Off Season on the North Shore

Days before the 2023 Vans Pipe Masters and just over a month ahead of the start of the 2024 Championship Tour (CT) on the North Shore, world #4 Joao Chianca faced an incident that nearly cost him his life. Like many professional surfers, Joao traveled to Oahu for the winter to train and prepare, especially given the active early-season conditions on the North Shore.

On December 3rd, during a surf session, Joao took off on a backdoor wave, a Pipeline right, only to find himself going over the falls and pin-dropping into the dangerously shallow reef below after attempting to eject from the wave. The circumstances surrounding the incident, whether he was rendered unconscious by his own board or by the impact with the reef following multiple powerful incoming waves that held him down, remains uncertain. Fortunately, Jake Maki, along with other surfers, noticed his prolonged absence beneath the surface, promoting a rescue operation to save the life of the Brazilian CT surfer.

Dragged ashore, Honolulu Ocean Safety lifeguards rushed to assist Joao. Following a hospital stay, it was confirmed that Joao was in stable condition, devoid of any injuries and only left with the chilling memory of an almost life-ending accident. We anticipate Joao's return to the water soon and hope to see him back at Pipeline in good health for the inaugural CT event. A heartfelt thank you and commendations to the North Shore lifeguards, Jake Maki, and those who assisted for their swift and effective response.

It’s crucial to note and be aware that such incidents can happen to anyone, even to experienced and confident surfers in waves of consequence like Joao, who ranks among the world’s top surfers. Although Pipeline is home to iconic and renowned surf, it remains one of the world’s most dangerous and demanding waves. It should be approached with the utmost seriousness in any circumstances/conditions.