Three’s the magic number, slide away with Joel, Judah and Tosh Tudor at a super fun day at Cardiff reef. An abundance of natural grace and a lesson in style, hit the link for the full edit.

Edit by Jake Roth aka @AbstractSeagull

Finals Day at the Billabong Pro Pipeline crowned two new Pipe champions. After a runner-up finish last season, five-time World Champion Carissa Moore got revenge with a win against rival Tyler Wright in a rematch of the 2021 Pipeline Final. Jack Robinson, one of the best barrel riders on Earth, showcased his skills en route to yet another event win in his dominant young career. 

• Carissa Moore and Jack Robinson Win WSL CT Season Opener at the 2023 Billabong Pro Pipeline 
• Tyler Wright and Leonardo Fioravanti Earn Runner-up Finishes
• Second-year Joao Chianca Eliminates World Champion Filipe Toledo
• Moore and Robinson Jump to World No. 1 on CT Rankings 
• More Available at WorldSurfLeague.com

Carissa Moore (HAW) and Jack Robinson (AUS) won the Billabong Pro Pipeline, the first stop on the World Surf League (WSL) 2023 Championship Tour (CT).  Five-time World Champion Moore and third-year CT competitor Robinson took their wins at the world-renowned Banzai Pipeline on the North Shore of Oahu. Moore defeated two-time World Champion Tyler Wright (AUS) in the Final, while Robinson overcame Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA).

With the first event of the season complete, competitors will now prepare for the second event of the season just down the road at Sunset Beach. Moore and Robinson will wear the coveted yellow Leader jersey, taking the rankings’ lead from eight-time World Champion Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) and 2022 World Champion Filipe Toledo (BRA), respectively. 
Carissa Moore Finally Claims CT Victory at Pipeline

Carissa Moore has been runner-up at Pipeline for the past two years and finally achieved her breakthrough victory today. In a rematch of their 2020 Final, Moore and Wright once again faced each other in the 11th Final matchup between them. 

After a slow start, Moore found herself needing a score of significance to overtake Wright. Moore’s patience paid off as she was able to capitalize on a Backdoor gem, spending time behind the curtain before re-emerging to earn a near-excellent 7.17 (out of possible 10). But, Wright immediately answered back, using her forehand attack to regain the lead once again and leave Moore needing a 2.83 with just seven minutes remaining. As time dwindled, Moore was given one last opportunity, and she was able to earn a 3.83, taking the heat win and confirming her first CT Pipeline victory. 

“I’m so happy, and there are just so many emotions just to get this win,” said Moore. “For the women, it’s been so many years in the making, and having us out at a crazy wave like Pipeline and just trying to spend more time has been such a process. After finishing the season like I did last year, it’s nice to come away with a win and wipe that slate clean. To win an event that’s in honor of Andy Irons is so special. He’s one of my favorite surfers of all time, and I always appreciated the time he took for me.”

Moore’s day began with a matchup against tour newcomer, fellow Oahu competitor, 17-year-old Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW). Although a slow heat, Moore managed to find a Backdoor wave barrel and earn an excellent 8.0. Sakura Johnson put up a valiant effort, but it wasn’t enough to take down the experienced World Champion. The five-time WSL Champion now returns to No. 1 after falling just short of her sixth World Title in 2022. She will have the yellow jersey and plenty of momentum going into stop No. 2 on the CT, the Hurley Pro Sunset Beach. 

Jack Robinson Claims First Win of 2023 CT Season at Pipeline

A slow start to the men’s Final witnessed Jack Robinson maintain a slim lead over Leonardo Fioravanti heading into the back half of their battle. Fioravanti upped the requirement with a Backdoor runner, earning a 4.00 and pushing Robinson to need a 3.51. At the 11-minute mark, Robinson turned the heat, earning a solid 6.00 with a forehand, two-turn combination. Fioravanti followed with a quick Backdoor cover up, but only notched a 3.47. 

Time expired before Fioravanti could get to his feet again, leaving Robinson to emerge victorious. This is Robinson’s first Billabong Pro Pipeline win and the fourth CT win of his career. 

