What a day of drama. Pipeline wasn’t pretty, but she definitely made things damn interesting today.

First John John gets Slater-ed by Slater, then Slater gets Slater-ed by Parko in the semis, then Parko runs out of magic in the final, submitting victory to last year’s runner-up Kieren Perrow. Last second comebacks. Heartbreaking close calls. Michel Bourez came within one heat of stealing the Triple Crown from John John.

Florence would hold on to take his first of many Triple Crown Titles.

The waves and wind played a big part in the unfolding drama today. A fading swell and a wicked North wind putting giant ribs in the faces meant a lot of potential scores pinching shut.

The dropping swell meant curtains for the 3 remaining Hawaiians in the draw. As has happened in the past, including the last 2 years, the Hawaiian contingent came out guns-blazing when the swell was peaking, then dropped like flies once the juice was turned down.

Kieren Perrow went into this event needing a quarterfinal finish to qualify for next season, and with wife and some youngsters running around, you can bet the pressure was squarely on his shoulders, especially this late in his career as a touring pro. Kieren was a standout all event, posting huge scores and horrific wipeouts. A truly deserving Pipeline Master. Talk about a sweet first victory.

FINAL
1 – Kieren Perrow 13.17
2 – Joel Parkinson 7.00