The wooden stringer has been the veritable backbone of the surfboard for over half a century. Varial Foam blanks require no stringer or parabolic rails, all the strength comes from the core, and Shane Dorian has been riding a 9'8" stringerless JC in the biggest waves on the planet.

All the toys came out for the biggest swell to hit the Hawaiian islands in years.

Dodge the flying boards, negotiate the double-up, and the perfection is yours.

Watch the video highlights from the "best Eddie yet."

While Eddie was going, the Maui crew were...erm, towing.

Owen Wright is opting to miss the opening half of this season citing ongoing complications following his December head injury as the reason.

Hawaii's favourite son wins its most prestiguous surf contest.