Gallery: World's Best Surfers Warm-Up for 2024 'CT
Ryan Craig
·4 min read
By most accounts, the last few months on Oahu's North Shore have been pretty average. The early winter months saw multiple northerly swells that kept the sand piled up on the end section of the wave. That often led to seemingly good waves rapidly closing out. If you watched the Vans Pipe Masters last month, you’ll know what I’m talking out.
With the start of the 2024 WCT season kicking off at Pipeline in the next week, many of the world’s most recognizable surfers have started filtering into Hawaii. Pipeline also showed up, as a series of extremely west swells marched across the North Pacific Ocean and washed away the bad sand, showing everyone why she is one of the most famous waves in the world. The crowds were thicker then ever but with a good wind pattern and an abundance of swell, plenty of waves were on offer.
Here’s some highlights from a memorable few days on the rock and hopefully a sneak peek of what's in store for the start of the new 'CT season.
The early morning scene from the pathway in-between the two Volcom houses. January 23rd was the best day of the winter season so far with offshore southerly winds all day and a gradually building swell.
Ryan "Chachi" Craig
Reef McIntosh has been a staple in the Pipeline/OTW lineup for decades now. This was the tubehound on a new board on the wave of the morning (up until that point) and he was as cool and calm as ever.
Ryan "Chachi" Craig
From a drone’s point of view, you begin to see how shallow the reef is out at Pipe as well as all the holes that add to the often shifty and slabby nature of the wave. Here, Shion Crawford picks his line accordingly.
Ryan "Chachi" Craig
During Pipeline’s super session, Matthew McGillivray was about 100 meters over at OTW having an absolute career session. He must of caught 5 or 6 really heavy double-up slabs with a 100% make rate. It was awesome to witness.
Ryan "Chachi" Craig
Kalani Rivero, slowed down to 1/5th of a second through a Pipeline barrel.
Ryan "Chachi" Craig
The first moments of light as the sun comes over the mountains on the North Shore is a beautiful time of day. It’s even better when locals like Kala Grace are in the perfect spot.
Ryan "Chachi" Craig
Before the sand was washed off the reefs by big west swells, there were a few days at Backdoor where it was mostly covered by sand. This wave of Kaimana Henry's started off as a smaller double-up that quickly turned into a sand-sucking, near-stand-up tube.
Ryan "Chachi" Craig
I saw this wave on video before I realized that I had also shot it. Caity Simmers found an absolute gem early one morning at Backdoor and continues to show just how comfortable she is in heavy water slabs.
Ryan "Chachi" Craig
Griffin Colapinto, on a super steep drop (that didn’t exactly pan out in his favor) as seen from inside the Volcom House.
Ryan "Chachi" Craig
When the winds were less than ideal earlier in the month, Noa Deane was surfing 6 hours a day, lofting huge airs like this, one after the next.
Ryan "Chachi" Craig
Keiki shorebreak, always puts on a show when giant swells slam the North Shore.
Ryan "Chachi" Craig
On the first of the two west swell pulses, Pipeline was extremely doubled up as the long period swell filled in. Lots of surfers opted to wait for slightly less dangerous conditions while Koa Smith hunted down the most intense wave of the morning.
Ryan "Chachi" Craig
The evening light out at Pipeline is second to none. Makai McNamara was a standout from sunrise to sunset and ended this day with this beauty of a wave.
Ryan "Chachi" Craig
Smooth arcs from Jack Robinson, warming up for his 2024 campaign at Haleiwa.
Ryan "Chachi" Craig
Recent 'CT retiree Carissa Moore has been putting in a lot of time out at Pipeline and will likely be one to watch in next week's event.
Ryan "Chachi" Craig
Tour rookie Kade Matson, showing off his rail game.
Ryan "Chachi" Craig
Italo Ferreira, setting up for a massive Pipeline cave.
Ryan "Chachi" Craig
The aftermath of a Pipe wash-through, as seen from 100 feet above.
Ryan "Chachi" Craig
I can’t wait to see Cole Houshmand out at Pipeline for the first event of the year. His surfing has been incredible over here thus far.
Ryan "Chachi" Craig
One of the last sets of the day, offering up a perfect split peak at Pipeline.
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