The Volcom 2012 Pipeline Pro finals yesterday was awesome to watch live. The waves were solid with Jamie O Brian and John John Florence battling it out in the final. Jamie took the lead right from the start with back to back deep barrels scoring in the high 8s and 9s. But within the five minute mark, two waves in the 8-10 foot range pushed through. Florence got the first: an unbelievable backside tube at Pipe that was deep, critical, and near-impossible. He blasted out with the spray and scored a perfect 10. Right behind him, O’Brien swung, pulled in deep and blew out in front of Florence’s face for a 9.93 – further extending his lead.
One minute to go… Florence paddled over and congratulated O’Brien. Then a dark line on the horizon caught his eye. One last wave stacked up on the Pipeline reef. Fifteen seconds to go… Florence clawed his way past a frantic O’Brien who could see the writing on the wall of the wave. Florence clawed his way past Jamie, over the ledge, under the lip and into the heat-winning tube ride – a 9.93 – to claim the A$33,297 first prize.
Check out the photos and videos from event below.
Photo and Video from: Transworld Surf
