"Eligibility depends more on social media influence than on true merit and earned accomplishments."
It might be difficult for the adult learner, those who’ve come into surfing in the past few years, to believe but it wasn’t that long ago when Oahu’s North Shore was where everything that mattered in surf happened.
The contests, the magazines, the interviews, were a build-up to the mighty Triple Crown, awarded to the surfer who dominated the three North Shore events, Haleiwa, Sunset and Pipe. It was regarded as even more prestigious than a world title.
Sunny Garcia five of ’em, John John four, Andy Irons, four, Parko three, Kelly Slater three.
In 2024, a Pipe Masters is an invitation-only event, with preference given to Vans surfers, and the Triple Crown, which went digital during Covid, now goes to the surfer who sends in the best clips from the three marquee waves.
Real talk: he is old but age ain’t gonna weary the great James Duncan O’Brien.
Earlier today, North Shore shredder Shayden Pacarro penned an impassioned cri de coeur about the state of play on the North Shore.
As a surfer from Hawaii, participating in surf contests feels pointless without the prestigious Triple Crown of Surfing, a Pipeline Pro title, or qualifications for the Pipe Masters, along with sufficient rewards to support ourselves and our families. We can’t represent Hawaii in the Olympic Games but yet we are not apart of the North American region. We are the Hawaii/Tahiti region. It feels as if our rights to surfing has been stripped away! It seems as if everywhere else in the world has more opportunities, points and incentives than we do. How can it be that the “mecca” and birthplace of surfing has become the smallest arena in competitive surfing? For the very little events that are still alive in Hawaii, how can we secure a live broadcast? @wsl @wsl.qs That feels like a harsh reality check for us. The less we vocalize our concerns, the more they seem to take away from us.
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How can you secure an invitation to the newly revamped Vans Pipe Masters, which actually offers significant payment? Honestly, it’s quite unclear and remains a significant grey area. There isn’t a legitimate ranking or point system in place, no established hierarchy, and no seniority to consider. Eligibility appears to depend more on social media influence than on true merit and earned accomplishments. They say you should dedicate time at the Pipe to earn your place in the lineup, but from what I’ve seen, some of the most legendary Pipe surfers, who have scored numerous 10-point rides and pipe titles aren’t even on the invite list. These unclear determinations reflect a lack of class and undermine the integrity of surfing, as well as those who genuinely deserve to be part of its legendary history. Pipeline: It’s not just about the money; it’s about the invaluable honor of riding one of the world’s most treacherous waves alongside only three other surfers, a special brotherhood. This privilege should be reserved for those who have demonstrated dedication and commitment over time.
Jamie O’Brien, Shane Dorian, Zeke Lau, Josh Moniz, Andy’s widow Lyndie, all dived into the comments to underscore Shayden’s message.