Rory Russell: The Pipeline Prince Tells His Story - Interview with The Temple of Surf - The Podcast

Pipeline, Legends & Surf History with Rory Russell

This week on The Temple of Surf Podcast we are honored to welcome one of the most iconic figures in surfing’s golden age:  Rory Russell.

Known to the world as the “Pipeline Prince,” Rory rose to fame in the 1970s with a fearless style, unmatched charisma, and a deep connection to one of the most dangerous and celebrated waves on the planet. His story is not only about individual triumphs, but also about an era of surfing that shaped the culture as we know it today.

Born and raised on the North Shore of Oahu, Rory grew up in the epicenter of the surf revolution. While the 1960s gave us the longboard boom and the first professional contests, it was in the 1970s that surfing truly matured into a global sport and lifestyle. Rory Russell, with his flowing hair, infectious smile, and electrifying presence in the water, became both a competitor and a cultural figure. His back-to-back Pipeline Masters victories in 1976 and 1977 etched his name permanently into the history of surfing, cementing his reputation as one of the greats of that era.

In this episode, we dive deep into those years of transformation, when professional surfing tours were just starting to take shape, and when Pipeline itself was being redefined by riders like Gerry Lopez and Rory Russell. Together, they set the standard for what it meant to charge one of the heaviest waves in the world. Rory’s approach was fearless yet stylish, proving that big-wave performance could be both radical and graceful.

But Rory’s story goes beyond trophies and titles. He represents a spirit of aloha that transcends competition. Even today, decades after his competitive peak, Rory is celebrated for his humor, his generosity, and his willingness to keep the stories of surf history alive. Few people can talk about the golden age with such authenticity, not only because he lived it, but because he was one of the shining stars of that time.

Listeners will hear Rory reflect on what it was like to be part of the North Shore scene when it was still raw, untamed, and legendary. He shares stories of traveling the world with little more than a board under his arm, chasing waves, and discovering cultures far from Hawaii. We discuss the early days of surfboard design experimentation, the friendships and rivalries that shaped competitions, and the unique atmosphere of Pipeline in the 1970s a proving ground where reputations were built in a single drop.

We also explore what surf history means to Rory now. He is not just looking back with nostalgia, but also forward with passion. He remains involved in passing down knowledge to the next generation, making sure the lessons, values, and stories of his era are not forgotten.

His reflections remind us that surfing is not just about riding waves but about the community, creativity, and courage that come with it.

This episode is more than just an interview, it’s a journey into a time when surfing was wild, free, and evolving into the global phenomenon we know today. Rory Russell is a bridge between the mythic past and the vibrant present, a storyteller whose laughter carries the rhythm of the waves he once dominated.

Join us as we sit down with Rory Russell to talk surf history, Pipeline, and the spirit of aloha. Whether you are a lifelong surfer, a student of surf culture, or simply someone who loves great stories, this episode will take you straight to the heart of surfing’s golden era.