Local Pipeline standout Marcus Hickman emerged the top surfer of the day with scores of a perfect 10, and 8.17 as the Hansen Energy Pro took advantage of a large northerly swell to open its competition Thursday on O‘ahu. With
Local Pipeline standout Marcus Hickman emerged the top surfer of the day with scores of a perfect 10, and 8.17 as the Hansen Energy Pro took advantage of a large northerly swell to open its competition Thursday on O‘ahu.
With some of the largest sets coming through in his heat, Hickman, 24, had the beach crowd going crazy with his first ride, a giant hollow tube that sucked him deep inside before it doubled up on the inside reef and blasted him out in an explosion of spray and white-water.
His next wave was even more breath-taking with a late, vertical drop, and a long, winding barrel ride for the full duration of the wave.
Takayuki Wakita led the Japanese surfers, posting the first perfect 10 of the day after surviving a difficult takeoff and long, deep tube-ride.
Other top performers included Tamayo Perry (Haleiwa), Evan Valiere (Kilauea), Peter Mendia (CA), Anthony Walsh (Australia), Tom Dosland (CA), and Mike Dodd (Haleiwa).
