LOS ANGELES, California/USA (Sunday, February 4, 2018) -  The World Surf League (WSL) continues to work with the Honolulu city authorities to try and ensure the iconic North Shore Championship Tour events remain on the schedule throughout the 2019 calendar.

In support of broader positive changes the WSL is instituting to the sport, the organization is requesting an accommodation for our January and December events. The permit requests would require an equal amount of days and the same dates to those originally applied for, meeting permit deadlines, and that the WSL has operated in for decades, simply changing minor details on the filing form. However, the City of Honolulu has yet to confirm the request, prompting the WSL to reluctantly begin exploring alternative solutions. This was first raised almost a year ago, WSL have been in regular contact with all the relevant Hawaiian authorities since then, taking their advice at every turn, so are surprised and concerned at this uncertainty. WSL most recently asked to discuss a mutually beneficial solution with the decision makers a week ago, and are still hopeful of gaining an appointment to find an amicable solution.

"Hawaii is such important part of surf culture and the history of this sport, we love coming here," Sophie Goldschmidt, WSL CEO, said. "Having canvassed widely, we firmly believe the broader changes we're implementing are for the benefit of all including Hawaii. We're hopeful that Hawaii CT events remain on the schedule, the permit is granted, and it continues to host the world's best surfing. Top tier pro surfing brings an enormous benefit to Hawaii's surfers, as well as the State both economically, in terms of employment, exposure for tourism and much more. We really hope this can continue.''

"Hawaii and surfing are synonymous with one another so it's important to support and bolster both the culture and the sport of surfing in Hawaii," Kelly Slater, 11x WSL Champion, said. "A big part of that long tradition is pro surfing's premier events being held on the North Shore. I'm hoping we don't find ourselves in a situation where miscommunication or semantics around the permitting process drastically impacts the long history and tradition of Hawaii playing a crucial role in determining our champions. The changes happening are important for the tour and will have zero negative impact on the local community. It's really nothing more than a trade of days and names of events at Pipeline so I hope the process can be seen as that clear and easy."

"As a surfer from Hawaii, it would be really upsetting if the City doesn't support professional surfing, however I am confident this will be resolved soon," Billy Kemper, BWT and QS competitor, said. "It is an entirely logical request, it's the same amount of time in terms of permits and the same dates, so it shouldn't be an issue. In fact, being able to start and finish the season, first with the Pipe Masters and then with the Triple Crown, seems like it would be a great thing for Hawaii and gives more Hawaiian surfers a chance to compete.''

"Having these events, with the world's best surfers, is so important for surfers from Hawaii, culturally, for the community and economically," Sunny Garcia, 2000 WSL Champion and six-time Triple Crown of Surfing winner, said. "It keeps Hawaii on the map as the Surfing Mecca, and is much loved and respected by the athletes. The community loves these events, and all Hawaiian surfers want the advantage of performing in their own back yard, in front of their home crowd."

Former State Senator, World Champion and Founder of the Triple Crown events Fred Hemmings reiterated, "Surfing is Hawaii's gift to the world and is at the very essence of the marketing of Hawaii in the visitor industry. Hawaii's Triple Crown of Surfing are marquee events on the WSL Pro Tour. I am urging state of Hawaii and Honolulu county leaders to provide the assistance necessary to keep the now close to 50- year history of world-class Triple Crown events home in Hawaii." 

Caption: California's Griffin Colapinto (USA) will join the elite men's Championship Tour in 2018. 
Credit: © WSL / Cestari

LOS ANGELES, California/USA (Tuesday, December 19, 2017) - The 2017 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT) season has come to a close, with John John Florence (HAW)and Tyler Wright (AUS) both defending their respective maiden world surfing crowns to become two-time WSL Champions.

The 2018 elite men’s Championship Tour (CT) will be contested by the WSL Top 34, made up of the top 22 finishers on the 2017 CT season, the top 10 finishers on the 2017 Qualifying Series (QS) and two WSL wildcards.

