A tsunami generated by an 8.8-magnitude earthquake in Chile struck Hawaii Saturday, but an official with the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said the island chain "dodged a bullet" after smaller-than-expected waves were reported. 

Waving off talk of an alternative surfing tour at Thursday's Quiksilver Pro launch, Kelly Slater slammed media reporting of speculation over several months that he was involved in a move to create a "rebel" surfing tour.

He said he was open to change in surfing - 'whether it's with ASP or someone else' - if the result was a better product for the sport. 'Everyone just seems to jump on the first thing they hear about any of this stuff,' said Slater.

Fred Patacchia (HAW), 28, ASP World No. 15, has re-signed with Quiksilver for a further two years. Entering his sixth season as a member of the elite ASP Top 45, Patacchia has finished as high as 12th (2008), and secured an equal 3rd at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach for his best result last year.

The explosive Hawaiian goofy-footer will his 2010 campaign at the upcoming Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast from February 27 through March 10. Congratulations to both Freddy and Quiksilver.

Keep The Ocean Blue North Shore Tow-In Champs

Puaena Point and/or Avalanche Oahu
December 15 - March 31, 2010

Alec Cooke posts 'Go' alert

Contest Director Alec Cooke (Ace Cool)  has posted a go alert for the competition to start 8 am Wednesday Morning.There is only a one percent possibility of a change of plan. Forecasters are looking at 15-18 foot swells and 36 foot wave faces to pound the outer reef areas. The swell is solid and the conditions are so good that it can't be passed on.

Volcom Pipeline Pro

ASP 5-Star WQS Mens event
Pipeline, Oahu Hawaii
23 January - 5 February 2009

Live Coverage  |  Results/Photos/Videos etc

Local 8 Spots for December Pipe Masters Decided

North Carolina's Brett Barley was no darkhorse today, surviving three tough rounds in huge, dangerous Pipeline surf to reach the semi-finals of the $120,000 Volcom Pipeline Pro. On Thursday he stunned the crowd with his perfect 10 and highest heat score of the event - which still stands. Today he had the home crowd cheering for him, including the legendary Pipe Master himself: Gerry Lopez.

Editorial by Hawaiian Correspondent  Andy Melamed

Piha was the site of this years QUIKSILVER ISA JUNIOR WORLD CHAMPION-SHIPS. Hosted by New Zealand and attended by 21 countries representing the best young amateur surfers from around the world.