“To say I am upset and disrespected is an understatement. It is sad to see such a prestigious event being run by kooks who clearly don’t understand the reality of the Pipeline lineup,” is one of the many things Jamie O’Brien expressed in his letter posted on Instagram along with his photo from the Pipe Masters he won in 2004.

O'Brien said he feels that not only is he missing from the list, but also Josh Moniz himself who spoke out in his defense and Kalani Chapman, Torrey Meister, Lucas Godfrey, Eli Olson, Tyler Newton, Bruce Irons, Reef Mcintosh, Landon Mcnamara, Mikey Bruneau, Flynn Novak, Joey Johnston, Mark Healey, “to name a few, should definitely be riding this event. We've spent years dedicating ourselves to this wave.”

O'Brien said: “Last week, I realised I hadn't received an invitation to the Pipe Masters. When I asked why, I was told I was “too old” and “hadn't made it to the finish line”. Instead, I'm on the “alternate list” with a “don't worry, you'll probably get in” message.

The Hawaiian began his letter by saying: “As a kid I was told to let my surfing do the talking but I guess that’s not enough anymore. For almost 30 years, I’ve been dedicated to Pipeline – I’ve won every event, built my dream home here and made Pipeline my life.”

Vans, the event organizers, have not responded to O'Brien's or Moniz's questions.