Len at ScienceFebruary 2008STEWART FINDS THE POCKET AND WINS AGAIN
TUESDAY, POALUA, February 5, 2008
North Shore, Oahu, Hawaii
HONOLUA SURF COMPANY PIPELINE BODYSURFING CLASSIC
January 27 - February 6, 2008
The Honolua Surf Company Pipeline Bodysurfing Classic wrapped up today with 10 time champion Mike Stewart claiming his 11th trophy and $1000.00 sweet ones. It was a tough day for all involved as rainsqualls whipped up the 2-4 foot peaks that Pipeline had to offer.
The elite group of watermen charged the line-up taking off underwater like dolphins and catapulting their bodies across big sections. It was a sight to see, as they would spin and hurl themselves up into the curl and down again arms out as if to say hello. I call that the Cunningham, he taught it to me. Said champ Mike Stewart. Or the outrigger some people call it. Stewart was able to find a couple quick in and outs in the final.
It was a difficult day of hard work. Tube rides always score the best at Pipeline, that is what the place is made of. The reef was real different, I got some pocket rides that scored expressed the 11-time winner. I feel like it was a productive day. I have been training for this, I stay in shape with a special organic diet, you really got to be on it. It feels good to be able to function in those waves, it was very shifty and took a bit of luck.
Bodysurfing has had a bit of resurgence of late with several events being offered up to the sport. This is a dream come true, to come here to Hawaii and do the contest, expressed Frenchmen Frederic David. David took second place honors and was one of three who made the journey from France. I really want to thank Herve Chapelier, he helped me get here to represent Club Biarritz Lifesaving. I am so happy, I got one good barrel at backdoor in the final, I came out then got in again, he said with an elated accent.
There were competitors from 8 countries in this year's classic.
Hawaii though took 5 out of the 6 top placings. Kauai's Gavin Kennelly had a solid day starting from the first round and working his way to a third place finish. Last years defending champion Steve Kapela took fourth place honors and Mark Cunningham streaked to 5th.
Former winner Todd Sells had a disappointing final and took 6th place honors. Congratulations to all it was a great day of fins, spins and spills!
HONOLUA SURF COMPANY PIPELINE BODYSURFING CLASSIC
Conditions NW-NNW 2-4feet /Winds NE, Major squalls and blustery conditions at times.
1: Mike Stewart ($1000)
2: Frederic David ($ 800)
3: Gavin Kennelly ($ 700)
4: Steve Kapela ($ 600)
5: Mark Cunningham ($ 500)
6: Todd Sells ($ 400)
