Surfing U.S.A.
So you’re off to Hawaii this winter and you want to catch some humongous surf? How ‘bout just watch some awesome surfers rip these gnarly waves?
Then the first thing to do is venture down to the sleepy beach town of Haleiwa. 
North shore Oahu is synonymous with Big Gnarly Winter Waves. It is here near the small town of Haleiwa that you can witness world class surfing competitions like no where else in the world. Dude, during surf competitions this sleepy beach town is packed with Pro surfers who tackle 30 plus foot waves with no problem. And if you think that is crazy, did you know that in Hawaii the waves are traditionally measured from the back side? This means, if you hear the wave is 30 feet, you’re talking about a 60 foot face! Totally awesome...
Most of us landlubbers can’t fathom why anyone in their right mind would tackle these behemoths! But to see is to believe, it really is amazing to watch huge heart pounding sets come in one after the other and see surfer after surfer try and catch the ride of their life. To experience the surfer mentality I highly recommend immersing yourself in the surf culture — I guarantee you will be completely amazed by the prowess of these athletes as they paddle out several hundred yards, then gather enough courage to slip down the face of a sheet of water moving at about 30 miles per hour, hoping to catch the ride of their life and survive the thundering surf.
The grand daddy of surf competition is the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing. This is an "Invitational" only competition where the top surfers vie for a $670,000 purse. This surf event is actually a series of three contests that run almost daily.
Beginning with the Vans Hawaiian Pro at Haleiwa from November 12th — November 23rd, 2008, followed by the O’Neill World Cup of Surfing at Sunset Beach November 24th, 2008. Both of these contests are world qualifying series and carry $125,000 cash purses. The O’Neill World Cup of Surfing determines which surfers advance to the World Championship Tour for a shot at the world title. Finishing the Triple Crown event is the Rip Curl Pro Pipeline Masters with a $270,000 purse. This surf event takes place at the world famous "Banzai Pipeline" December 8th, 2008.
And for all you surfer girls — there is the Roxy Pro which is set to take place November 24th — December 6th in Haleiwa. This event is the first women’s event in the Vans Triple Crown. If you miss this event try and catch the women’s Billabong Pro which will be held at Honolua Bay on Maui from December 8th — December 20th, 2005. Each of these events have a cash purse of $65,000.
Peace out!
