Let’s not bury the lede here: the 2018 Pipe Masters is all about deciding this year’s World Title. Medina, Filipe, and Julian Wilson are the competitors that will be watched the closest over the next six rounds of the CT’s final event. But how cool would it be for a guy like Joel Parkinson to end his nearly two decades on tour by spoiling some title hopes and winning his final event? You probably couldn’t write a better ending to Parko’s 17-year story, having won the Pipe Masters in 2012 and, as this video proves, winning over quite a few people in the process.
Want to get a little sentimental before you see Joel Parkinson don a CT jersey for the final time? You only have a few days left before it’s all over and then you are forever relegated to the fond memories and kind words of those who watched him do it all firsthand. So here’s a collection of those people, from Mick Fanning, Occy, Bede Durbidge, and a ton more giving their most glowing feelings about the former World Champion.
“He’s just a freak.” -Bede Durbidge
“He just flows with positivity. No matter what it is, he’ll find the positive in it.” -Dean Morrison
“The most silky smooth, greatest stylist ever.” -Wayne Bartholemew
“He was that guy that did it with a family. In his camp it was like he came last, family came first.” -Mick Fanning
