Vans Triple Crown of Surfing

The Vans Triple Crown of Surfing is the world’s premier series of professional, big wave surfing events, celebrating 27 years this winter. The series features three men’s and three women’s events that offer over $800,000 in prize money and will crown the 2009 ASP world champions.

The Vans Triple Crown of Surfing is considered to be second in prestige only to surfing’s world title as it is considered to be the ultimate test of a surfer’s ability to master the big waves at three unique venues – each with its own set of challenges for the surfer.

For the men, the venues are (1) the Reef Hawaiian Pro at Haleiwa Ali’i Beach Park; (2) the O’Neill World Cup of Surfing at Sunset Beach; and (3) the Billabong Pipeline Masters at the Banzai Pipeline. The women’s venues are (1) the Reef Hawaiian Pro at Haleiwa Ali’i Beach Park; (2) the Roxy Pro at Sunset Beach; and (3) the Billabong Pro Maui at Honolua Bay, Maui. All venues, with the exception of the women’s Billabong Pro Maui, are staged on the North Shore of Oahu – along a coastline world famous in surfing terms for its clockwork winter swells that reach 50 feet in height.

In addition to the individual venue champion at each event an overall men’s and women’s champion is crowned each year. This goes to the surfer who has performed best across all three competitions, making them the most proficient big-wave rider in the world.

There has never been a better time to visit Oahu’s North Shore! Come experience the winter big wave phenomenon that is the stage of these prestigious tournament. Turtle Bay Resort is Oahu’s only true full-service luxury resort located in the pristine surf-side setting of the famous North Shore. The hotel is uniquely situated so that every room boasts an ocean view.

This year’s North Shore event schedule* is:

Reef Hawaiian Pro – November 12th to 24th

O’Neill World Cup of Surfing – November 24th to December 6th

Billabong Pipeline Masters – December 8th to 20th

*Note: Each event will start on the first date as long as waves are suitable (neither too big or too small) and will run until finished, meaning each event may (and most likely will) end prior to the final day listed above.