Lilly Pollard achieved her lifelong dream of winning the women’s APB Pipe Pro bodyboarding contest in 4- to 6-foot surf on Saturday at Ehukai Beach.
The Australian from Kiama was charging hard all event.
"I can’t believe it. I am just so happy to be here," Pollard said. "I have always wanted (to win this event) so bad. I am so happy to finally win it. I have been coming here for 15 years or so and I just love Pipeline."
Pollard had a tough final, but in the end her closest competitor was youngster Alexandra Rinder from Canada. Pollard had nothing but praise for Rinder.
"All the other girls I was against in the final could easily win," Pollard said. "Alexandra is only 16 and she surfs so good for her age. On barreling lefts, she surfs amazing. I actually thought of her as the favorite, so she just got unlucky in the final. I just feel lucky that it came together in the end."
In the coveted drop knee division, Kauai’s David Hubbard came out on top for the fifth time in his career. He is a five-time drop-knee world champion, so it was no surprise to see him win again at Pipe.
"In three words, I am feeling grateful, content and bewildered right now," he said.
Hubbard’s ability to read the waves and adjust accordingly to them gave him the edge over his competitors. Pipeline being Pipeline it was all about the barrel, yet the tricky conditions made it difficult to navigate them.
On his highest-scoring wave, Hubbard slid into the barrel with ease and came out with a big snap that was followed by a floater on the inside. It was good enough for an 8.5 and the win.
"I am looking forward to Sunday because I am also in the prone division and I made the finals last year for the first time."