Pipeline may be the most recognized wave in the world and has also served many surprises since the first event took place in 1982. While many bodyboarders shine at other venues, Pipeline always creates mysterious results. Some riders excel on Her Majesties waves in free riding sessions and then they just crumble under pressure during contest situations, again, bringing many upsets and story lines.


Here's a short list of riders too keep an eye out for.

Guilherme Tamega
Brazil
Birth date September 23,1972
Birthplace Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Years Riding 16 years
Best Pipe results 1st place 1994
Best World Ranking 1st 1994, 95, 96, 97
Current Ranking 1st
Sponsors Wave Rebel Bodyboards, Redley Fins, Kenner Sandals, HB Sunglasses
Known for Being Brazilian (kind, helpful)

Tamega has been on a roll so far this year, constantly dominating each heat he has been in. He totally dominated the world rankings for four years and has come painfully close to gaining back his crown the past two seasons. In 1994 he won the event in some of the biggest waves ever ridden during any type of contest held at Pipeline.

Jeff Hubbard
USA Hawaii
Age 26
Birth date October 21,1975
Birthplace Honolulu, Hawaii
Years Riding 12
Best Pipe results 9th 1998,and 99
Best World Ranking 22nd place 1998
Current Ranking
Sponsors BZ Bodyboards, Viper Fins, No Friends, Julbo Sunglasses,
Da Kine Accessories, Ebodyboarding.com, Biarms Wetsuits.
Local break Off the Wall and some Kauai spots.
Known for Aerial maneuvers

No wave is safe from being shredded to pieces once Jeff Hubbard jumps on board. He has been the most visible rider in recent years, be it in magazines or video. His style is emulated worldwide by thousands of aerial enthusiasts. He is yet to have a break through contest at Pipeline but has
been looking good so far this year and wants to add the title to his long list of accomplishments.

Andre Botha
South Africa
Age 20
Birth date April 22,1981
Birthplace South Africa
Years Riding 11
Best Pipe results 1st 1998, 1st 99.
Best World Ranking 1st 1998, 1st 99.
Current Ranking
Sponsors Billabong, Unison, Island Style.
Local break North Beach
Known for Having good times

The once prodigious child won his first world title well before he could legally enjoy his celebratory champagne. He followed that up the next year to prove that his win wasn't just a fluke. After a slow start last season, which caused him to relinquish his title and a semi sabbatical this year,
Botha would like to close things with a big win, to motivate him to recapture his crown and do what Tamega has just done.

Kainoa McGee
USA Hawaii
Age 30
Birth date August 20,1971
Birthplace Honolulu, Hi.
Years Riding 25
Best Pipe results Runner up five times three to Stewart and one to Tamega and MacKenzie
Best World Ranking Second
Current Ranking
Sponsors Turbo Surf, Viper Surfing Fins, Industry B-boards
Local break Da wall
Known for Being loud

There is a common sports clich that "No one remembers second place". While McGee has painfully been runner up five times, this is one person that no one will ever forget. At thirty years of age and in his physical prime this could finally be his year. For that to happen it will take some luck with a good draw on his side and at least two days of extremely huge waves, the type that really separates him and a small group from the rest of the world.
He is the first rider in almost twenty years to successfully drop-knee Pipeline on a consistent basis, a weapon he could use to catch the fickle judging criteria that has gone against him on a couple occasions.

Sean Virtue
Australia
Age 20
Birth date April 1,1981
Birthplace Western Australia
Years Riding 8
Best Pipe results, when 1/4 Finalist 2001
Best World Ranking none
Current Ranking 2nd
Sponsors lmnop/Rejected/Human Shoes/Dragon/WetDreams
Local break The Box and North Point
Known for Dropknee

Last year it looked as if Virtue would be the clear runaway victor as he scored three perfect tens during his heats and also scored the best four waves of the entire contest. His luck ran short when the event moved to the west side. He's been on the North Shore for a month now, going out in every condition and looks to repeat his stellar performance of last year and perhaps go a few heats further and a win.