After a spectacular showdown at Pipeline and Backdoor in 2016 that saw Mo Freitas (Focus SUP) put on an impressive display of skill and bravado to take the win, 2017 sees the return of the prestigious Stand Up Paddle component of the Backdoor Shootout in memory of Duke Kahanamoku.

Held at one of the World’s most revered breaks, this unique event celebrates Hawaii talent in the unique Shootout format, battling it out for the prestige of being crowned Champion at the infamous Ehukai Beach Park.

As an invite only event, the featured athletes from Hawaii are selected by a panel based on their overall ability, but also their capability of taking on the challenging line up at Pipeline. As a result, the usual suspects such as Kai Lenny (Naish), Mo Freitas (Focus SUP) and Zane Schweitzer (Starboard) are involved, but also some of the legends of the spot and celebrated Watermen here in the Islands such as Kainoa McGee, Keali’i Mamala and Noland Keaulana. Here is the full list of Invitees:

1. Mo Freitas (Focus SUP)
2. Zane Schweitzer (Starboard)
3. Kai Lenny (Naish)
4. Bullet Obra
5. Keali’i Mamala
6. Noa Ginella (Naish)
7. Pomai Hoapili
8. Bernd Roediger (Naish)
9. Nolan Keaulana
10. Robin Johnston
11. Kainoa McGee
12. Kody Kerbox (Naish)

The holding period will run from the 4th – 14th January, with one of the 4 days of competition being dedicated to the Stand Up, Longboard and Bodysurf divisions and it will all be live broadcast at http://watermanleague.cmail20.com/t/r-l-yktdujjy-dhxyhhjih-x/.

Beyond the Stand Up Paddle division, the principal component of the Backdoor Shootout in memory of Duke Kahanamoku is still the Shortboard division, with 32 of the most respected Pipe and Backdoor surfers being chosen to do battle in the ultimate surfing arena here on the North Shore of Oahu.

The final two components of the Backdoor Shootout in Memory of Duke Kahanamoku will be longboarding and bodysurfing, with legends such as Bonga Perkins, Lance Ho’okano, Makamai DeSoto and Dino Miranda stepping up to do battle at the legendary waves at Pipeline & Backdoor.

Watch it all go down live at http://watermanleague.cmail20.com/t/r-l-yktdujjy-dhxyhhjih-jl/ from the 4th – 14th January.

The 8th annual Sunset Beach Pro is back to open the 2017 World Championship Tour Season, with prestigious Main Event action, Open Trials and for the first time, the incorporation of a Women’s division at the iconic Sunset Beach. Entries are to open next week together with Official announcements for the World Tour, so stay tuned.

It’s officially a wrap for 2016 this weekend, as from all of us here at the Waterman League, we wish you a Happy and Prosperous New Year and plenty of time on the water!