Surfing history was made again for the second day in a row when Moana Jones Wong paddled out against Carissa Moore in an all Hawaiian final for the first-ever full women’s event at the iconic break.
The event wildcard and 22yo local surfer has certainly committed her time to the break and now has put the CT on alert with her stunning victory as competition moves to Sunset.
“I can’t believe it. I’m just losing it right now,” Wong said. “This is the best moment of my life, and I’m so baffled. I never thought I was ever going to accomplish this. Carissa Moore is my favourite surfer and my hero. I always wanted to have a Final at Pipeline with her.”
In the Final, Wong picked up right where she left off with two back-to-back rides on Banzai Pipeline to post an early lead of 12 points. The crowds erupted every time the local hero got up to her feet, and as she made every wave she paddled for in the opening half, the momentum seemed to be on her side. However, another successful ride on at Pipeline pushed the requirement for Moore further up, and the World Champion was against the ropes with 10 minutes remaining on the clock.
As time ran out, Moana Jones Wong got a final opportunity when she started super deep, counter-peak on the left, and got a clean exit for a 7.67 (out of a possible 10) and a victory lap on home turf as Moore admitted defeat and congratulated her opponent. Now sitting as World No. 1,
Wong will also receive a wildcard slot into the next stop on the 2022 Championship Tour, the Hurley Pro Sunset Beach, which opens next week.
