It’s official, the 36th annual Vans Triple Crown of surfing is upon us! Running from November 12th to December 20th, this epic surfing competition will bring professional athletes from all over the globe to Hawaii to compete in a three-series event to win the big bucks and the glory.
The Backstory
Originally a more grass-roots event with only a handful of surfers competing and a couple of lawn chairs for the judges, the Vans Triple Crown has turned into one of the most anticipated surf events of the season and can be watched streaming live on the WSL website.
What’s great about this event is that it’s held at three different beaches which test the surfers’ abilities in completely different ways. Sunset Beach is notorious for big waves that break over a sharp volcanic reef. Haleiwa provides powerful, hollow waves that can quickly eat you up and spit you out. At Pipeline, you’ll see surfers take off on steep waves at high speeds where their goal is to get barreled as deep as possible.
Who to Watch
It takes some high-level surfing to win the triple crown. Not only do you have to be fast, but you need to surf with a flow, be able to master the barrel, do high-performance maneuvers, and get progressive – i.e. take to the air. The most recent Vans Triple Crown winners include Griffin Colapinto, John John Florence, Gabriel Medina, and Julian Wilson. This year keep your eyes peeled for aerialist Felipe Toledo, Japan’s Kanoa Igarashi, and veteran Julian Wilson to take the stage.
Witness the Event
It’s no secret that Hawaii is a hotspot for surfing, and with a backdrop of paradise to keep you satisfied between heats, it’s the perfect time to visit and get a piece of the aloha lifestyle.
Vans Triple Crown Event Schedule
- Haleiwa, Hawaiian Pro [November 12 – 24]
- Sunset, Vans World Cup of Surfing [November 25 – December 6]
- Pipeline, Billabong Pipe Masters [December 8 – 20]
Oahu’s Turtle Bay Resort has partnered with the World Surf League to offer special savings during your stay at the North Shore, with rates starting from $289. With the possibility of seeing superstar surfers during your stay, and an authentic North Shore experience, it’s a no brainer why Turtle Bay Resort is the top destination for this event.
