With the Quiksilver Pro just about to begin the surf media has it's eyes trained on Snapper Rocks and the Gold Coast. That doesn't mean things have ground to a halt elsewhere in the surfing world though. Hawaii, for instance, just keeps on pumping and the winter of 09/10 will be held up as a benchmark year.

The past week few weeks at Pipeline have seen the best conditions all year, and with most of the pros gone it's locals and the travellers willing to see the season out who have been scoring the rewards.

Here's a spread from Luke Shadbolt. All photos taken at Pipe and Backdoor during the last fortnight. //STUART NETTLE