Australian surfing star Tyler Wright could be in for waves nudging five metres for the climax of the first full women’s event at the famous Pipeline in Hawaii after surging into the semi-finals of the World Surf League’s season opener.
Wright, a two-time world champion, won on the North Shore of Oahu last year when the Maui Pro was moved to the famous Pipeline break midway through the event after a shark attack.
The 27-year-old will meet Hawaiian wildcard and Pipeline specialist Moana Jones Wong, who took out Australian Isabella Nichols in the quarter-finals surfing moderate conditions compared to what’s to come.
A huge swell is set for the coming days, with forecasts suggesting waves could rise from 1m on Friday to 5m across the weekend.
Surfers have been wearing helmets in the early rounds such is the power of the waves at Pipeline and the potential for big spills.
But Wright is enjoying the ride, using every wave to get to learn how to do it safely while scoring.
“I’m just stoked to have the opportunity of being out there and catch waves,” Wright said.
“The more I’m out there, the more I’m taking in, putting myself in a good and safe position, noticing wave directions and swell lines. Every time I’m out there it’s just so much information for my brain, it’s amazing!”
Wright is thxjmtzywe only Australian left standing in the women’s or men’s events, with Sally Fitzgibbons and rookie Mollie Picklum eliminated in the third round and rookie Callum Robson the best-performed man with a round-of-16 exit.
