Gerry Lopez – Mr. Pipeline
“Stillness in the Chaos”
🌊 Basic Info
Full Name: Gerard R. Lopez
Nickname: Gerry, Mr. Pipeline
Born: November 7, 1948 – Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
Nationality: American (Hawaiian)
Surfing Stance: Regular
Favorite Surf Spots: Pipeline, G-Land, Uluwatu, Ala Moana Bowls
🏆 Career Highlights
Championships & Titles:
2× Pipeline Masters Champion (1972, 1973)
Credited with redefining how Pipeline was surfed – combining grace, courage, and perfect positioning
Notable Competitions:
While never chasing full world titles, his domination at Pipe made him legendary
Early appearances in surf films like Five Summer Stories and The Endless Summer II elevated his status globally
Best Performances:
His 1970s runs at Pipeline set the standard for backside tube riding
Also helped pioneer Indo surf exploration – among the first to surf G-Land in Java
Signature Moves:
Ultra-relaxed tube stance – arms low, knees bent, eyes locked ahead
Defined the look of backside surfing at Pipeline with his ability to disappear into cavernous barrels and exit cleanly
Never forced the wave—his surfing was meditation in motion
🏄♂️ Surfing Style & Equipment
Board Preferences:
Co-founder of Lightning Bolt Surfboards, the brand that became synonymous with 70s power and tube riding
Shaped his own boards and helped bring down board size for better maneuverability in hollow waves
Wetsuit & Gear:
Rarely needed wetsuits—Pipeline in the 70s was all about boardshorts and bravado
Rode Lightning Bolt gear, now revived as a heritage surf brand
Training & Fitness:
Practitioner of yoga and later meditation, which influenced his balance and poise in heavy surf
Focused on breath control, mental clarity, and overall wellness long before it was trendy
Wave Preferences:
Loved powerful reef breaks with clean tubes—Pipeline was home, but he also helped expose G-Land and Uluwatu to the world
🌍 Life Beyond Surfing
Hobbies & Interests:
Yoga, writing, acting, stand-up paddleboarding, and snowboarding
Starred in Conan the Barbarian alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger and appeared in other cult films
Social Causes:
Advocates for environmental protection, especially Hawaiian reefs and coastlines
Regularly speaks about mindfulness, personal growth, and connection to nature
Fun Facts:
Nicknamed “Mr. Pipeline” by surf media after dominating the spot for over a decade
Known for his deep voice, calm demeanor, and spiritual surf philosophy
Still surfs well into his 70s and is a major presence at surf retreats and yoga-surf fusions worldwide
🎥 Photos & Videos
His Pipe sessions are surf history gold – watch Five Summer Stories and Gerry Lopez: The Yin & Yang of Gerry Lopez (a full documentary by Patagonia)
His relaxed tube riding inspired generations from Slater to Florence
📢 Latest News & Updates
In 2025, Gerry remains active with Patagonia Surf, shaping boards, hosting retreats, and leading environmental campaigns
He recently released a memoir titled “Surf Is Where You Find It: 2025 Expanded Edition”
Also part of a 2025 WSL documentary on Pipeline's evolution featuring past and present masters
