Prime Conditions At Pipeline as Swell Persists

By Maui Now Staff

Dusty Payne (HAW) will face off against fellow Hawaiian Kalani Chapman (HAW) in Heat 3 of Round 3 today. Credit: ASP/SCHOLTZ

Pro surfers are back in the water today for day two of the Billabong Pipe Masters in Memory of Andy Irons.

A large swell that peaked on Thursday afternoon will persist across the Hawaiian islands today with 10 foot waves expected at Pipeline.

Today’s lineup will commence with Round 3.  Contest officials say there is a possibility that Rounds 4 and 5 could be complete by the day’s end as well.

The Billabong Pipe Masters is the final stop on the 2011 ASP World Title Series and the third Jewel of the Vans Triple Crown.

“The big swell we had yesterday has held overnight and we still have serious conditions on offer again this morning,” said Richie Porta, ASP International Head Judge.

Up first this morning is Joel Parkinson (AUS), 30, vs. Hawaiian Wildcard Aamion Goodwin (HAW) in the opening heat of Round 3.

For LIVE coverage of the Billabong Pipe Masters in Memory of Andy Irons visit www.vanstriplecrownofsurfing.com/billabongpipemasters2011.

Upcoming Billabong Pipe Masters Round 3 Match-Ups:

• Heat 1: Joel Parkinson (AUS) vs. Aamion Goodwin (HAW)
• Heat 2: Kalani Chapman (HAW) vs. Dusty Payne (HAW)
• Heat 3: Adriano de Souza (BRA) vs. Jamie O’Brien (HAW)
• Heat 4: Julian Wilson (AUS) vs. C.J. Hobgood (USA)
• Heat 5: Damien Hobgood (USA) vs. John John Florence (HAW)
• Heat 6: Kelly Slater (USA) vs. Marcus Hickman (HAW)
• Heat 7: Gabriel Medina (USA) vs. Travis Logie (ZAF)
• Heat 8: Michel Bourez (PYF) vs. Adam Melling (AUS)
• Heat 9: Owen Wright (AUS) vs. Evan Valiere (HAW)
• Heat 10: Jordy Smith (ZAF) vs. Shane Dorian (HAW)
• Heat 11: Josh Kerr (AUS) vs. Kieren Perrow (AUS)
• Heat 12: Taj Burrow (AUS) vs. Ian Walsh (HAW)