Pipeline Power Moves & Prince Harry's Surf Session
The North Shore's Pipeline is proving once again why it's the ultimate proving ground for surf talent. In a historic move that sent ripples through the surf community, big-wave veteran Billy Kemper orchestrated the first-ever Locals Opening Round at the Pipe Pro Challenger. His mission? To give hometown heroes their due. 'The best surfers out here are the locals,' Kemper emphasized, as The Inertia reported. After months of navigating WSL logistics and Honolulu red tape, he created a platform where Pipeline specialists—like Ezekiel Lau and upstart Legend Chandler—could showcase their mastery in punishing conditions, advancing to the main event while global heavyweights watched from the beach.
Meanwhile, thousands of miles away in sunny California, a different kind of surf buzz captured attention. Prince Harry traded royal duties for a wetsuit, riding a six-foot man-made wave at Kelly Slater's Surf Ranch in Lemoore. In clips shared by his instructor Raimana Van Bastolaer, the Duke of Sussex navigated a barreling wave with surprising finesse, guided by Van Bastolaer's steady hand on his lower back. 'Cannot stop you my brother for having a good time,' Van Bastolaer captioned the Instagram post, where Harry also practiced under floodlights, flashing a thumb's-up to the camera. It's clear the surfer lifestyle has sunk in deep for the prince, who previously shared surf sessions with son Archie in California.
Back in Hawaii, the Pipe Pro's Round of 16 continued to unfold with Kauli Vaast delivering a standout 16.03 heat total, keeping his qualification dreams alive amid Pipe's notorious punchy walls. The event, blending fierce competition with community-driven initiatives, underscores why these breaks are more than just waves—they're cultural landmarks. Whether it's empowering local surfers or welcoming royalty into the lineup, the ocean's magic never fails to unite passions.