Honolulu - (October 1, 2007) - The Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, the world's premier professional surfing series for men and women, will celebrate its 25th anniversary this winter. Featuring the world's best pro surfers and big-wave riders, in the world's biggest, heaviest surf, the Series will cast the final dice in crowning this year's men's and women's Fosters ASP World Champions and Vans Triple Crown of Surfing Champions. All of the action can be experienced live via the internet at
www.triplecrownofsurfing.com.
In celebration of 25 years of world class competition, decades of giant winter surf, champions new and old, and the famous places and faces of surfing's 'Mecca' - the North Shore, this winter's action will go beyond the waves.
A limited edition commemorative Vans shoe; a celebrity golf tournament to benefit local North Shore charities; a gathering of the tribe of all Vans Triple Crown champions from the past 24 years; and the release of a new film by Dana Brown (Step Into Liquid) titled High Water - a high-action surf adventure filmed on location on the North Shore during the winter of 2005/06.
More than $750,000 is up for grabs this winter, the lions' share going to winners of the three men's and three women's events: the men's Reef Hawaiian Pro, O'Neill World Cup of Surfing, and the Billabong Pipeline Masters; and the women's Reef Hawaiian Pro, Roxy Pro, and Billabong Pro Maui. In addition, this year's men's and women's Vans Triple Crown series champions will each drive off in a new Chevrolet Colorado pickup truck.
With surfing's ultimate claims to fame on the line, tune in to see if Kelly Slater succeeds in his 9th world title pursuit; if Australia's "White Lightning" Mick Fanning can stop him to become the first non-American to win the men's world title in 8 years; if all-time Vans Triple Crown series champion Sunny Garcia can stage a comeback to win a 7th Triple Crown; and if the women's world tour crowns a brand new Queen of Surf.
