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 $820,000 purse. 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.
Beginning with the Reef Hawaiian Pro in Haleiwa from November 12th – November 23rd 2012. Followed by the Van’s World Cup at Sunset Beach from November 25th – December 6th, 2012. Ending with the Billabong Masters at the Pipeline December from December 8th – December 20th 2012.
Peace out!
