Surf’s up and the action’s on as Van’s Triple Crown of Surfing gets ready to roll
With the onset of winter, surf’s up -- way up -- along Oahu’s North Shore, where many of the planet’s best surfers will be competing in the coming weeks.
Vans Triple Crown of Surfing takes over the Haleiwa area from Nov. 12 to Dec. 20 with world-class action.
Admission is free.
The event is three distinct, back-to-back contests.
The excitement begins for surfers and spectators alike with the Hawaiian Pro on Nov. 12-23 at Alii Beach Park. The tricky reef produces unpredictable waves that test surfers’ abilities to handle a variety of conditions.
The runs conclude as entrants maneuver a shallow spot known as the Toilet Bowl, where crucial, sometimes dangerous, moves can make or break a score.
The action moves to nearby Sunset Beach for the Vans World Cup of Surfing on Nov. 24-Dec. 6.
With a wide spread of waves, the watermen use their skills to seek out the biggest crests. Sunset’s waves can prove punishing to even accomplished surfers, so they’re an excellent test of competitors’ abilities.
The Vans competition begins Nov. 12 and continues through Dec. 20 on Oahu’s North Shore.
Farther north along the twisty, two-lane Kamehameha Highway, the iconic Banzai Pipeline beckons for the Triple Crown’s third leg, the Billabong Pipe Masters, Dec. 8-20.
The waves here are close to shore, so fans have great viewing opportunities as the surfers are challenged by curling waves that create barrel effects.
A note for spectators: Parking along the highway can be nightmarish. Consider heading on to the Turtle Bay Resort, which will be operating an hourly shuttle for $20 to $25 round trip.
Organizers remind visitors to bring something to sit on, whether it’s a beach chair or towel. And although winter’s mix of sun and clouds can be deceptive, sunscreen is still a must.
Area info is available from the North Shore Chamber of Commerce.
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