Pipeline is quite the place to get your first world tour win.
Kieren Perrow of Australia did just that on Saturday, winning against fellow Australian Joel Parkinson in the final of the Billabong Pipe Masters at Ehukai Beach.
But he wasn’t the only winner Saturday at one of the most famous and difficult surf spots in the world.
Hawaii’s John John Florence wrapped up his first Vans Triple Crown of Surfing title — for combined performances in the three prestigious season-ending events. Florence made the quarterfinals at Pipe, and previously won the Vans World Cup of Surfing at Sunset Beach and finished tied for fifth at the Reef Hawaiian Pro at Haleiwa.
At age 19, Florence is the youngest Triple Crown of Surfing winner.
For the 34-year-old Perrow, Saturday’s victory was redemption for finishing second in last year’s Pipe Masters final to France’s Jeremy Flores.
"I’m so stoked to be here, I’ve been surfing these waves my entire life and watching everyone over the years," Florence said. "I’m so happy that I won this and to have my name with everyone else who has won over the years. I just want to say thanks to my mom and Pancho Sullivan and John Pyzel and all my sponsors. Thanks to everyone."
There was tons of drama in the quarterfinal featuring Florence and 11-time Association of Surfing Professionals World Tour champion Kelly Slater.
With 3 minutes left, Slater was in a combination situation needing two rides worth 16.70 to surpass Florence. Slater quickly caught two heavy barrels at backdoor — one after another — for a 9.70 and a 7.83, thus winning the heat and knocking Florence out of the competition.
Slater, though, is impressed with the youngster.
"I’m just trying to hold John John at bay because he’s going to rule Pipe for the next 20 years. I just want to get a couple before I’m done. He’s been the man to beat out here."
Lucky for Florence, Michel Bourez — the last surfer who could pass him for the Triple Crown — lost in the semifinals to Perrow.
Perrow was stoked after the Pipeline win.
"I was devastated last year, getting second to Jeremy (Flores) in the last minute of the final," Perrow said. "It was always the thing that eluded me. To win is so bizarre I don’t even know what to say. Yesterday, I was almost in tears because I was so stoked to requalify (for next year’s tour). Today almost felt like it was meant to happen. It just felt like the pressure was off and I was having fun.
"It means everything to me. My whole career has been a buildup to this. It’s definitely the best thing that’s ever happened to me in my surfing career."
Parkinson, a three-time Triple Crown of Surfing winner, came from behind to take out Slater in an exciting semifinal in the double-overhead, tricky waves.
Parkinson needed an 8.21 with a few minutes left and drove through a backhand barrel for an 8.60 and the win.
But Parkinson didn’t have enough in the final.
"(The final’s) the hardest one to win. I could not think of anyone more deserving to win than Kieren after he got so close last year and not win. He’s a true Pipe Master and one of the best guys out there. I am so glad he won."
