Pipeline Surfer shot by professional photographer Christa Funk
Surfing is one of the main attractions to the North Shore of Oahu. There is nowhere in Hawaii (maybe even nowhere on the planet) like the North Shore of Oahu. We enjoy sand so clean that it wipes off your sticky hands and feet with one swoop, spacious landscape without the development of a concrete jungle city and the most advanced world-class waves on the planet. The number of waves in such short proximity of coastlines that is readily accessible to the public is incomparable anywhere.
It’s for this reason that the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing has been established on the North Shore. This is a men’s only surf event with three contest stops to include Ali’i Beach in Haleiwa, Sunset Beach, and the infamous Pipeline. These beaches are all within 7 miles of each other. The holding period for the contests run between November 12 until December 20 this year. Contests will run on the days that the wave forecasts are the best. Surfers and spectators must standby, watch the weather and wait for the contest director to decide if that day the contest will be on, or not. Thousands of industry professionals flock to Oahu during this season to prove themselves, establish their brand dominance, make dreams come true, and more.
Hawaiian Pro in Hale’iwa
The Hawaiian Pro in Haleiwa will run from November 13 and end on November 24. Ali’i Beach is located in the small Historic Town of Hale’iwa. Spectators can park in the beach park or near the boat harbor and walk to the beach where they will enjoy the show. This wave is notoriously a large right, breaking onto a reef at the beach park. The wave is pretty close to shore, giving spectators the opportunity to watch contestants paddle battle through the current to snatch a wave. Notable for some barrel sections and large open faces, the Hawaiian Pro is a great event for surfers to showcase their all-around surfing talent, from busting airs, to making turns, and finding a barrel when it may come. In between the contest days, spectators can visit some of the shops and restaurants that make Hale’iwa such a pleasant location.
Vans World Cup at Sunset Beach
Sunset beach is one of the best right-hand point breaks in the world. The holding period for this portion of the Triple Crown goes from November 25 through December 7. It’s known for being a “heavy” wave. Stories of surfers coming out of the water with broken boards and long hold downs are common. On a day to day basis Sunset is crowded with surfers of every kind, ranging from the “uncles” sitting deep on their guns (large boards used for catching larger waves) to the new generation grom snatching inside waves on their high-performance thrusters.
When the line-up is cleared out for the contest, however, the show begins. This is the second event in the triple crown. The stage has been set for the world’s top-ranking surfers, and their results at this contest will sometimes surprise or upset fellow competitors. Sunset’s dynamic lineup allows surfers to prove their skill to the world. This wave breaks farther out to sea, so spectators should bring binoculars to truly enjoy the live experience. Beach announcers help to keep us up to date on what’s happening in the line-up, but you can also watch live on the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing website.
Surfing at the Pipeline, on Oahu’s North Shore
Billabong Pipe Masters
This is it. The main event. This is the day that some competitors have been training for all of their lives. The holding period for this portion of the triple crown runs from December 8 through December 20. On a day to day basis, Pipeline is probably one of the most competitive waves in the world. The “crew” or the “pack” that put their time in day in and day out, surfing this wave to familiarize themselves with Pipeline when it’s small, big, barreling, breaking on the second reef or just a little bit off generally have an edge on those that travel from other places in the world. This wave, when the conditions are right and everything lines up, is a sight to behold. The reef is very close to the beach, so you don’t need binoculars to see one of the world’s best surfers standing tall in the barrel at Pipeline. There is a beach park to enjoy and an elementary school across the street. This wave is worth the effort to come enjoy.
If you live on the North Shore or are just visiting for the first time, these events are worth experiencing. Members of the community are involved in putting it on, including local restaurant, Ke Nui Kitchen. Brands partner with local non-profits to ensure the event does not generate unnecessary waste for the local community, and the WSL hires local talent to help build scaffolding and run the media.
Contact & Connect
If you would like more information, feel free to reach out via phone, email, or social.
Leave your opinion here. Please be nice. Your Email address will be kept private, this form is secure and we never spam you.