The Maui Pro surf contest will now hold it’s final at Pipeline marking a historic leap in women’s surfing

The Maui Pro Presented by Roxy will now hold its final heats at Pipeline after a shark attack shut down operations on Maui. 

On Dec. 7 the ladies of the World Surf League (WSL) champion tour were finally back in full swing after a year out of the lineup. The global pandemic shut down operations for the better part of the year, cancelling the 2020 season. Now the WSL is ready to move forward and embark on the 2021 season that begins where the seasons of years past have concluded, Hawaii. The Maui Pro Presented by Roxy was set to be the kickoff to the 2021 season and introduce some new faces along with the talented veterans all seeking the coveted tour championship at the end of the year. However, tragedy has already thrown a wrench in the mix.

The Maui Pro saw some amazing rides that first day, including a ten-point ride by Tyler Wright. Sadly a surfer not affiliated with the contest was attacked by a shark nearby. This halted the contest for safety reasons and ultimately the contest was called off. The WSL began to look for an alternate location for the last quarterfinal heat, the semifinal heats, and the final. The problem with finding a location does not just have to do with the wave quality needed, it also has to do with permits. It can be very difficult to get a contest permit on such short notice.

Luckily the women of the WSL will have a historic opportunity now, they will conclude the contest at Pipeline. The men’s contest, The Billabong Pipmasters is currently being held in the North Shore of Oahu and the ladies will be able to jump right in. Until now the women have not been allowed to hold a contest at Bonzai Pipeline on the Championship Tour. This is something the women of surfing have been fighting for. WSL CEO Erik Logan spoke about this in a statement.

“The remaining Maui Pro presented by ROXY heats have been approved to be completed at Pipeline,” Logan said. “The first time a women’s CT competition will ever be held at the venue. We have been supportive of the recently-passed Bill 10, and look forward to being a part of bringing greater gender equity to surfing in Hawaii.”

Reigning Champion Carissa Moore among the few getting this historic opportunity

The conditions at Pipeline can be some of the most dangerous in the world. 2019 WSL champion Carissa Moore spoke about the excitement in riding the waves at Pipeline.

“I’m really grateful for the opportunity for the women to surf out here at Pipe, on a normal day it’s really tricky and intimidating to get a wave out here so to look at the lineup with only another girl out is pretty special,” Moore said. “This is definitely outside my comfort zone a little bit but I’m looking forward to the challenge and giving my best.”

The women still to ride at the Maui Pro, now being held at the Pipemasters are Moore, Sage Erickson, Tatiana Weston-Webb, Tyler Wright, and Sally Fitzgibbons. The conclusion is scheduled for Dec 20, depending on optimal conditions.