Haleiwa (Wednesday, January 29, 2020) – The Volcom Pipe Pro, a prestigious surf event sanctioned by the World Surf League (WSL) and recently upgraded to a Men’s Qualifying Series (QS) 5,000, has been called ON today, which marks opening day of the holding window. A new WNW pulse moved in to provide solid eight-to-ten-foot surf at Pipe and Backdoor with very clean conditions. Wave face heights are pushing fifteen-foot that athletes, contest organizers and beach fans are relishing in.

“The surf is pumping at Pipe for Day 1 of the Volcom Pipe Pro,” said WSL Hawaii/Tahiti Nui Competition Director, Marty Thomas. “It’s going to be an epic start to the event and the forecast looks really good for the week, so we’ll have plenty of action for this newly upgraded QS 5,000. ”

The competition began at 8:00 a.m. HST with the Round of 144, which will feature 2010 Volcom Pipe Pro winner Jamie O’Brien (HAW), North Shore legend Derek Ho (HAW) and former Pipe Pro Junior winner Makana Pang (HAW) all in one epic Heat 3; Pipe specialist Koa Rothman (HAW) in Heat 5; Jackson Bunch (HAW) in Heat 7, who earned runner up in the recent Sunset Pro Junior and a Semifinal finish in the Sunset Open; and Sunset Pro Junior finalist Shion Crawford (HAW) in Heat 2.

The first 11 heats of the Round of 128 will also compete today, which will see an international mix of talent including Roi Kanazawa (JPN) in Heat 2; Max Kearney (AUS) in Heat 4; Cristobal De Col (PER) in Heat 5; and Luis Perloiro (PRT) in Heat 8.

A newsfeed and images will be uploaded to the links above, please check back throughout the day for updates. Following the last heat of the day, an official press release will be distributed with standout moments, athlete quotes and more from the day’s best action.