Anticipation is building for the start of the CT year. The waiting period for Pipe starts not this Sunday, but the next. Which brings an interesting question – if your favorite football team had a playoff game on said Sunday, to go to the Super Bowl, would you watch this or the Pipe Masters? With or without your viewership, Maxime Huscenot will be ready for his heat at the beloved Banzai Pipeline.
This guy knows how to put on a jersey. Since 2011, he has surfed in 137 QS events, 11 Challenger Series events (every one since 2021), and 2 Wildcard entries into the Quiksilver Pro France (2010 & 2015). With tons of experience in heats, a searing rail game, and a sneaky bag of tricks I think he’s going to be one to watch this year. Per my predictions, he’ll be competing for Rookie Of The Year. I reached out to Maxime to ask him a couple questions before his debut on Tour, not being a Wildcard.
- Now that you have qualified for the Tour, what are your goals for this year?
“My goals this year is to perform well and showcase my surfing. I want to enjoy the tour and the waves qualities to show what I’m capable of.”
- Which event venue are you most looking forward to on the CT this year?
“I’m so excited about Pipe. It’s such a mythical event and an amazing wave that I just can’t wait to be there.”
He has competed out at Pipe before in QS contests; 2017, 2014, and 2012, so he knows what he is in for. He’s spent a ton of time in Hawaii, competing in the Haleiwa or Sunset QS contests every year since 2011, presumably logging a few hours out at the Banzai as well. I found this clip of him at Off-The-Wall. Eager to see what he brings to the first comp of the season.
- Lastly, how have you been preparing for this year?
“I did some physical preparation in Reunion Island. Then I traveled to Europe to surf big and heavy waves, before heading to Hawaii soon.”
The season opener shall be a stimulating experience for the lad from Reunion Island, regardless of result. Really hope the waiting period sees a swell like last year’s event. I’m really excited to see Maxime in Portugal, a familiar wave near his home, and also at Bells. His rail game will dazzle. For the back half, El Sal, Brazil and J-Bay will all be fun events to watch his performance. I don’t think he will be scared to throw it under the lip at Teahupoo either. On The Lineup With Dave Prodan, he did say if he could only surf one wave for the rest of his life it would be Chopes. It’s safe to say he’ll be frothing to get out there in a contest.
A massive thank you to Maxime for the time. Wishing him the best of luck for the start of the year and beyond. Looking forward to watching what he does on Tour.
Cheers,
-hwilsin