Surfing Pipeline: 25-Year-Old Wins ,000 for Best Wave

Surfing Pipeline: 25-Year-Old Wins $5,000 for Best Wave

January 14, 2026 David Thompson - Sports Editor Sports

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Makana Pang summed it up‌ well, so he gets the⁤ mic to start: “It’s not‍ about the money and clips, it’s all about the Feeling and Love for the Ocean,” he shared. “But to get paid every now and then for doing what ⁤you LOVE, FEELS pretty good!

Yesterday, the 25-year-old surfer and rising DJ from the North Shore of Oahu was⁤ awarded‍ $5,000‍ for paddling ⁤headlong into December’s most impactful⁤ ride ‌at ⁢Pipeline, as voted by the‌ judges of the revamped Wave of the Winter. The contest is technically open to any⁢ surfer (18 and older) at ‍any wave from Haleiwa to velzyland,but last month,as is so frequently enough the case,it came down to a⁣ beautiful Pipeline gem.

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Makana Pang Wins 2024 Wave ​of the Winter

Table of Contents

Makana Pang has been crowned⁣ the winner of the first stage of the 2024 Wave of the Winter competition, securing the title with a powerful Pipeline barrel in early ⁢December. ⁤The contest, which recognizes exceptional big-wave surfing, also awarded cash prizes to filmmakers who captured‍ the winning⁢ rides.

Derek Ho⁤ and His ⁢Pipeline Legacy

The article begins by honoring the⁣ late⁤ Derek Ho, the 1995 world surfing champion, noting his dominance at Pipeline and the respect he commanded ⁤from fellow surfers until his passing. Ho’s legacy continues ​to​ influence the⁣ surfing community.

Makana Pang’s Winning Ride

Makana Pang, son of renowned Hawaiian‌ shaper ‌Dennis Pang, is known for surfing ​Pipeline early in⁣ the morning. Surfer.com details that his winning entry occured on the first day​ of the competition​ window, featuring a⁢ clean, ‍steep drop at Pipeline that ​impressed onlookers. The wave was⁣ described as “terrifying in its perfection” ⁣and flawlessly ⁣executed by Pang.

Competition Results and Prizes

A judging panel consisting of Dave ‍Wassel, Nathan Fletcher, Brent Bielmann, Kahea Hart, and Kawai Lindo selected the finalists. ‍Luke Tema finished second, and Shane⁣ Dorian placed ‌third, both for their Backdoor barrels.Luke Tema received $2,500, and ​Shane Dorian ⁣earned $1,000.

filmmaker ⁤Awards

The Wave of the Winter ‌competition also recognizes the work of⁤ surf filmmakers. Kai Swagz received $1,000 for‍ filming Pang’s winning wave, jim Russi was‍ awarded $500 for his⁢ footage of Luke Tema, and Tucker Wooding earned $250 for filming Shane ​Dorian with a drone. These awards are⁤ presented in honor of⁣ Larry Haynes, a respected surf cinematographer. ⁣

Upcoming Wave of the Winter⁣ Events

The competition continues, with the next finalists to be⁤ announced‍ on February 11th. The grand finale, with a $25,000 prize, will be ‍held at Waimea Valley ⁤on March 7th. More details and updates can be found⁢ on the Wave of the Winter Instagram page.

Related: What Makes Pipeline So Perfect…and Deadly? (Video)