Yeah, it took a while to get going. But when it did, the Vans Pipeline Masters showed off the North Shore’s crown jewel in glorious fashion. And two newcomers to the Pipe podium seized the moment as a light rain drizzled upon the ocean, accentuating the clean conditions for finals day. Balaram Stack, of course a New York City tube specialist (and someone who knows the Pipeline lineup well, see below), captured the finest win of his career, taking down Griffin Colapinto, Joao Chianca, and Kaulana Apo in the final to become a Pipe Master. He celebrated on stage with his mother.
Meanwhile Molly Picklum also nabbed the best win of her young journey, besting Carissa Moore, Caity Simmers, and Bettylou Sakura Johnson. “It means the world to be the Vans Pipe Masters champion. I’ve put in so much effort, and I do love being out of my comfort zone, and this year’s Vans Pipe Masters did that,” said Picklum post event. She’s currently ranked 14 headed into 2023 (she’ll be right back at Pipe in January to kick off the WSL season).
The event window was one of the big stories of the event, with small swell and powerful offshore winds prevailing for the first half of the contest period. But then things came together for the second half (despite Vans being forced to cut down a heat, slightly truncating the contest). Friday saw big, classic Pipeline moments and as the swell dissipated, Backdoor gave up the predominant scoring opportunities.
For Balaram, who’s mostly a freesurfer these days, it was a well-deserved victory, one celebrated far and wide in the surf industry for a man who’s put his time in on the Seven Mile Miracle. “I’m shocked,” he said. “That was the best thing ever, to come to a beach full of my friends cheering me.”
MEN’S VANS PIPE MASTERS FINAL RESULTS
1. Balaram Stack – $100,000
2. Griffin Colapinto – $60,000
3. Kaulana Apo – $35,000
4. Joan Chianca – $15,000
WOMEN’S VANS PIPE MASTERS FINAL RESULTS
1. Molly Picklum – $100,000
2. Bettylou Sakura-Johnson – $60,000
3. Caity Simmers – $35,000
4. Carissa Moore – $15,000
