Vans has abruptly shifted its stance regarding Jamie O’Brien’s participation in the upcoming Vans Pipe Masters after facing backlash from the surfing community. Originally placed as an alternate, O’Brien has now been reinstated in the main event roster, though he remains dissatisfied with Vans.
The uproar began when surfer Josh Moniz publicly criticized Vans on Instagram for initially relegating O’Brien to an alternate position, despite the absence of an official roster. This prompted a wave of support from the professional surfing community, who argued that the Pipe Masters had lost its status after being removed from the Championship Tour and transformed into a standalone event in 2022.
In a subsequent Instagram post, O’Brien voiced his own disappointment, revealing that a Vans representative had deemed him “too old” for the event. He expressed concerns about the exclusion of numerous deserving surfers, listing names such as Kalani Chapman and Bruce Irons among those who should have received invites.
A week later, Vans updated the official roster to include O’Brien, prompting him to express his gratitude to his supporters on Instagram: “GUESS WHO’S BACK IN THE EVENT… and only because you guys spoke up and had my back, love you guys!”
However, in a conversation about the controversy, O’Brien emphasized that the company still has much to rectify. He critiqued Vans for diluting the event’s prestigious legacy and suggested that it should return the event’s ownership to the World Surf League (WSL), citing concerns regarding the decision-makers’ understanding of the sport. O’Brien noted, “If they’re calling me too old… then Vans the company is way too old.”
The conversation around this controversy underscores broader issues related to corporate influence in surfing and the recognition of surf culture. O’Brien highlighted not just his situation but also the community’s sentiments, expressing dissatisfaction over the perceived lack of respect shown towards surfers. He remarked that the core of the issue stems from unaccountable decision-making within the corporate structure of Vans.
Despite the tension, there shines a ray of hope that through community voices, the surfing culture may experience renewed acknowledgment. The incident illustrates the power of collective action within the surfing community, prompting brands to reconsider their decisions and approaches. In an evolving sport that thrives on heritage and respect, it’s clear that the voice of the community holds significant influence and can drive meaningful change.
Summary: O’Brien was initially placed as an alternate for the Vans Pipe Masters but after community backlash, he was reinstated to the main event. Still, he expresses ongoing disappointment with Vans and critiques their decision-making, advocating for greater respect for surfers and the event’s history.