The Billabong Pipeline Masters surfing contest was postponed at 11:30 a.m.
today due to declining waves at the Banzai Pipeline off Ehukai Beach.

The second round was completed in the morning, when wave-face heights were
in the 6- to 12-foot range. When the waves started to get smaller, contest
officials decided not to start the third round.

Hawai'i surfers advancing today were Andy Irons, Torrey Meister, Flynn
Novak, John John Florence, Gavin Gillette and Hank Gaskell.

Irons, a three-time former world champion and four-time former Pipeline
Masters champion, had scores of 9.33 and 9.07 for his two best barrel rides.

Florence, 16, is the youngest surfer in the contest, and he had the best
heat of the morning with a two-wave total of 18.9.

Wai'anae's Sunny Garcia still was not able to get into the contest as an
alternate. He was originally scheduled to surf in the first round on
Thursday, but showed up late and was replaced by an alternate.

Garcia was subsequently dropped to the alternate list. The only way he can
get back in is if another surfer gets injured or fails to show.

World-title contenders Mick Fanning and Joel Parkinson of Australia received
byes yesterday.

Both the world championship and Vans Triple Crown of Surfing championship
will be decided at the Pipeline Masters.

The third and fourth rounds could run today, if conditions are favorable.
For updated information visit www.triplecrownofsurfing.com.