BANZAI PIPELINE, Oahu, Hawaii/USA (Tuesday, December 22, 2020) - After careful consideration, Volcom and the World Surf League (WSL), along with broadcast partner Red Bull, are announcing the cancellation of the 2021 Volcom Pipe Pro.
The Volcom Pipe Pro had been tentatively scheduled as a men's Regional Qualifying Series (QS) 1,000 event, January 29 to February 10, 2021, at Banzai Pipeline on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii.
"This was an immensely thoughtful decision, weighing up all considerations and variables around the ongoing pandemic," said Brad Dougherty, Volcom Vice President, Global Surf. "After thorough internal discussions and conversations with the WSL and Red Bull, we collectively concluded that we did not see a viable path forward to producing the Volcom Pipe Pro in 2021."
"Volcom remains committed to the legacy of this iconic competition, built around the roots and relationships that our brand has grown and nurtured over decades at Pipeline and around the North Shore," continued Dougherty. "That heritage remains strong, and we look forward to continuing to work with the WSL and Red Bull in the better days that surely lie ahead."
The 2020 Volcom Pipe Pro was completed earlier this year, before the COVID-19 pandemic led to the unprecedented cancellation of the WSL's 2020 global tours.
"Having just resumed the WSL Championship Tour with the men's Billabong Pipe Masters Presented by Hydro Flask, and the women's Maui Pro Presented by Roxy, we have a clear understanding of what it takes to produce surfing competitions in Hawaii during an ongoing pandemic," said Graham Stapelberg, WSL North America/Hawaii General Manager. "And while it's never easy to cancel any competition, this was ultimately the call that Volcom and the WSL made together, as the most practical decision for the Volcom Pipe Pro as a Regional QS 1,000 event."
Continued Stapelberg: "Like Volcom, we're optimistic about the long term, and are working hard to safely and successfully deliver future opportunities for our Hawaii/Tahiti Nui athletes, while ensuring the health and safety of our local community, athletes, and staff."
The WSL has ensured that points earned by Hawaii/Tahiti Nui athletes at the 2020 Volcom Pipe Pro will count toward the 2020-1 Hawaii/Tahiti Nui Regional QS rankings.
The next WSL competition planned in Hawaii will be the men's and women's Championship Tour Sunset Open (January 19 - 28, 2021; Sunset Beach, Oahu, Hawaii).