The most dangerous wave in the world looked like a punchy-break for the North Shore Soap Factory Pipeline Women's Pro yesterday. While there were only a handful of legitimate barrels, this grassroots, one-day event still ran with Anastasia Ashley winning the shortboard division. The 23-year-old, native Californian/Hawai'i resident had the rights dialed in the difficult conditions and shoulder to head high waves.

Bernie BakerAnastasia Ashley exhibiting her Pipeline prowess ... no tube required.

"It was kind of challenging with the wind and it was pretty shallow," admitted Ashley who has been surfing Pipeline a lot this year. "This past winter I paddled out on some solid days ... so when it's manageable size I feel really confident out there."

She was a wave-catching machine during the final and knew exactly where to find the nuggets. Ashley attributed the victory to great coaching from her beau Daniel Russo who is a professional water photographer for Surfing magazine.

"[Daniel] definitely knows the reefs very well and the how the swells hit the reef and he's a good coach" said Ashley about her 28-year-old boyfriend from the North Shore.

Although Russo has no immediate plans to retire from surf photography to take up coaching he was extremely proud of Ashley's achievements.

"I just try to use some of the experience I have from being in the water all the time, give little hand signals and be there for confidence," said Russo. "Female surf [contests] usually doesn't get the best waves, but there were some little Backdoor waves."

In addition to Russo's coaching, Ashley also had the backing of Jamie O'Brien and his crew of Pipe Specialist. Ashley and Russo are apart of the crew and are regular fixtures at the O'Brien house. Although JOB was in Tahiti, Ashley still felt the support of the Pipeline Master.

"Jamie O'Brien is the best at Pipe so who better to be his girl apprentice," she said. "He's like my older brother."

Bernie BakerWhen you make one of the only tubes of the contest that'll suffice for "Best Tube" honors. Rochelle Ballard, committed.

Kaila Costa Taylor won the crazy, Brazilian chicks division aka the USBA Women's Bodyboard Division that ran in conjunction with the Pipeline Women's Pro. She was also awarded the "Aloha Award" for making her first final in a decade of competition at Pipe.

Kauai's Bailey Nage, 14, was honored with the "Rookie Of the Year" award at the one-day event.

Former WCT surfer Rochelle Ballard, 39, won the Best Barrel Award for a legitimate Backdoor drainer in the quarter finals. Ballard was on a tear until the semi finals when she showed up 8-minutes late. Unfortunately there was no jersey tug-o-war ala Sunny and Randy between Ballard and Contest Director Banzai Betty Depolito. Fortunately, Ballard paddled out late and won the semi. In the final Ballard couldn't find a decent ride and finished fourth overall.

"[Rochelle Ballard] is one of the legends out here at Backdoor," said Ashley. "I know that when she gets a wave she's deadly so I played it smart and got my wave count up."

This grassroots event drew an international field of competition and allowed young surfers to test their competitive prowess against seasoned veterans. While everybody wanted the waves to be bigger at least the female athletes were able to showcase their skills at the world's most dangerous wave.

"I think this is a great even for women's professional surfing because it's showing women in a great venue like Pipe," praised Ashley.

North Shore Soap Factory Pipeline Women's Pro Results:

Shortboard Division
1) Anastasia Ashley (USA) $1000
2) Paige Alms (Hawaii) $500
3) Bailey Nage (Hawaii) $300
4) Rochelle Ballard (Hawaii) $200

USBA Women's Bodyboard Division
1) Kaila Costa Taylor (Brazil) $1000
2) Jade Robles (Hawaii) $500
3) Sari Ohhara (Japan) $300
4) Lumar Guittard (Venezuela) $200

Bernie BakerAnother look at the winner.