2012 Vans Triple Crown of Surfing

Vans Triple Crown of Surfing Hydrated by VitaminWater

Every winter, powerful swells cross thousands of miles of open ocean and descend upon the Hawaiian Islands, creating some of the biggest, most powerful and most challenging waves on the planet. As these swells reach the shallow reefs along the 7 Mile Miracle on Oahu’s famed North Shore, the waves they produce beckon surfers from around the globe, who come in search of big waves, big barrels and a big reputation. 

With the world-class waves comes the most prestigious event series for professional surfers: The Vans Triple Crown of Surfing. Founded in 1983, the Triple Crown is set at three distinct breaks on the North Shore - Haleiwa, Sunset and Pipeline - and each wave requires power, commitment, style and a skill set to match the nuances at each reef. From the powerful walls at Sunset Beach to the infamous barrels at the Banzai Pipeline, the Triple Crown Champion is the surfer who has the diversity, ability and stamina to excel in the varying surf conditions at all three locations. 

The 29th annual Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, with a total prize purse of $820,000, runs from November 12 through December 20 on the North Shore of Oahu:

Reef Hawaiian Pro

Haleiwa, Alii Beach, November 12-22

Vans World Cup of Surfing

Sunset Beach, November 25-December 6

Billabong Pipe Masters

Banzai Pipeline, December 8-20