Stewart wins Pipeline event

By Catherine E. Toth
Advertiser Staff Writer

Hale'iwa's Mike Stewart won his second consecutive Pipeline Bodysurfing Classic yesterday in consistent 6- to 8-foot swells off 'Ehukai Beach on the North Shore.

Mark Cunningham and Steve Kapela, both from Hawai'i, took second and third, respectively.

Five Hawai'i competitors placed in the top six out of a field of 56. Notables Kelly Slater and Tom Curren lost in the semifinals. Rob Machado didn't make it out of the quarterfinal heat.

Stewart took advantage of the larger sets, riding an 8-foot beauty in the final heat.

"He caught the peak and just rode it," Cunningham said. "Then seconds later he got on a medium-sized one and went really long. He's the most experienced guy out on Pipeline. He's just in the right place at the right time."

This is Stewart's eighth bodysurfing title in the 11-year event.

No prize money is awarded, making this event more of an opportunity for bodysurfers to ride Pipeline without the congestion of boards for just one day.

"For one day we're the lone riders out there," said Cunningham, training lieutenant for Ocean Safety and Lifeguard Services and longtime North Shore lifeguard. "It's not about prize money or bragging rights. It's about just being out on Pipeline."