The surf finally dropped yesterday to a contestable size for the 5-star Qualifying Series Volcom Pipeline Pro. The first day of competition saw 12-to 20-foot wave face heights at the world's most dangerous surf break. Competitors in this event, like Pipeline local Jamie O'Brien, were excited about the quality conditions and giant barrels yesterday.

“;Every day is a great day at Pipeline, but when the waves are this good it's really great,”; said O'Brien, who has already won the Pipeline Pro and the Pipeline Masters in his short pro career.

The 26-year-old, two-time Pipe champ caught a perfect 10-point ride in the second round yesterday. Kauai's Danny Fuller also scored a perfect 10-point ride, and like O'Brien, advanced into the next round of competition.

O'Brien also captured the highest two-wave heat total of the event so far: a 19.33 out of a possible 20 points. The second-highest heat score went to O'Brien's friend and fellow Pipe specialist Mark Healey.

“;This is classic Pipeline,”; said Healey, who scored a two-wave total of 17.83 in his second round heat. According to the 28-year-old from the North Shore, yesterday was one of the standout days at Pipe in already memorable season for waves.

“;This is one of the best days all winter for sure,”; said Healey, who is a goofy-footer (right foot forward while riding). “;It's mostly lefts ... finally we get a contest that favors the goofy-footers.”;

While Healey's afternoon was a high-scoring affair with deep, insane Pipeline tubes, his morning heat was another story. He barely squeaked out of the first round with a measly 5-point wave total. Throughout the day conditions at the Volcom Pipeline Pro drastically improved.

“;It was hard earlier and now it's totally different,”; said Healey about the epic barrels in the late afternoon.

This is the most QS prestige in the history of the Pipeline Pro, boasting big ratings points and a $120,000 total prize purse. This helps Hawaii-born surfers like O'Brien and Healey gain entry into the big winter surf contests.

“;I'm glad Volcom stepped up and made this event a 5-star event,”; said Healey. “;This gives us an opportunity to be in the Triple Crown.”;

With the northwest swell forecast to decline throughout today, the wave face heights are expected to hover in the 12- to 16-foot range at Pipe. Therefore, the 5-star Volcom Pipeline Pro will most likely resume competition.

You can find out if the contest is on by calling 596-Surf, and a live telecast of the event is on Oceanic Time Warner cable Channel 250 and HD1250. There is also a live Web cast on www.volcompipelinepro.com.