“I’ve dreamed of this for a long time, and Andy [Irons] was one of my favorite surfers ever, and it’s just an honor,” said Robinson. “To feel everything, all the emotions at the start of the year, you don’t know how you’re going to come back. I was feeling good, but you never know with this beast, with Pipeline. This one’s the most special. I’m super grateful for this start here in Hawaii, and I’m just getting myself ready to run that road. It was a low one last year, but I also learned a lot, and there’s no price on that.”

Robinson’s day started with a thrilling matchup against two-time World Champion and former event winner John John Florence (HAW). Both demonstrated expert barrel riding skills, making critical drops and finding near-impossible exits in their back-and-forth exchange. With just under three minutes left, Robinson found the score he needed, a 6.67, to overtake the two-time World Champion. 

Robinson then met Brazilian star Joao Chianca in the Semifinals. Chianca came into the match with plenty of confidence after having just taken out current World Champion Toledo. After a slow start to the match, things heated up in the final 5 minutes. Chianca turned the heat on Robinson, finding a Backdoor barrel and finishing the wave with a fins-free maneuver. But Robinson instantly took the lead back, threading a long Backdoor barrel and slashing the end section. 

Tyler Wright and Leonardo Fioravanti Earn Second-place Finishes at Billabong Pro Pipeline

Two-time World Champion, Wright, started her Finals Day campaign with a narrow win over Lakey Peterson (USA) in the women’s Semifinal, Heat 1. Wright came flying out of the gates with a backdoor barrel and solid finishing maneuver, notching an excellent 8.00 in the opening minutes. Peterson responded with a Backdoor barrel of her own to earn a 7.00. The two traded off leading the heat, but it was ultimately Wright who emerged victorious by just .10 of a point.

This marks Wright’s second Final at the renowned wave of Pipeline. She previously won here in 2020 after the women’s event was moved from Maui. Her runner-up finish will jumpstart her 2023 season toward the mid-season cut and road to the Final 5.

“The women deserve to be at Pipe, and you can see how much comfortable women have got here just knowing the event is going to be on tour from now on,” said Wright. “Massive shoutout to the WSL for supporting women’s surfing and seeing how it can grow. Honestly, we had a really nice offseason, and a lot of work went into performance and a lot of work went into building my body back. I’ve been working with Surfing Australia, and they’ve been amazing for me, and I couldn’t be prouder of them. Actually, it’s a really enjoyable process for me, and I just want to say thank you to those guys.”

Leonardo Fioravanti’s road to the finals began with a narrow Quarterfinal win over tour veteran Jordy Smith (RSA).  Smith controlled a majority of the heat, but with less than 10 minutes left, Fioravanti tracked down two impressive Backdoor barrels. His final score of 6.67 was just enough to take the heat win from Smith. 

He then went on to face event threat Caio Ibelli (BRA) in Semifinal, Heat 1. Fioravanti took an early lead by successfully navigating a Backdoor barrel to earn a 7.67. He was able to hold onto the lead and put Ibelli in a combination situation. Ibelli finally put a solid score of a 6.50 on the board at the ten-minute mark, but wasn’t able to find a backup. 

“I mean, this is a dream come true,” said Fioravanti. “I’ve grown up watching every single event here since I was 10. To come to the podium with Lyndie (Irons) here and to have a trophy with Andy’s (Irons) name on it, he’s one of the greatest out here, and it means so much. To have my family here and everyone supporting me on the beach is just special. This wave put me in the hospital for six months when I was 17 years old and it’s also given me so much. Thank you Pipeline, thank you to the locals for letting us surf it this year. Hawaii is such a special place for surfing and I’m grateful to be on the podium for such a special event.”

