Jack Robinson & Kelly Slater win big on opening day at Pipeline

World Champions dominate at Lexus Pipe Pro 2025

Reigning World Champion Caity Simmers (USA), 2023 World Champion Caroline Marks (USA), and two-time World Champion Tyler Wright (AUS) secured Opening Round heat wins, advancing directly to the Round of 16.

They were joined by 2024 World Junior Champion Luana Silva (BRA), who impressed in her CT debut.

Wright, in her 13th season on Tour, posted a 7.33 for a long Backdoor barrel, the highest single-wave score among the women, edging out former semifinalists Lakey Peterson (USA) and Brisa Hennessy (CRC) with a 13.83 heat total.

“Honestly, it’s just nice to catch some waves,” Wright said.

“Last year was rough, I was injured a lot, and it sucked. I feel good, I’m healthy, and I’m just enjoying surfing.”

Simmers, the defending Pipe Pro champion, and Marks also delivered strong performances.

Simmers posted a 7.17 after threading a clean Backdoor barrel, while Marks’ signature top-to-bottom surfing on a long right secured her a 7.00.

Marks defeated CT newcomers Nadia Erostarbe (ESP) and Bella Kenworthy (USA), while Simmers overcame 2022 winner Moana Jones Wong (HAW) and Isabella Nichols (AUS).

Rookie Marco Mignot impresses with standout performance

France’s Marco Mignot (FRA) made an explosive full-time CT debut, posting a 13.33 heat total within seven minutes, highlighted by a 7.33 for a critical air.

Mignot bested João Chianca (BRA) and Ryan Callinan (AUS) to earn his first CT heat win.

“I’ve dreamed about this moment,” Mignot said.

“I’ve manifested this moment. It’s time to live this dream.” Rookies Edgard Groggia (BRA) and Alan Cleland Jr. (MEX) also advanced.

Cleland secured his place with a buzzer-beater 4.60, edging Liam O’Brien (AUS) by just 0.26 points.

“I’m here to represent my flag, my family, and where I’m from,” Cleland said.

“I want to show everyone from Mexico that you can make it.”

WSL Lexus Pipe Pro Day 1 Highlights

Former Pipe Pro Champions make their mark

Past champions Jack Robinson (AUS) and Kelly Slater (USA) were the only former winners to claim heat victories, while Italo Ferreira (BRA), John John Florence (HAW), and Barron Mamiya (HAW) advanced in second place.

Robinson, the 2023 winner, posted the first excellent score of the event with an 8.00 for a deep Backdoor barrel, securing his heat win over Cleland and O’Brien.

“Jack’s back,” Robinson said.

“Every time I come here, I respect this wave, and that was a beautiful way to start.”

Slater, the 11-time World Champion, made a strategic return to CT competition at age 52, winning his first heat at Pipeline since his 2022 event victory.

His expert positioning helped him top Ferreira and Samuel Pupo (BRA).

“Each day is different,” Slater said.

“Not every wave at Pipe and Backdoor is in the same spot. You have to adapt.”

Ian Gouveia shocks Florence with major upset

Wildcard Ian Gouveia (BRA) stunned Florence with a 7.67 Backdoor barrel, securing his first CT heat win since 2018.

Emotional after overcoming injuries, Gouveia reflected on his long road back to the Tour.

“I didn’t believe that wave came in the end, and I was able to make it and beat John in the first round of my return,” he said.

Hawaiian surfers face mixed results at Pipeline

Hawaii’s Seth Moniz (HAW) secured a win in the first heat of the season, using his local knowledge to outscore Brazilians Groggia and Dora.

“It’s great to be at home,” Moniz said.

“Just trying to get the gas started.” Meanwhile, Ian Gentil (HAW), competing as a WSL replacement for Gabriel Medina (BRA), advanced over Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) and Griffin Colapinto (USA).

However, Hawaiian rookies Jackson Bunch, Eli Hanneman, and Imaikalani deVault all landed in the Elimination Round.

On the women’s side, Hawaiians Bettylou Sakura Johnson and Gabriela Bryan await their Opening Round heats when competition resumes.

With weather delays expected, anticipation builds for the next call as the 2025 CT season gets underway at one of surfing’s most iconic breaks.