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Mister Pipeline
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Mister Pipeline is a title given to masters of the waves at the North Shore's Pipeline. It was first given to Butch Van Artsdalen, and is passed on from generation to generation, by consensus.[1] During this year, the Pipeline was at the forefront of surfing competitions. This first initial competition was sponsored by Continental Airlines, giving the winner a share of $500.[2] Hakman rode six- to eight-foot waves for hours despite the conditions, being a leader in the big-wave riders at Pipeline. While Hakman dominated the first year of the competition, newcomer Michael Armstrong stunned the event by clinging to second place and a $250 prize. Corky Carroll took third place with a $150 prize.[1] Other holders of the title have included sometime actor Gerry Lopez and bodyboarding legend Mike Stewart.
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In 1972, Gerry Lopez was a surfer who made an ever-lasting impression on the Pipe Masters at Banzai Pipeline. In front of the world, ABC sports broadcast this event with the winner gaining $1,750.[3] He was among the first to master the powerful, hollow waves at Ehukai Beach known as the Banzai Pipeline. This, along with his reputation for riding switchfoot in the large surf at Waimea Bay, earned him the nickname "Mr. Pipeline." Six surfers had been invited to the competition. Jeff Hakman, Gerry Lopez, Sam Hawk, Larry Bertlemann, Jimmy Blears, and Mike Armstrong. The highlight of the event was largely focused on Lopez, riding out in an eight-foot wave and tube during the competition.
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