For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

Billabong Pro Pipeline Women’s Final Results: 
1 – Carissa Moore (HAW) 11.00
2 – Tyler Wright (AUS) 10.00

Billabong Pro Pipeline Men’s Final Results: 
1 – Jack Robinson (AUS) 9.17
2 – Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) 7.47

Billabong Pro Pipeline Women’s Semifinal Results: 
HEAT 1: Tyler Wright (AUS) 13.43 DEF. Lakey Peterson (USA) 13.33
HEAT 2: Carissa Moore (HAW) 12.17 DEF. Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW) 6.67

Billabong Pro Pipeline Men’s Semifinal Results:
HEAT 1: Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) 12.00 DEF. Caio Ibelli (BRA) 7.57
HEAT 2: Jack Robinson (AUS) 11.67 DEF. Joao Chianca (BRA) 9.93

Billabong Pro Pipeline Men’s Quarterfinal Results:
HEAT 1: Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) 11.00 DEF. Jordy Smith (RSA) 10.76
HEAT 2: Caio Ibelli (BRA) 15.83 DEF. Liam O’Brien (AUS) 7.70
HEAT 3: Joao Chianca (BRA) 12.00 DEF. Filipe Toledo (BRA) 11.40
HEAT 4: Jack Robinson (AUS) 13.84 DEF. John John Florence (HAW) 12.87

Next Stop: Hurley Pro Sunset Beach, Stop No. 2 on WSL CT 

If you’ve never surfed in Ireland, you’re missing out. Low lying mountains, stunning countryside awash with lush vegetation and history. Rugged, weathered and with plenty of attitude, what’s not to like, well it rains a tad, but those rainbows don’t appear by magic, or maybe they do. Join Ryan Huckabee as he punts, threads and rotates his way through the stunning Emerald Isle.

Featuring: @ryanhuckabee1

🎥 @peytonwillard_

The Goat and JJF, without doubt two of the greatest surfers of the world, with a combined age of 80. Kelly is still blowing minds at 50, he looks as fast and loose as anyone out there. Spend a couple of minutes with some of surfings finest taking the back off a cheeky little sandbar.

The waves turned on for Day 4 of the Billabong Pro Pipeline. Barrels were on offer at both Backdoor and Pipe as the men battled their way towards the Quarterfinals. See all of today’s biggest upsets, heaviest rides, and best matchups, then stay locked in for the call for a potential Finals Day

The men’s Quarterfinalists have been decided after a full day of competition at the Billabong Pro Pipeline, the first stop on the World Surf League (WSL) 2023 Championship Tour (CT). The men’s Round of 32 and Round of 16 saw huge upsets as top seeds and previous event winners were eliminated, with now only eight men remaining in the competition.

Two-time World Champion and 2020 event winner John John Florence (HAW below) reminded everyone how dangerous his local knowledge and experience are at Pipeline with a near-perfect performance. Jack Robinson (AUS) secured his spot in the Quarterfinals after taking down three-time World Champion Gabriel Medina (BRA). Defending event winner and 11-time World Champion Kelly Slater (USA) and World Champion Italo Ferreira (BRA) also faced similar fates as Medina as were eliminated.

The men’s Quarterfinalists and women’s Semifinalists will now eagerly await Finals Day. The next call will be made tomorrow, Wednesday, February 8, at 7:45 a.m. 

John John Florence Goes Near-Perfect in His Backyard  

John John Florence (HAW, above) was absolutely thriving in his backyard, showing no signs of nerves and appearing to be having fun. Florence performed a disappearing act in the Round of 16, coming out of a Backdoor barrel long after what seemed possible and earning a near-perfect 9.93 (out of possible 10). He then took to the air on his following wave to notch a 9.40 and the highest heat total of the day, a 19.33 (out of possible 20). 

“It was exciting and I had fun out there,” said Florence. “That wave was interesting. It got kind of stretched out but kept giving me a clean wall to pump on and then I made it and I was stoked. The second wave had a kink in it and looked like it was going to pinch so I just leaned back and rode over the pinch and then did a little air so I’m stoked. I think it may be a little smaller tomorrow but hopefully there will be some fun little Backdoor waves, and should be nice and clean.”

World Champions Slater, Medina and Ferreira Accept Early Elimination  

In the biggest upset of the day, Yago Dora (BRA) eliminated Kelly Slater (USA, above) in the Round of 32, Heat 10. The ocean took a breather during the matchup and provided little opportunity for high-scoring waves. As the clock wound down, Dora was able to take out the 11-time Champion with a 5.66 heat total (out of a possible 20). 

