The Vans Pipe Masters officially sanctioned by the World Surf League (WSL), held on the hallowed grounds of the Banzai Pipeline, concluded yesterday after an incredible 13-day window (December 8–20) that showcased both the raw power of Hawaii’s waves and the elite skills of the 60 surfers who competed.
This year’s event featured 20 women and 40 men, with a strong local Hawaiian presence comprising roughly 50% of the field. The innovative three-round leaderboard format emphasized quality, as only the top three waves from each surfer counted toward their final scores.
Over the event’s four best days, competitors faced an ever-changing Pipeline: three opening days of challenging, smaller surf tested patience and adaptability, while the final day delivered nearly maxed-out 8-to-12-foot Pipeline—classic, thundering conditions that lived up to the venue’s reputation.
In the end, the top four men and top four women advanced to their respective finals.
Unforgettable Performances
Among the men, Koa Smith etched his name into Pipeline folklore with the wave of the event — a perfect 30-point ride, which Nathan Fletcher deemed “one of the best I’ve seen ridden in years.”
The women’s division highlighted both grit and finesse, as athletes navigated the full spectrum of Pipeline’s moods, from tricky, smaller conditions to the heavy waves on the final day. Their performances underscored the growing depth of talent in women’s surfing today.
Finalists Showcase the Best of the Best
**Women’s Final Results:
- Erin Brooks (CAN): 37.80 points ($75,000)
- Caity Simmers (USA): 22.00 points ($50,000)
- Bettylou Sakura-Johnson (HAW): 18.50 points ($25,000)
- Moana Jones Wong (HAW): 16.50 points ($15,000)
**Men’s Final Results:
- Nathan Florence (HAW): 42.00 points ($75,000)
- Al Cleland Jr. (MEX): 21.70 points ($50,000)
- Koa Smith (HAW): 7.70 points ($25,000)
- Ivan Florence (HAW): 0.00 points ($15,000)
Pipeline Shines Again
This year’s Vans Pipe Masters reiterated why Pipeline remains the ultimate testing ground for surfers. A blend of local expertise and international flair created a dynamic competitive atmosphere, with the leaderboard format rewarding both risk-taking and consistency in equal measure. With barrels, power turns, and progressive maneuvers all playing pivotal roles, Pipeline once again proved its ability to demand—and reward—complete surfing.
Family affair
With his win today, Nathan Florence follows in his brother’s footsteps — 2x Pipe Master John Florence — and gets his name etched in Hawaiian history. This places the Florence’s in elite territory, joining Michael and Derek Ho, as well as Andy and Bruce Irons, as the only other brothers to win the Pipe Masters.
Nate also shared this year’s final with his younger brother, Ivan. Should a third Florence win a future Pipe Masters event, they would be the first trio of surf siblings to take out the iconic North Shore event.
History made
At just 17 years old, Erin Brooks is the youngest Pipeline Master in surfing history. She also made the finals in 2023, narrowly missing the title at the age of 16.
Key Event Highlights:
- Dates: December 8–20, 2024
- Format: Three-round leaderboard, top three waves counted, four-person final
- Field: 20 women, 40 men, ~50% Hawaiian representation
- Conditions: Ranged from small, challenging surf to 8-to-12-foot Pipeline on the final day
- Wave of the Event: Koa Smith’s perfect 30-point ride, called “one of the best in years” by Nathan Fletcher.
Winners: Nathan Florence (HAW) and Erin Brooks (CAN)
About Vans
Vans®, a VF Corporation (NYSE: VFC) brand, is the leading skateboarding and original action sports footwear, apparel, and accessories brand. Vans® authentic collections are sold in more than 100 countries through a network of subsidiaries, distributors, and international offices. Vans® has more than 2,000 retail locations globally including owned, concession and partnership doors. The Vans® brand inspires and empowers everyone to live “Off the Wall” embodying the youthful spirit of freedom, non-conformity, and relentless drive to push culture across action sports, music, art, and design.
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