Big Swell Arrives as Billabong Pipe Masters Begins

By Wendy Osher

Opening Day of the 2011 Billabong Pipe Masters is ON in Bombing Pipeline. Photo Credit: ASP/CESTARI

The Billabong Pipe Masters in Memory of Andy Irons runs today through December 20th, just as a large swell is due to arrive at Pipeline.

The event is the final stop on the 2011 ASP World Title Series, and the third jewel of the Vans Triple Crown.

John John Florence (HAW), 19, who won the Vans World Cup at Sunset Beach, is currently leading the Triple Crown ratings entering the final stop at his home break.

Meantime, freshly crowned 11-time ASP World Champion Kelly Slater tops the world title top five heading into the Pipe Masters competition.

Contest officials report 10-to-15 foot waves at the iconic Hawaiian barrel of the Banzai Pipeline this morning.

“We’ve got 10-to-15 foot surf at Pipeline this morning with wash-through sets at second reef,” said Randy Rarick, Billabong Pipe Masters Contest Director. “This is the biggest surf we’ve had in the memory of the event,” he said.

The National Weather Service forecasts 16 to 22 foot sets along the north facing shores, with 12 to 18 foot surf along the west facing beaches of Oahu and Molokai. The surf is expected to build rapidly and peak today with a gradual decline over the next few days.

First up this morning is ASP Top 34 member Matt Wilkinson (AUS), 23, against Pipeline specialist Marcus Hickman (HAW) in the opening heat of Round 1.

The Billabong Pipe Masters in Memory of Andy Irons began at 8 a.m. local time, and is being webcast LIVE via the following direct link: http://vanstriplecrownofsurfing.com/billabongpipemasters2011.