Historically, and until December 2020, the Pipe Masters, the most prestigious event on the pro circuit, was scheduled at the end of the season. But since the redesign of the Championship Tour calendar by the World Surf League, the Hawaiian round now takes place at the end of January, at the start of the season, which was the case for the first time this year. But Vans, one of the historical sponsors of the mythical stage on the North Shore of Oahu, has decided to organize an event with the same name – Pipe Masters -, on the same spot and on the same dates as before, i.e. from 8 to December 20.
If this event is not on the pro circuit calendar – the “real” one is scheduled for January 29 to February 10, 2023 – it will bring together 60 handpicked surfers, such as John John and Nathan Florence, Carissa Moore, Tatiana Weston -Webb, Billy Kemper, to name a few.
« The Vans Pipe Masters aims to inspire the future of surfing through an innovative competition and judging format that recognizes and rewards progression, originality and expression. “, assures the press release. The competition will take place in the form of a ranking, all competitors will have the opportunity to surf three rounds. The four male and female surfers with the highest scores will qualify for the final.