“I Surf Pipe Zero Times a Year”: Aerial Surfer Matt Meola Reveals He’ll Be the Odd One at Vans Pipeline

Trouncing the deadliest pipeline wave is every surfer’s dream come true. The first thought when thinking of it, comes to mind is the demigod of waves. Even for a legend like Kelly Slater, it took 30 years to conquer the treacherous pipeline after his first triumph. This is how much chaotic the pipeline wave is. 

Matt Meola is another emerging name in the world of surfing. The 35-year-old Matt hails from the background of competitive surfing and free surfing styles. In a recent talk, Matt disclosed his distinctive views on the pipeline, days ahead of Vans Pipe Masters.

Matt Meola’s views on the chaotic pipeline wave

In November 2022, Matt Meola appeared for a surfer’s profile interview with Vans. As a participant at Vans Pipe Masters, Matt was asked about his views on the pipeline. On this, the aerial surfer answered, “I surf pipe zero times a year”. The revelation clearly describes it would be Matt’s first time to surf a pipeline at Vans.

Matt further elaborated on his disclosure, as he said, “for me to sit out for a couple of hours to catch one wave, like that’s not fun for me”. Matt continued his divulgence by adding, “Pipeline is crowded…It’s a beautiful wave but the crowd just like outweighs the way for me like a long shot”.

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As a participant at Vans Pipe Masters, Matt joked, “I feel like a bunch of them will look at me and go why the f**k is this guy in the event”. Evidently, having no acquaintance with the perfidious nature of the pipeline might challenge Matt. But his background in aerial surfing might prove a brownie point for him.

Matt Meola’s surfing vitae

Matt is a resident of Maui, Hawaii. So, naturally, he has a close-knit relationship with the big blue waves. Matt started off his professional career as a skateboarder, but the oceanic ripples piqued his interest and he indulged himself in surfing. Since then, he took part in various surfing competitions and performs his forte of launching and landing prompts. However, Matt simply defines himself as outdoorsy, as he loves pursuing outdoor activities. Precisely, Matt’s definition of self is, “I’d like to be more recognized as an outdoorsy person who likes to surf, hunt, spearfish, and fish”.

Although Matt might not be familiar with the menacing pipeline waves, his zest for surfing through it for the first time is really inspiring. With this, we only wish the best for Matt for his performance at Vans and for all his future endeavors.

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