Competition to Watch: Pipeline Bodysurfing Classic

If you're looking for a challenge, this is one of the most intense bodysurfing competitions out there.  The first Pipeline Bodysurfing Classic ran in February 1971, and now takes place every winter on the North Shore of Oahu.  It started before the historic Pipe Masters surfing competition (its first run was in December 1971).  Technically, The Pipeline Bodysurfing Classic was the first surfing event at the Banzai Pipeline.  Bet you didn't know that!

The Honolulu City Parks Department started the event to promote water safety and ocean awareness.  Later, the North Shore Bodysurfing Club adopted the bodysurfing event as their own.  The Pipeline Bodysurfing Classic is one of the largest bodysurfing competitions in the world.

 While the contest is open to any bodysurfers brave enough to take on the waves at Pipeline, it doesn't happen every year.  The Pipeline Bodysurfing Classic did not receive contest permits in 2007, 2009, 2010 or 2011.  Exclusive access to a spot like the Banzai Pipeline is rare, and it's obvious.  The city and county of Honolulu decides what contests receive permits, and it's a selective process.

World-famous bodysurfer Mark Cunningham has won The Pipeline Bodysurfing Classic six times.  Mike Stewart, the first man to surf Teahupo'o in 1987, has won the event a whopping 13 times.  Let's hope for a contest permit so we can watch some daredevils shred!

If you know of any upcoming bodysurfing competitions in your area or anywhere around the world, shoot us an e-mail or comment and we'll add it to our bodysurfing competitions page.