HIC Brings Pipe Pro Men’s and Women’s Qualifying Series Back to the World’s Most Famous Wave

• Regional Points Up for Grabs at One of Surfing’s Meccas
• Women QS Returns to Pipe for First Time Since 2018
• World’s Best Join Hawaii’s Regional Talent in Search of Glory

BANZAI PIPELINE, Oahu/Hawaii (Monday, November 22, 2021) – The World Surf League (WSL) Hawaii region officially announced the HIC Pipe Pro Qualifying Series (QS) 1,000 will run at the world-renowned reef break of Pipeline from December 8 – 20, 2021. Some of the world’s best will take on an impressive field of regional men and women who are looking for their chance at proving themselves in one of the world’s heaviest waves. Competitors’ commitment will be tested to its fullest when Pipeline’s hollow monster comes to life.

This marks the first-time women in the QS will tackle Pipeline since 2018.

“It’s incredible that HIC have stepped up to bring this event back for local and regional competitors,” said Jessi Miley-Dyer, SVP of Tours and Head of Competition. “These points are crucial for them to have a crack at the Challenger Series next season and also provide an amazing platform for the women to show what they’re capable of at Pipe. We’re really excited to see who takes home the wins and add their name to victors at the legendary break.”

But, a plethora of regional talent awaits to vie for their own shot at glory and the title of Pipeline victor including local charger, former event runner-up, Moana Lani Wong, Challenger Series sensation Bettylou Sakura Johnson, confirmed 2022 CT competitor Gabriela Bryan and more.

“I did this QS every time it ran and couldn’t be more excited that it’s back,” said Wong. “I think I was 17 the last time it went down. I’ve gotten runner-up multiple times and each time the waves weren’t really barreling, so hopefully this year it’s pumping. I want to win really bad because I’ve never won this event before and I want to get those points for a shot at the Challenger Series.”

“I haven’t surfed out there in a long time and it’s one of my favorite waves in the world,” said Mamiya. “It’s a wave I’ve always wanted to win at, so hopefully we get some good waves during the window. It was bittersweet the last time I made that Final. I was stoked to get second, but I wanted to win so bad. It’s crazy to think about – just seeing that wave as a kid and seeing myself get older it’s such a weird adjustment. I’m stoked to be a part of it now and just want to keep proving myself out there every single wave.”

Fellow Pipeline standouts such as former Pipe Masters John John Florence (HAW), Jamie O’Brien (HAW), 4X Jaws Challenge Big Wave victor Billy Kemper (HAW), Ultimate Surfer candidate Koa Smith (HAW), and many more will look to start their regional campaigns off strong following results from the Michelob ULTRA Pure Gold Haleiwa Challenger.