Kieren Perrow Wins Pipe Masters 2011
Kieren Perrow wins the Billabong Pipe Masters in Memory of Andy Irons over fellow Aussie Joel Parkinson in four-to-six foot waves. John John Florence also found his way to the podium as the overall winner of the 2011 Vans Triple Crown. In a contest filled with all the drama and action you could ask for, the last surf contest of the year was one for the history books as the best surfers in the world battled it out on the North Shore of Oahu. Kieren said, “It’s so good to get back here. I just felt so comfortable the whole time. I’ve had such a great event anyway and coming in to today, it was just amazing. The waves have been phenomenal. I haven’t surfed Pipe like that in my entire career. This is pretty much the pinnacle for me.”
John John Florence of Oahu continued to assert himself with the world’s best surfers riding the only perfect 10 of the day to advance into the quarterfinals. Unfortunately, he slipped up against his heat against 11-time world champ Kelly Slater and was knocked out of the contest. Kelly said, “I’m just trying to hold John John (Florence) 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. He’s had two 10s and a couple of high 9’s.”
But Florence, who won the Vans World Cup of Surfing last week, still scored more points than any other surfer in the three North Shore contests that make up the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing. John John put on an amazing show, making him the youngest competitor in history to win the prestigious series. “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.”
Finals:
1 – Kieren Perrow (AUS) 13.17
2 – Joel Parkinson (AUS) 7.00
Semifinals:
Joel Parkinson (AUS) 17.23 def. Kelly Slater (USA) 16.83
Kieren Perrow (AUS) 12.00 def. Michel Bourez (PYF) 4.07
John Florence Wins World Cup Of Surfing 2011
Hawaii’s John John Florence, who surfed in his first Triple Crown event at age 12, realized his childhood dream by winning the Vans World Cup at Sunset Beach. In the final, Florence led a spectacular tube-riding battle in perfect 10-foot surf against Michel Bourez (Tahiti, 2nd), Adam Melling (Australia, 3rd), and Hank Gaskell (Maui, 4th). His two-wave heat total of 17 points (9.5, 7.5) eclipsed the field. Sunset turned on like a giant wave machine, pumping out a succession of rides that saw every finalist get barreled. But Florence’s performance was astounding as he seemingly picked off waves at will with every one of them offering an impossible amount of tube time.
John John placed fifth two weeks ago at Haleiwa, and takes the lead on the coveted Vans Triple Crown. The Billabong Pipe Masters will get underway on December 8. “This is my first 6 star Prime win, it’s at home, it’s one of my home breaks and all my family and friends are here, so it’s one of the best moments of my life, for sure. It means everything. I’ve watched these guys since I was so little growing up here and coming to events when I was six years old, getting their autographs. I’m having fun, I surf for a living and that’s a dream in itself.”
Florence, who joined the World Tour for the first time just a few months ago, is a favorite at his home break at the next contest, the Billabong Pipe Masters. He’s already won two contests at the Pipeline this year, and probably knows the break as well as (or better) than most of the best surfers in the world. “I can’t wait for Pipe,” he said. “If I won that, I don’t even know what I’d say.”
Finals:
1st – John John Florence (HAW) 17.00 pts
2nd – Michel Bourez (PYF) 12.30 pts
3rd – Adam Melling (AUS) 11.96 pts
4th – Hank Gaskell (HAW) 11.53 pts
