Words by Norman Bellingdon

Rounds 1 and 2 were followed by a whole week of lay days. With just two days of the waiting period to go and the forecasted swell set to drop through Friday and barely limp into Saturday, the prospect of the world title, Triple Crown and Pipe Masters all being decided in sub-par conditions seemed increasingly likely.

But in the end, the Pipe Masters delivered the goods, and we responded with great ejaculations of joy. If the waves were not wholly perfect they were not half bad either. The first ever Brazilian World Champion was crowned, and the Vans Triple Crown was settled in the last two minutes of the final, which was contested by two surfers with a history of closely-fought encounters. They rose gloriously to the occasion, both posting 19-plus heat totals.

All this and so much more, in the Surf Europe Wank Bank of Pipe Masters moments. Step on in and open your account.