Ian Walsh has claimed the 2015 HIC Pro, at Sunset Beach, on the Oahu's North Shore, in Hawaii.
The big wave charger from Maui clinched the second HIC Pro tile of his career, precisely ten years after his first victory. Walsh will also be awarded a wildcard into the Hawaiian Pro, the first jewel of the Triple Crown of surfing.
The 32-year-old surfer defeated Billy Kemper, Kaito Kino, and Jack Robinson in the 30-minute final held in 12-to-15-foot surf. Walsh's best ride was a 9.33 wave. And he opted for building his overall score early in the heat.
"At this whole event I just tried to keep the same strategy, the same rhythm and just do the same things over and over and treat it like another heat. If the wave gives you a big canvas, light it up. If not, whatever wave you stand up on you have to make it count. Whatever wave you get, surf it to its full potential," explained Ian Walsh.
"It feels so good. You have a goal you're working for, and to finally be there and stand on the podium and hold a check above your head, it's hard to put into words. Originally, when I won this event ten years ago, I wanted that feeling back again."
"You get a little taste and then every event you want to do it again. With surfing, there's so many ups and downs with what the waves do, and the psychology, and how the whole heat plays out."
The 2015 Triple Crown of Surfing kicks off November 12th, in Haleiwa.
HIC Pro 2015 | Final
1. Ian Walsh (HAW), 16.40
2. Billy Kemper (HAW), 13.47
3. Kaito Kino (HAW), 11.74
4. Jack Robinson (AUS), 7.33