WSSM - Surf Industry News

March 1, 2012 is going to be the kick-off for the holding period of the SeaHawaii Womens Pro at Pipeline

The Women are set to tango with the tube at Pipe

Tatiana Weston Webb 2011

This year the contest is going to be as special as ever because it is the only Womens Professional surf contest this winter season on the North Shore.
Look for the SeaHawaii Womens Pro at Pipeline to showcase many local surfers as well as Women surfers from all over the world that are willing and able to charge Pipeline. This event will be a one star Women's short board, ASP, Association of Surfing Professionals, as well as a USBA, United States Bodyboarding Association, rated contest. There is also a longboard expression session added to the mix.

Banzai Pipeline is a surf break off of Ehukai Beach Park located on the North Shore of Oahu. It is considered to be one of the most dangerous waves in the world. Because of the strong, sometimes massive size waves that are breaking over a shallow reef, it requires not only knowledge of the wave and skillful talent but also a little luck of the draw. This is the only Pro event on the North Shore this season and the Women are stoked to be participating. " Women don't really have much chances to prove them selves", said Kauai's defending champion Tatiana Weston Webb. " This event provides that for us. Women think of it as a really big opportunity to be exposed and show their talent!"

Defending Champion body boarder Karla Costa Taylor said," This event is my favorite, I feel an extra ease going into it, it's weird...an excitement with joy at the same time. You can never be too comfortable, it is never easy, it is always always a challenge and I love challenges. I hope all the girls have a blast surfing "Queen Pipeline".

The SeaHawaii Women's Pro contest is in it's 23rd year. The event started out as a bodyboarding contest, but has expanded to running three separate divisions including bodyboard, longboard, and shortboard. This year's holding period will be from March 1-15, with the shortboard division coming to a close by the 9th. Other plans are in the works. Contest organizers are considering adding Mens and Women's Jr. events durning the three days of competition. " I would be excited to add the Jr. contests as Hawaii needs more competitions for our young surfers", said Betty Depolito, Contest Director. " All of our surfers need more rated contest to be competitive on the World Tour, this would really help in that arena. I am happy to say that these events incorporate the community contingent as well into an International gathering of athletes."

Shannon "O", Shannon O'Connell, has designed this years artwork. Shannon had an early love for the ocean, the colorful tide pools and vivid sunsets. She was Raised in Laguna Beach, California...a beach town with a great history in the arts, and a well established art community.

In 2000 Shannon move to Makaha Beach, Oahu. She had 2 bags and a skateboard packed. Shannon recalls that day would change her life. "I flew in at night, when I woke up the next day I heard different birds and roosters too. I remember the plumeria and salt water scent on the air that day. The first beach I went to was Cabanas, the water was so many shades of green & blue. I knew right then that I never wanted to leave Hawaii. Learning to surf has made my art come full circle. When you're surfing you "paint" with your board on each wave and no two are alike."

Find Shannon on http://www.shannonoarts.com

Check the official web site for more information at