First round of the pro circuit, the Lexus Pipe Pro ended Saturday evening on the North Shore of Oahu with the victories of Caitlin Simmers (18 years old) and Barron Mamiya. Disturbing facts, the American and the Hawaiian dominated in the final each time the one who can be considered to have been the best surfer of the competition, respectively Molly Picklum and John John Florence.
Because yes, Picklum and Florence made a big impression in each series, they flew through the debates and outclassed their opponents. But both of them stumbled on the last step. Not much for Florence, beaten by only 0.67 points in the final against another local, Mamiya, for whom this is the second victory on the pro circuit. It was in 2022, at the neighboring Sunset spot, a short distance north of Ehukai Beach.
During this last act, against a once again impressive JJF (7.33 and 8), Mamiya had to defeat a “perfect 10” to win the cup. This 10 is obviously a very deep tube with a very steep take off at the start, on a magical left of Pipeline, and with an exit with arms in the air.
Almost identical scenario during the women’s final with an entry 9.27 from Picklum before Simmers competed with 8.83. And the Australian’s misfortune was this inability to find good backup. With a 1.37, she was at the mercy of a demanding Simmers who found a 3.83 which was enough for her happiness.
Johanne Defay was eliminated in the quarterfinals by Picklum. The Frenchwoman hit the reef on her 3rd wave and was a bit held back after that.
While Simmers and Mamiya seize the lycra of leader in the general classification, the Tour caravan moves to Sunset Beach for the second round, which begins this Monday.
2024-02-11 07:12:16
#Pipe #Pro #heroes #Caitlin #Simmers #Barron #Mamiya
