The Aloha Freight Hawaii Pipeline Invitational wrapped up three outstanding days of competition on Oahu’s North Shore, delivering some of the best surf conditions of the season and showcasing elite bodyboarding at the world-famous Pipeline and Backdoor breaks.

After clearing from a strong tropical storm, the North Shore produced three consecutive days of clean, powerful surf, giving competitors the opportunity to charge heavy barrels and launch aerial maneuvers that thrilled spectators on the beach and viewers around the world. Riders repeatedly pushed the limits of gravity, threading deep tubes and executing advanced aerial combinations that highlighted why bodyboarding at Pipeline is among the most spectacular forms of wave riding.

The contest concluded on March 3, and the equal prize money policy continued, awarding $10,000 purses for both the Men’s Invitational and Women’s Invitational divisions, reinforcing the event’s dedication and commitment to recognizing world-class performances across both divisions.

One of the biggest stories of the event was the strong showing from Peru, with athletes capturing two major division titles during the competition.

Micheel “Pirpo” Yancce of Peru won the Men’s Invitational division, adding another major Pipeline achievement to his career after previously winning the Junior Men’s division at Pipeline last year. His victory further solidifies Peru’s growing presence in international bodyboarding.

Peru also captured the Junior Women’s division, with Hannah Saavedra earning the win after a highly competitive final. With victories in both the Men’s Invitational and Junior Women’s divisions, Peru delivered one of the most impressive national performances of the event.

Men’s Results:

01. Micheel Yancce – Peru – 16,00 pts
02. Jeffrey Hubbard – Hawaii – 15,13 pts
03. David Hubbard – Hawaii – 12,77 pts
04. Mack Crilley – Hawaii – 12,50 pts

Yancce delivered a powerful performance in heavy Pipeline conditions, overcoming a stacked final that included Pipeline veterans Jeff and Dave Hubbard and Hawaii’s Mack Crilley.

The Women’s Invitational Final delivered one of the most exciting finishes of the event. Junior World Champion Luna Hardman of Brazil secured the victory in the final minutes of the heat with a spectacular perfect 10-point Backdoor wave, finishing it with an Air Roll Spin, one of the most technical maneuvers in modern bodyboarding. Luna, who finished fifth place in the previous edition, seems now to follow her mum footsteps as Neymara Carvalho won three titles at the Banzai.

Women’s Results:

01. Luna Hardman – Brazil – 15,43 pts
02. Jessica Becker – Brazil – 14,33 pts
03. Dulce Aguero – Costa Rica – 9,10 pts
04. Bianca Simões – Brazil – 8,00 pts

Junior Men Results:

01. Caleb Powell – Hawaii – 16,33 pts
02. Kekoa Apuna Jr. – Hawaii – 14,40 pts
03. Dia Polo Sanz – Hawaii – 12,26 pts
04. Kalaʻikoa Uyematsu – Hawaii – 3,50 pts

Junior Women Results:

01. Hannah Saavedra – Peru – 11,83 pts
02. Nanami Seta – Japan – 11,33 pts
03. Kaipoʻi Koa – Hawaii – 8,77 pts
04. Sarai Akiona – Hawaii – 8,50 pts

Masters Results:

01. Rich Cooper – Hawaii – 10,83 pts
02. Blaine Andrews – Hawaii – 10,34 pts
03. Matthew Solomon – Hawaii – 7,83 pts
04. Ivanhoe Okuda – Hawaii – 7,34 pts

One last note, just to highlight the result of the Portuguese Rodrigo Lopes, who finished his Hawaiian performance in fifth place, after losing to Dave Hubbard and Micheel Yancce in his semi final heat.

Although the event is not part of the world tour anymore, one thing is unquestionable: Pipeline continues to be one of the most dramatic and iconic venues in the world for bodyboarding, a place where you always can expect heavy barrels, steepy sections, and aerial maneuvers.

Once again, bodyboarders have shown their skills, courage, and innovation. C-ya next year!