“I was out of sync in my free surfs and two nights ago I broke a fever, I was really sick, and yesterday I didn’t know if I was going to be able to surf,” said Slater. “I felt fine today and felt pretty relaxed, I was just patient and then I thought we might be fighting for three’s here so I was trying to make something happen at Backdoor. Then I took one of the first waves of that set toward the five-minute mark and I just got hammered by like 15 waves. Sometimes it’s just not your time, last year was my time, but not this year.”

In a surprising turn of events, Gabriel Medina (BRA) was taken down by an in-form Jack Robinson. Medina was on a roll in his Round of 32, claiming one of the highest scores of the day, a 9.33. But Robinson was in-tune with the ocean in their Round of 16 matchup and was able to best the World Champion with two solid barrel and turn combinations. Robinson will now face Joao Chianca (BRA) in the Quarterfinals. 

The day started with another major upset as rookie Ian Gentil (HAW) took down World Champion and former event winner Italo Ferreira (BRA). Ferreira controlled a majority of the heat, but with just three minutes left, Gentil found a Backdoor barrel to earn a 6.50 and take the heat lead. 

Men’s Quarterfinalists Decided Amidst Upsets and World-Class Performances

Tour veteran Jordy Smith (RSA, above) claimed the first spot in the Quarterfinals after overcoming rookie Gentil in the Round of 16, Heat 1. Smith performed consistently all day, starting with a win over California’s Nat Young in the Round of 32. This will be Smith’s fifth Quarterfinal of his career at Pipeline. 

“I’m pretty happy, a few ups and downs in that heat, but super stoked to make the Quarters,” said Smith. “I ended up breaking a board in my heat, but I went back down to the 6’4, which felt even better. I’m just really stoked that the conditions turned around for us. This morning was a tough one with the winds. It’s great to start well, but it’s not how you start, it’s how you finish. This just gives you that confidence, and I’ve put in a lot of the work in the offseason, and there’s no second guessing myself.

Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA, above) will make his second Billabong Pro Pipeline Quarterfinals appearance of his career after winning his Round of 16 match against Callum Robson (AUS). Fioravanti had a big win earlier in the day, taking out top seed Griffin Collapinto (USA) in the Round of 16.

Liam O’Brien (AUS) proved he belongs amongst the best in the world, taking down two event threats on his way to the Quarterfinals. O’Brien first eliminated fellow Australian and Final 5 competitor Ethan Ewing after a close battle in the Round of 32. He then went on to defeat last year’s event runner-up Seth Moniz (HAW), in the Round of 16. O’Brien qualified for the CT last year but missed the entire season due to injury. His Quarterfinal appearance comes as a huge redemption for the tour newcomer.

“It’s a pretty weird turnaround, I was just happy to surf a heat this year so it’s been cool to get through a few,” said O’Brien. “Just to get another session out there with no one out is a big incentive to make a heat. Seth is obviously one of the best guys out there. I was lucky to get mine, but I’ll take it.”

Caio Ibelli (BRA, above) continued his winning momentum from the Opening Round, defeating Hawaiis’ Ezekiel Lau in the Round of 32. Even after suffering an interference on Lau, Ibelli was able to take the heat win by finding a Backdoor barrel that earned him a 7.00. He then had a close clash with Australia’s Ryan Callinan in the Round of 16. Ibelli and O’Brien will now meet in the Quarterfinals. 

Current World Champion, Filipe Toledo (BRA) is off to a good start in his mission to hold onto the top spot on the leaderboard. After leaving Carlos Munoz (CRC) in a combination situation in the Round of 32, Toledo then went on to face Dora in the Round of 16. Dora controlled a majority of the heat, but with seven minutes left to go, Toledo successfully navigated a Backdoor barrel to flip the heat. 

“I knew it was going to be hard, Yago always puts really good results here at Pipe,” said Toledo. “We had those lulls in between sets, and I knew he was going to go for the airs and knew I had to wait for a good wave. Then that Backdoor wave came, but the foam ball usually pushes you out, and this one didn’t, so I was happy to find that little Pipeline wave. I’m really happy to be in the Quarters, to start the year with a fifth is really good.”

