It was another spectacular day of action here at the 2016 Da Hui Shootout in Memory of Duke Kahanamoku, as Round 3 was completed in immaculate conditions. Pristine conditions this morning saw the bar raised once again, as excellent scores were posted and another epic day of action completed here on Oahu’s Fabled North Shore.

Check out the highlights from today’s action:

True to the unique nature of the Da Hui Shootout, exceptional performances are awarded with exceptional scores. Kaimana Henry was able to lock in one of those scores today by coming out of a hefty and impossible Off the Wall right that warranted the applause it received from the Team houses and the beach. But that was not all, as Kaimana had already posted a 9 point ride earlier in the heat, meaning that he has now leapfrogged one of the event favorites, Jamie O’Brien to take the lead in the overall standings at the end of Round 3.

An impressive performance from this Volcom Team rider who is a passionate regular here at Pipeline and would love nothing more than to take top honors here at the 2016 Da Hui Shootout, in Memory of Duke Kahanamoku. Here is a snapshot of his winning wave: http://watermanleague.cmail20.com/t/r-l-vtiljkk-dhxyhhjih-yh/

We have seen a non stop run of large to extra large swells since the start of 2016, typical of an El Nino year, as we now anticipate a dramatic close to the 2016 Da Hui Shootout in XL Pipeline conditions. While tomorrow looks unlikely to go with the swell not predicted to arrive until late in the day, Friday looks likely to be too big. However, you never know, so we will remain on standby for both days with a call to be made by 7am at http://watermanleague.cmail20.com/t/r-l-vtiljkk-dhxyhhjih-jl/.

Saturday, the last day of the holding period, is shaping up to deliver the ultimate final showdown for the 2016 Da Hui Shootout, with full size swell and for the first time in the waiting period, trade wind air flow that will help keep the line up clean and pristine. As is the case with the unique Shootout format, the win is still anyones, as we have seen the likes of Mason Ho come from nowhere in just one round of competition with a series of excellent scores.

Below is the Top 10 athletes after 3 rounds of competition. Please note that for 3 rounds and under, it is the athletes’ best 2 waves that count, but once we get into 4 and 5 rounds completed, it becomes their best 3 waves that count, so consistency of scores in the excellent range is key, as the contenders will be gunning for the prestigious Title of Shootout Champion and bragging rights amongst the boys.

1. Kaimana Henry (Team Volcom)
2. Jamie O’Brien (Team Da Hui Wax)
3. Jay Davies (Team RVCA)
4. Gavin Beschen (Team Volcom)
5. Nathan Florence (Team Da Hui Wax)
6. Torrey Meister (Team Da Hui Wax)
7. Ezekiel Lau (Team Quiksilver)
8. Dusty Payne (Team Volcom)
9. Billy Kemper (Team Da Hui Wax)
10. Luke Shepherdson (Team North Shore Surf Shop)