After four consecutive lei days and lots of wild and stormy weather, this year’s Volcom Pipe Pro finally got underway last Thursday. Unfortunately, conditions weren’t quite what they’ve been the last couple years. In fact, Pipe has failed to show so far with organisers deciding to run the opening round down the beach in fun, contestable sand-bottomed rights at Ehukai.

But if the waves left certain wanting, competitor names in the line-up kept everyone intrigued. One of the day’s highlights being Volcom’s “Last Chance Qualifier” heat, featuring Gavin Beschen, Bruce Irons and Jamie O’Brien all battling it out for the final wildcard spot. Hit play and find out who it was that sneaked through.