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last updated:
02/08/2008
2008 Pipeline Bodysurfing Classic
Presented by:
Sponsored by:
January 5, 2008...With just a day to spare, the bodysurfing
event happened. Not the best conditions, but some gems to be ridden. Passing
showers and dim light didn't leave me much choice but to leave early. I tried to
stick it out on the beach, but the squalls just kept coming and I got soaked to
the bone. I tried shooting from Josh's place, but again, dim light and rain,
plus they were going the other way most the time. And it seemed the waves were
dying out. I left during the break before the finals. I will post any additional
info as it becomes available. Including any other photogs' site that might have
got some shots too.
Part 1, (10:08 - 11:26am).
See more here.
Part 2, (11:27am - 12:27pm).
See more here.
Sequence of David Gochros
Part 3, (12:29 - 2:28pm).
See more here.
Sequence of Steve Kapela
Sequence of Surfer at Off The Wall
added 2/7/08...
Updated HSBA site with pictures from Greg and other links:
http://groups.msn.com/Pipeline2001Classic/pipeclassic08.msnw
Here's a link to an article from the Honolulu Advertiser on yesterday's
Honolua's Pipeline Bodysurfing event:
http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2008/Feb/06/sp/hawaii802060421.html
added 2/6/08...Below is a link to Al's
post contest photos:
http://bodysurfhawaii.dotphoto.com/GuestViewImage.asp?AID=5100181&IID=182174900&INUM=1&ICT=53
added 2/5/08... Posted by Alan Lennard
STEWART FINDS THE POCKET AND WINS AGAIN
TUESDAY, POALUA, February 5, 2008
North Shore, Oahu, Hawaii
HONOLUA SURF COMPANY PIPELINE BODYSURFING CLASSIC
January 27 - February 6, 2008
The Honolua Surf Company Pipeline Bodysurfing Classic wrapped
up today with 10 time champion Mike Stewart claiming his 11th trophy
and $1000.00 sweet ones. It was a tough day for all involved as
rainsqualls whipped up the 2-4 foot peaks that Pipeline had to offer.
The elite group of watermen charged the line-up taking off underwater
like dolphins and catapulting their bodies across big sections. It
was a sight to see, as they would spin and hurl themselves up into
the curl and down again arms out as if to say hello. I call that
the Cunningham, he taught it to me. Said champ Mike Stewart. Or
the outrigger some people call it. Stewart was able to find a
couple quick in and outs in the final.
It was a difficult day of hard work. Tube rides always score the best at
Pipeline, that is what the place is made of. The reef was real different, I got
some pocket rides that scored expressed the 11-time winner. I feel like it was a
productive day. I have been training for this, I stay in shape with a special
organic diet, you really got to be on it. It feels
good to be able to function in those waves, it was very shifty and
took a bit of luck.
Bodysurfing has had a bit of resurgence of late with several
events being offered up to the sport. This is a dream come true, to
come here to Hawaii and do the contest, expressed Frenchmen
Frederic David. David took second place honors and was one of three
who made the journey from France. I really want to thank Herve
Chapelier, he helped me get here to represent Club Biarritz
Lifesaving. I am so happy, I got one good barrel at backdoor in the
final, I came out then got in again, he said with an elated accent.
There were competitors from 8 countries in this year's classic.
Hawaii though took 5 out of the 6 top placings. Kauai's Gavin
Kennelly had a solid day starting from the first round and working
his way to a third place finish. Last years defending champion Steve
Kapela took fourth place honors and Mark Cunningham streaked to 5th.
Former winner Todd Sells had a disappointing final and took 6th
place honors. Congratulations to all it was a great day of fins,
spins and spills!
HONOLUA PIPELINE BODYSURFING CLASSIC
Completed 4 PM 2/5/08
Heat Sheet will be posted ASAP
Conditions NW-NNW 2-4feet (Held Backdoor Pipeline) /Winds NE (060)
1: Mike Stewart ($1000)
2: Frederic David ($ 800)
3: Gavin Kennelly ($ 700)
4: Steve Kapela ($ 600)
5: Mark Cunningham ($ 500)
6: Todd Sells ($ 400)
added 1/26/08... Posted by Alan Lennard
Heat sheet:
http://www.pipebodysurf.com/2008_BODYSURFING_HEAT_DRAW.pdf
PRESS RELEASE Posted 1.17.2008 by Alan Lennard
Honolua Surf Company presents the Pipeline Bodysurfing Classic
Industry Sponsors Viper Fins, Hydro and DaFin
(Honolulu, HI) January 17, 2008 ---
The holding period for the 36th annual Pipeline Bodysurfing Classic presented by
Honolua Surf Company, on the North Shore of Oahu, will begin January 27th , 2008
and will run through February 6th , 2008.
This one day event will be held when the conditions at Pipeline are the best
available during the holding period (based on swell and wind direction as well
as size). The preferred conditions for this event will be 6 to 8 foot (12' to
15' faces) West to North West Swell with favorable off shore winds.
Each year, for one day watermen (past entrants have included Kelly Slater, Rob
Machado, Tom Curren and Donavan Frankenreiter) from around the world come
together and participate in a homegrown event in Hawai`i involving Bodysurfing.
Bodysurfing, called he'e umauma or kaha nalu in Hawaiian, was first enjoyed by
ancient Hawaiians at the break called "Pipeline" today. It is believed that
bodysurfing at Pipeline was first inspired by the dolphins seen there, long
before the invention of the surfboard.
While board surfing has evolved into a visible and highly competitive sport, the
main draw to bodysurfing is still as it ever was - the intimate relationship
between the ocean and the rider in what is considered by many as the "purest
form of wave riding."
The Current champion Steve Kapela (Hawaii) will be defending his 2006 title
against a field of seasoned waterman including Mike Stewart, Mark Cunningham,
Todd Sells, Keith Malloy at the Pipeline Bodysurfing Classic (due to permit
conflicts, there was no 2007 event).
Competitors must swim without the use of any type of board into
extremely challenging at the world-class break known as Pipeline.
Pipeline is world-famous for its fast and powerful breaking waves over a shallow
reef. Just as Everest is the gauge of all mountains for mountaineers, Pipeline
is the ultimate test for wave-riders from all over the world, rewarding the best
with waves of aesthetic perfection.
Sixty of the world's most dedicated bodysurfers will be on-call during the 11
day holding period. Depending on conditions, the competitors will have a one to
two day window to compete at Pipeline without any
surfboards. At the end of the competition, the top six bodysurfers will compete
in an intense final push to determine the new champion.
Additional Information on the event may be obtained on the web:
http://www.pipebodysurf.com/
http://www.honoluasurf.com/
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