Sunrise & Shine: "Pipe's just a big Sebastian left."

The 2023 Vans Pipe Masters waiting period kicks off today, running through Dec. 20th.

​And while you might not be shocked to know that a certain Floridian named Kelly Slater has won the event seven times, you may be surprised to learn that he wasn't the first Sunshine State surfer to be crowned master of Pipe.

​In fact, nearly two decades before Kelly dazzled the iconic left for the first time in 1992, Sebastian Inlet standout Jeff Crawford was clawing his way to a Pipe Masters title, taking down legends like Rory Russell and Gerry Lopez along the way.

​That's right, 1974 would have been Mr. Pipeline's third Pipe title in a row, but Crawford had other ideas, putting on a performance that overshadowed his humble Florida origins to claim the prestigious title.

​Although his skill at Pipe was unexpected to many who weren't yet used to seeing such a capable east-coast surfer in waves of consequence, it was just another day in the water for him.

​"Pipe's just a big Sebastian left," he once said casually.

​It was that cool approach to any wave or competitor and his victory at Pipe that helped cement his widely accepted legacy as the guy who put east-coast surfing on the map.

​So, in honor of Jeff's pioneering efforts at Pipe, here's some content to get you pumped up for this year's event.

​Mind if I join?​

Vans Pipe Masters Dec. 8-20. See the full lineup here. Justin Quintal, "you're our only hope." go Jags.

​​Worth a watch

​What's the Call? A look at the Vans surf team on the North Shore last winter.
​
​1000 words are worth a picture

“I love it because it’s just like a free-surf format." Last year’s Pipe Masters winner Balaram Stack on how the format isn't your average comp.

​​Pre-shredded

3x Pipe Masters champ Tommy Carroll was pretty excited filming this crazy one of Kainehe Hunt from the Quik house. Started at Pipe and took the back door all the way to OTW.

​Banzai baby...how hard could it be?

DISCLAIMER: This newsletter is highly un-edited, so if a link takes you somewhere weird, just hit the back button, clear your cookies, and refill your coffee. And if you find there’s too many Step Brothers, Old School, Wedding Crashers, or any other core millennial movie references in here, then you might want to consider parting ways now. If that's all good with you, "Did we just become best friends?"