Riding this wave from the age of 10yrs old was tough. The riders I grew up watching were all very well known names. The localism was fierce! If we dropped in on anyone we heard whistles from the beach. Immediate sign that we would either have to fight someone or talk it out with reasoning. Just the way it was back in those days. Pecking order was in place and we never got out of line. It was harsh yet rewarding. The main reason for the localism is this wave being the deadliest wave on the planet. We respect this wave like a god of sorts. When I became a professional Bodyboarder you were only valid if we could ride Pipe. Banzai Pipeline is the heaviest wave on the planet! Reason behind this iconic wave being so prestigious is the reward. Being spit out in a wave the size of 2-3 story buildings was the ultimate rush. If we got a wave like that. Entire island would hear it immediately. We did not have cell phones back then it was all by conversating or by land line. One of true authentic! If one of the legends said we got an epic one at Pipeline it would be heard across the globe. Sponsors would the contact us immediately. Not only was the wave the biggest reward but our peers made sure we earned it. Times have changed from my era. We now have cell phones with cameras and digital cameras with Wifi. They go live from the channel of this iconic location. The pecking order is the same with some still going and some not. Pipeline will forever be the proving grounds of all wave riding. We have wave riders from every corner of this planet. Shows how valued one wave truly is. I slowed down as a professional rider. Now I head judge the event. Where my expertise is needed for the future generation. This one image speaks volume! The spit coming out means the waves is so powerful that the explosion has nowhere to escape. Truly remarkable showcase of this wave. The audio of Pipeline sounds like thunder cracking in a storm from tornado alley. Special Roar and one of significance. JMV Photography This image will be 7 editions Mahalo Nui