters such as Kala Grace, Billy Kemper and Makua Rothman all had hectic wipeouts. Kala’s wipeout on a 10-foot close-out bomb was the most severe. The 24-year-old was rescued after suffering a heavy concussion at the break. It was chilling scenes as he would eventually be transported to hospital and be placed in ICU.
Check out the brutal wipeout below.
Billy Kemper just shared positive news on his Instagram Story that Kala is awake and breathing on his own.
Kala’s father is also providing updates on his Instagram @waikikibeachboys.
Below is an excerpt from a recent statement on how his son’s recovery is going. His father, Willie, has not lost his sense of humour in what would have been a traumatic 24 hours.
“He is still in ICU & all. Hooked up for air and recovering from that knock out from Mike Tyson.”
“There’s been a lot of people sending out prayers towards him and thank you everyone for looking out for him again and to all the guys on the North Shore that helped out thank you very much from the bottom of my heart and Kala will be back and stronger.”
Kala scored one of the best rides on day one of competition and then found himself a couple days later in life support. These are the extreme highs and lows that these surfing warriors deal with while they risk it all for Pipe mastery.
If we’re talking mastery, Kelly Slater put on an absolute clinic at Backdoor and Pipeline yesterday. Check out the blowout on the thick one he found himself flawlessly manoeuvring through.
A big shout-out goes to Michael Ho. How can you not respect this man? The 65-year-old took on some Pipe bombs in the comp yesterday and wasn’t scared to charge from behind the ledge. Tahitian gun Eimeo Czermak and South African shredder Benji Brand also had impressive performances. And it’s always a treat to witness Clay Marzo surf left-hand tubes.
No winner was announced due to the injuries and justified fear for Kala’s health. The award ceremony has been postponed to the 21st of January. We will keep you updated. In the meantime, we wish Kala the best in his recovery.
