The contest is on every professional’s calendar already, as one of the world’s most prestigious surf events. The North Shore of O‘ahu becomes a beehive of activity as the world’s best surfers, surf photographers, and all others interested in the
The contest is on every professional’s calendar already, as one of the world’s most prestigious surf events.
The North Shore of O‘ahu becomes a beehive of activity as the world’s best surfers, surf photographers, and all others interested in the best surfers on the best waves in the world, converge in early December.
News has come out of Cypress, Calif., that the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing has inked Billabong as the title sponsor of the Billabong Pipeline Masters event through and including the year 2012, according to a press release.
This year’s Billabong Pipeline Masters is scheduled for Dec. 8 to 20.
The $340,000 Billabong Pipeline Masters is the third and final jewel of the men’s Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, and the longest-running professional surfing event in the world, celebrating 39 years this year.
It is also the final stop of the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Tour, and officially crowns the ASP world champion each year.
At a time when even the stalwart surf industry is feeling the effects of global economic rumblings, this new three-year commitment from Billabong is encouraging news.
“It goes without saying this iconic event is still the benchmark for professional surfing, and we are proud to be associated with the Pipeline masters and all its history,” says Graham Stapelberg, Billabong’s vice president of marketing.
“Billabong has recognized that support of the Pipeline Masters brings, without a doubt, the most return of any event on the ASP World Tour. They get it,” said Randy Rarick, Vans Triple Crown of Surfing executive director.
“Another three years of sponsorship will help to build this event to unprecedented levels, of which it so deserves,” said Rarick.
“Billabong’s re-commitment to the Pipeline Masters points up just why they are an ideal partner, because they understand the value and power of one of surfing’s finest traditions,” said Doug Palladini, Vans vice president of marketing.
The Vans Triple Crown of Surfing is the world’s premier surfing series, featuring three major professional surfing events at three of the world’s most iconic venues: Hale‘iwa, Sunset Beach, and Banzai Pipeline. The series showcases the world’s top-ranked surfers in the revered big waves of O‘ahu’s North Shore, and celebrates its 27th season this winter, running from Nov. 12 through Dec. 20.
On the Net: www.triplecrownofsurfing.com; www.billabong.com; www.vanssurf.com
