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Fourteen years ago, Peruvian Gabriel Villarán managed to get into a historic final in the QS of Pipe, which used to be the Volcom Pipe Pro, the sea was epic with pipes of 8 to 12 feet.

The event was won by Rob Machado but in the semis Villarán scored one of the four 10s of that championship and left the Californian in second place, eliminating Nathan Carroll and Tory Barron.

Villarán at Pipe a couple of weeks ago. Photo: Federico Vanno

Now more mature, more focused on chasing big waves and competing in them, he returns to the event that he himself acknowledges gave his career “a next level” and this is what he has to say:

I'm sure it has a special vibe for you competing in the Volcom Pipe Pro, how do you experience it?
The feeling with this event is very strong because perhaps it was the event that gave the next level to my career as a surfer, especially because it was in Pipeline.

What have you done to prepare?
I have been training steadily for several months now and I feel the strongest I have in recent years - my left leg is still in the process of recovery - that is why I am calm, the Puerto Escondido event left me motivated and here we are.

What is it like to experience a heat at this event? What is it like to be in the water at Pipe with three other people?
The Volcom Pipe Pro series depends on the conditions and the size, it's not always good, but when it gets good, it's great. With northwest forecast, offshore and 8 to 10 feet Hawaiian, it might be the best session of your life. That's why this event is special, opportunities that don't come at any other event. This week it could be hot.

In 2006 you had one of the best results of your career at this event. How do you remember that championship?
That 2006 event was memorable because the day before I had run Waimea, big, offshore and without people. My confidence was at its peak, I enjoyed it a lot.

What Latin or Hispanic American performances do you like to remember from this championship? Why?
Starting with Carlos Cabrero who beat Andy Irons in the final... Miguel, Alvaro, Muñoz, Giorgi have had good events too! It is always an inspiration and a pleasure to see a Latino shine at Pipeline.

Of the 14 Hispanics competing this year, who do you think is sharp?
All the Hispanics here have the level to reach a final or win the event. They are on fire! Unfortunately, some of them are a little injured, but we are a solid group that goes for everything.

If you win it and get the 5.000 points, would you risk trying to get into the CT?
If I win, I don't know if I would go all in from now on. I would continue training for the big events and look for a good result to improve my performance. Because I would need 13.000 more to qualify for the CT. If I were Prime, it would be a different story.

How was Jaws last Saturday?
Jaws was great, it was the first time I surfed glass and it's a different story. The band had a solid performance from the beginning. The truth is that I really respect doing these trips together. You always leave everything on the court and seeing your brothers charge is the ultimate motivation.