Teamwork isn’t the first word that typically comes to mind when talking about Pipe. But that’s exactly what’s about to happen, as the Da Hui Backdoor Shootout in Memory of Duke Kahanamoku returns to the Banzai Pipeline with their tried-and-true, non-elimination team format. Here’s the deal: surfers are divided into eight teams — either by sponsor, neighborhood, peer group, or some other affiliation — but the whole competition is intended to, according to event organizers, “foster a sense of camaraderie, teamwork, and community spirit among the participants.” According to Da Hui Backdoor Shootout organizers, the event “emphasizes traditional Hawaiian surfing style and places importance on style, power, and respect for the ocean. Surfers are judged not only on their technical maneuvers but also on their overall approach, wave selection, and ability to navigate the tuberides and come out with control and style.” The holding period is from January 4th-16th, and in addition to the main team comp there will be individual Duke Specialty Events with coed divisions in longboard, SUP and bodysurfing. Aside from the competition, there will be heaps of cultural activities on offer: hula performances, traditional Hawaiian music, local food vendors… It’s basically Aloha Incarnate. *** Main Event Heat Draw for Round 1: #1 – Japan #2 – A New Earth Project #3 – Nave #4 – 96712 #5 – Snapt5 #6 – North Shore Boyz #7 – Tubos #8 - Volcom *New heats will be drawn each morning. Here are the teams, subject to change: NORTH SHORE BOYZ Eala Stewart, Kala Grace, Legend Chandler, Makai McNamara, Makua Rothman 96712 Eli Olson, Ivan Florence, Jose Angel, John Florence, Nate Florence VOLCOM Balaram Stack, Makana Pang, Moana Wong, Makai Burdine, Noa Deane A NEW EARTH PROJECT Kai Lenny, Jamie O'Brien, Carissa Moore, Koa Smith, Shayden Pacarro, Matahi Drollet SNAPT5 Benji Brand, Clay Marzo, Josh Moniz, Mason Ho, Parker Coffin, Seth Moniz NAVE Bruno Santos, Guilherme Johann Peter, Ian Gouveia, Kona Oliveira, Lucas Silveira, Joey Johnston JAPAN Guy Sato, Jin Suzuki, Kenshin Matsunaga, Riaru Ito, Sasuke Kawatani, Shinpei Horiguchi, Sogo Harada TUBOS Alonso Correa, Sebastian Correa, Gabriel Villaran, Cristobal De Col, Billy Kemper, Martin Jeri, Kalani Rivero Subscribe: http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=surfline Become a Surfline Premium Member: https://surfl.in/2Cd36tF ----------------------------------