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Good waves on the way for the Pipeline Surf Pro finals

After an exciting day of pumping double overhead surf yesterday, what’s on offer at the world’s deadliest wave for the final day of competition?

The buoy sitting offshore to the north of O’ahu’s north shore peaked yesterday around 3 metres with a period of 15-16 seconds, providing pumping 6ft and hollow surf at pipeline. Today the swell has dropped off to just over 2 metres at around 12-13 seconds, leading to much less intense 4ft waves hitting the reef.

Australian George Pittar handling pumping Pipeline on his first year on tour (WSL/Tony Heff)

The women’s quarterfinals have started the day under glassy clean conditions with light easterly winds. Conditions will remain excellent throughout the day with the easterly trade winds picking up through the day, helping groom the incoming waves. The current swell will slowly ease off as the day goes on, but a secondary northwest swell should begin to show in the afternoon. With a much longer period of 16-17 seconds, this reinforcing swell could send a few bigger sets as the tail end of the competition comes around.

Modelled winds around O’ahu this Sunday afternoon with the easterly trade winds moving over the north shore and Pipeline.

For the Australian contingency left in the competition, Molly Picklum (surfing right now!) and Tyler Wright remain in the draw on the women’s side, with rookie George Pittar the only Aussie left standing on the men’s side. 52 year old Kelly Slater and last years Pipe champion Barron Mamiya have also made it to the quarterfinals. Watch the live coverage at: World Surf League