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Kalani David of Hawaii (pictured) placing equal 7th by reaching the Semifinals during the Pipe Invitational at Pipeline, Oahu, Hawaii on Wednesday December 9, 2015. Photo: WSL/Masurel
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Jack Freestone of Australia (pictured) advancing in second place during the Pipe Invitational at Pipeline, Oahu, Hawaii on Wednesday December 9, 2015. Photo: WSL/Masurel
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Gavin Gillette of Hawaii (pictured) winning his Round 1 heat at the Pipe Invitational on Wednesday December 9, 2015. Photo: WSL/Masurel
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Mason Ho of Hawaii (pictured) advancing into the Final during the Pipe Invitational at Pipeline, Oahu, Hawaii on Wednesday December 9, 2015. Photo: WSL/Masurel
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Mason Ho of Hawaii (pictured) advancing through the Semifinal in second place to earn his spot into the Final at the Pipe Invitational on Wednesday December 9, 2015. Photo: WSL/Scholtz
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Mason Ho of Hawaii (pictured)placing runner up in his Round 1 heat at the Pipe Invitational on Wednesday December 9, 2015. Photo: WSL/Masurel
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The Pipe Invitational was called on, commencing at 8am in massive 10-to-15 foot surf at Pipeline. Photo: WSL/Scholtz
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Jamie O'Brien of Hawaii (pictured) finishing second at the Pipe Invitational at Pipeline, Oahu, Hawaii on Wednesday December 9, 2015. Photo: WSL/Cestari
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Jamie O'Brien of Hawaii (pictured) advancing into the Final of the Pipe Invitational at Pipeline, Oahu, Hawaii on Wednesday December 9, 2015. Photo: WSL/Masurel
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Jack Robinson of Australia (pictured) winning the Pipe Invitational at Pipeline, Oahu, Hawaii on Wednesday December 9, 2015. Photo: WSL/Cestari
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Jack Robinson of Australia (pictured) winning his Semifinal Heat to advance into the Final at the Pipe Invitational on Wednesday December 9, 2015. Photo: WSL/Scholtz
The Pipeline Invitational is a great event. It was called on yesterday in huge 10-15 foot surf at the world’s most famous wave, and the conditions, while a bit unruly, did not disappoint.
The Pipe Invitational puts 32 competitors in the water with a chance at $100,000 and two wildcard spots into the Billabong Pipe Masters.
As it turned out, 17-year-old Australian phenom Jack Robinson beat out all others, with Jamie O’Brien landing in second. With Owen Wright’s unfortunate withdrawal due to a head injury, Mason Ho got the call early this morning that he would be in the event as the injury wildcard.
Robinson’s win came after a ridiculously high-line tube ride that scored him a 9.43. But it wasn’t just the final he won–it was every one of his four heats. “I just wanted to get the best waves and go against the best guys but the trials were so gnarly,” Robinson said. “Any one of the trialists could take down a ‘CT guy so I’m just stoked to get a few waves against them. It was great to have my dad here and I had a lot of fun – just wanted to go and get it done. I’d be stoked to get a couple of drainers, that’s what it’s all about here and it’d be great to get into a few heats.”
Robinson has been making his mark on the North Shore this week. He won the Vans Triple Crown Rookie of the Year award at Sunset Beach, and took fourth place in the HIC Pro to earn his place in the Triple Crown.