Pipeline Masters was founded in 1971 by Hawaiian Fred Hemmings, thus launching the possibility for surfers from all over the world will enjoy their sport with the most impressive waves in the world. What the participants have sought throughout these 3 decades has been not only to surf but to try to stand out and become one of the best.
The event is without a doubt the one that has lasted the longest over the years as far as surf is concerned. . It is held at the well-known Banzai Pipeline peak on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii, where the waves are tremendously high.
Billabong sponsors this event, after a year full of sponsorship of other events on the circuit, such as the Billabong ProTahiti in French Polynesia, the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay in South Africa and the Billabong Pro Santa Catarina in Brazil. Without a doubt, a whole year full of strong emotions in which the best surfers have not missed the Tour.
The president of the Association of Professional Surfers (ASP), world champion in 1978, Wayne Bartholomew made these statements:
"Pipe is the most important scene and game and the Pipe Masters is the most prestigious title on the Tour." Billabong brings its wealth of technology to the North Shore icon, and this deal epitomizes the "Dream Tour" concept
Andy Irons
The professional surfer was world champion in 2002, 2003 and 2004, with an impeccable career in the ASP World Tour, in which he had been participating since 1998.
He has become a legend after dying on November 2 due to dengue disease, which he contracted in Puerto Rico. He tried to participate in Hawaii but there was no way, because not only had he not recovered but he got worse.
A surfer since he was little, he also shared a hobby with his brother Bruce Irons, with whom he learned to surf on the island of Kauai. One of his worst obstacles is related to another of the great surfers of all time: Kelly Slater. The rivalry between the two riders has been present, not only in the championships, but also reflected in their sponsors, Billabong and Quicksilver, respectively.
He was always clear that surfing was his passion and that he wanted to dedicate himself to it body and soul, having the great luck of having the support of Billabong, who gave him the possibility of choosing how, when and where he was going to do it. go for the waves.
After an attempt to leave the ASP circuit, he returned to it the following year, obtaining very good results.
The surfing world will miss him, so the Pipeline Masters has decided to pay him his personal tribute.
