There has been a lot of controversy surround the Billabong Pro Tahiti especially because they took away two wildcard positions from the trials. This has pissed off a lot of people including a video made public online by a large Samoan looking guy. The argument was that Billabong took away spots that could have go to locals, potentially, but were given to sponsored riders like Andy Irons. Now, anyone who knows surfing at all would probably have a problem with this because if there was a contest at their home break they would want an opportunity to beat the top surfers in the world whom take over that spot for a couple weeks or more. This is exactly how the Tahitians feel because they have had spots taken away from them.

The contest that people want to model theirs around, and the one that offers most spots to locals and wildcards is the Pipeline Masters, also put on by Billabong. They offer 12 spots, 6 through the HIC Pipeline Trails, and another 6 that are voted in. This is the only contest that has this many wildcards but deservingly so because it is the premier contest in the surfing world! There is not other place in the world where people can make a living off surfing one wave during the year like the people do who surf at Pipeline.

I am not saying I agree with Billabong’s decision on taking away spots from wildcards but lets think about this with common sense. If there is anyone I would bet the mortgage on in a contest like Teahupoo wouldn’t it be Andy Irons. Aside from a few people like Kelly Slater and a few locals like Manoa, and wildcard entry, Heiarii Williams, Andy Irons has to be a heavy favorite to win this contest. I think that Billabong put themselves on the fence with this decision because if a the wildcard loses then it will make Billabong look stupid because they could have had more chances for locals to win. On the other hand if someone like Andy wins then it makes them look good because their guy, whom they “wasted” a wildcard spot on, won. This debate is going to go on forever but never the less, no contest should ever try to be the Pipe Masters.

Aaron Moss is The Extreme Scene's official intern, and does a fine job doing it.