The event was originally hosted by the Honolulu City Parks Department to promote water safety and wave consciousness, as a multi-division bodysurfing, handboard and skegless paipo board competition open to both men and women.
Eventually, the event was adopted by the North Shore Bodysurfing Club in Haleiwa, Hawaii.
During 2016 the North Shore Bodysurfing Club attempted mediation with other event applicants to allow the Pipeline Bodysurfing Classic to co-exist on the 2017-2018 North Shore surf events calendar.
The outcome was a contested case hearing set for October 2017 to determine a January 4 2018 event.
In the end the City and County of Honolulu Department of Parks & Recreation would not allow the information officer to attempt a resolution.