Joao Chianca (BRA) will make his second-consecutive Quarterfinal appearance after a day of exceptional surfing. He started his day by notching an excellent 8.67 in his Round of 32 matchup against Final 5 competitor Kanoa Igarashi (JPN). Chianca then continued his winning streak, defeating rookie Rio Waida (INA) in the Round of 16. He will now have to face none other than Florence in the Quarterfinals.

For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com

Billabong Pro Pipeline Men’s Round of 32 Results:
HEAT 1: Ian Gentil (HAW) 7.97 DEF. Italo Ferreira (BRA) 7.83
HEAT 2: Jordy Smith (RSA) 13.00 DEF. Nat Young (USA) 1.74
HEAT 3: Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) 13.00 DEF. Griffin Colapinto (USA) 1.00
HEAT 4: Callum Robson (AUS) 7.44 DEF. Jackson Baker (AUS) 6.10
HEAT 5: Liam O’Brien (AUS) 10.17 DEF. Ethan Ewing (AUS) 9.83
HEAT 6: Seth Moniz (HAW) 10.26 DEF. Barron Mamiya (HAW) 6.94
HEAT 7: Caio Ibelli (BRA) 7.00 DEF. Ezekiel Lau (HAW) 6.60
HEAT 8: Ryan Callinan (AUS) 13.16 DEF. Samuel Pupo (BRA) 8.76
HEAT 9: Filipe Toledo (BRA) 7.83 DEF. Carlos Munoz (CRC) 1.74
HEAT 10: Yago Dora (BRA) 5.66 DEF. Kelly Slater (USA) 2.43
HEAT 11: Rio Waida (INA) 13.60 DEF. Connor O’Leary (AUS) 8.03
HEAT 12: Joao Chianca (BRA) 12.00 DEF. Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) 2.87
HEAT 13: Jack Robinson (AUS) 14.33 DEF. Michael Rodrigues (BRA) 0.97
HEAT 14: Gabriel Medina (BRA) 15.50 DEF. Jake Marshall (USA) 10.83
HEAT 15: John John Florence (HAW) 13.66 DEF. Kolohe Andino (USA) 2.83
HEAT 16: Miguel Pupo (BRA) 13.00 DEF. Maxime Huscenot (FRA) 12.14

Billabong Pro Pipeline Men’s Round of 16 Results:
HEAT 1: Jordy Smith (RSA) 13.50 DEF. Ian Gentil (HAW) 9.10
HEAT 2: Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) 10.83 DEF. Callum Robson (AUS) 1.86
HEAT 3: Liam O’Brien (AUS) 7.53 DEF. Seth Moniz (HAW) 3.90
HEAT 4: Caio Ibelli (BRA) 10.57 DEF. Ryan Callinan (AUS) 9.47
HEAT 5: Filipe Toledo (BRA) 9.03 DEF. Yago Dora (BRA) 6.53
HEAT 6: Joao Chianca (BRA) 10.03 DEF. Rio Waida (INA) 8.20
HEAT 7: Jack Robinson (AUS) 11.50 DEF. Gabriel Medina (BRA) 10.40
HEAT 8: John John Florence (HAW) 19.33 DEF. Miguel Pupo (BRA) 7.67

Billabong Pro Pipeline Men’s Quarterfinals Matchups:
HEAT 1: Jordy Smith (RSA) vs. Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA)
HEAT 2: Liam O’Brien (AUS) vs. Caio Ibelli (BRA)
HEAT 3: Filipe Toledo (BRA) vs. Joao Chianca (BRA)
HEAT 4: Jack Robinson (AUS) vs. John John Florence (HAW)

Billabong Pro Pipeline Women’s Semifinals Matchups: 
HEAT 1: Lakey Peterson (USA) vs. Tyler Wright (AUS)
HEAT 2: Carissa Moore (HAW) vs. Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW)

Mikey February and Dane Reynolds clips from a final surf in Oaxaca, hit play for style, expression and experimental aerial manoeuvres.

Film: Hunter Martinez & Jacob Vanderwork
Water: Quinn Mathews
Music: Foxy Lady by Agression