First Women’s Surfing Championship Tour Event at Pipeline, Hawaii Begins

Surfer Malia Manuel of Hawaii surfs during the Da Hui Backdoor Shootout at Pipeline, on the north shore of Oahu, Hawaii, on January 16, 2022. Photo by Brian Bielmann / (Photo by BRIAN BIELMANN/AFP via Getty Images

History was made on Sunday, when surfers Sally Fitzgibbons, Courtney Conlogue, and Molly Picklum paddled out in the first heat of the first Women’s Billabong Pro Pipeline, on the North Shore of O'ahu, Hawaii.

Previously, this leg of the women’s Championship Tour was held at Honolua Bay, Maui, but now the women have the opportunity to join the men at one of the most challenging and unforgiving breaks on tour.