2017 Top 22 CT:
John John Florence (HAW)
Gabriel Medina (BRA)
Julian Wilson (AUS)
Jordy Smith (ZAF)
Matt Wilkinson (AUS)
Owen Wright (AUS)
Kolohe Andino (USA)
Adriano de Souza (BRA)
Joel Parkinson (AUS)
Filipe Toledo (BRA)
Sebastian Zietz (HAW)
Mick Fanning (AUS)
Connor O’Leary (AUS)
Frederico Morais (PRT)
Jeremy Flores (FRA)
Adrian Buchan (AUS)
Kanoa Igarashi (USA)
Caio Ibelli (BRA)
Michel Bourez (PYF)
Conner Coffin (USA)
Joan Duru (FRA)
Italo Ferreira (BRA)

2017 Top 10 QS (minus double qualifiers from CT):
Griffin Colapinto (USA)
Jesse Mendes (BRA)
Wade Carmichael (AUS)
Tomas Hermes (BRA)
Yago Dora (BRA)
Willian Cardoso (BRA)
Keanu Asing (HAW)
Ezekiel Lau (HAW)
Michael Rodrigues (BRA)
Patrick Gudauskas (USA)

WSL Wildcards: Kelly Slater (USA) and Ian Gouveia (BRA)

CT Men’s Replacement Surfers:
Michael February (ZAF)
Bede Durbidge (AUS)
Miguel Pupo (BRA)
Wiggolly Dantas (BRA)

The 2018 elite women’s Championship Tour (CT) will be contested by the WSL Top 17, comprised of the top 10 finishers on the 2017 CT, the top six finishers on the 2017 QS and the WSL wildcard.

2017 Top 10 CT:
Tyler Wright (AUS)
Stephanie Gilmore (AUS)
Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS)
Courtney Conlogue (USA)
Carissa Moore (HAW)
Lakey Peterson (USA)
Nikki Van Dijk (AUS)
Sage Erickson (USA)
Johanne Defay (FRA)
Tatiana Weston-Webb (HAW)

2017 Top 6 QS (minus double qualifiers from the CT):
Silvana Lima (BRA)
Bronte Macaulay (AUS)
Coco Ho (HAW)
Caroline Marks (USA)
Keely Andrew (AUS)
Paige Hareb (NZL)

WSL Wildcard: Malia Manuel (HAW)

CT Women’s Replacement Surfers:
Macy Callaghan (AUS)
Pauline Ado (FRA)
Dimity Stoyle (AUS)
Bianca Buitendag (ZAF)

The 2018 WSL Championship Tour season will commence with the Quiksilver and Roxy Pro Gold Coast from March 11 - 22, 2018.

For more information, check out WorldSurfLeague.com. 

CONNER COFFIN VICTORIOUS AT VANS WORLD CUP, BENJI BRAND CLINCHES WSL REGIONAL TITLE, BARRON MAMIYA VANS TRIPLE CROWN ROOKIE 
- WADE CARMICHAEL (AUS) QUALIFIES FOR 2018 CHAMPIONSHIP TOUR 
- KOLOHE ANDINO (USA) TAKES SECOND, GRIFFIN COLAPINTO (USA) THIRD

Caption: L to R: Finalists Conner Coffin (1st), Griffin Colapinto (4th), Wade Carmichael (3rd) and Kolohe Andino (2nd)
Image: WSL / Freesurf / Heff

HALEIWA, Oahu/Hawaii – (Saturday, December 2, 2017) -- The final day of the Vans World Cup, event No. 2 of the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing and concluding World Surf League (WSL) Qualifying Series (QS) event of the year, saw multiple victories spread success across several surfers, including Conner Coffin (USA) who became the first Californian to take the event win, and Benji Brand (HAW) who earned the WSL Hawaii/Tahiti Nui Regional Champion title.

Coffin’s win today over Kolohe Andino (USA), Wade Carmichael (AUS) and Griffin Colapinto (USA) saw him make a massive leap up the QS ratings from 212st to 25th, but at No. 21 on the Championship Tour (CT) he will be relying on the final event of the Vans Triple Crown and 2017 CT – the Billabong Pipe Masters – to protect his place among the world’s best for 2018.



Coffin earned a well-deserved win with huge carves like this. Image: WSL/Freesurf/Heff

In 2015, Coffin, 24, earned his place on the CT after he qualified right here at Sunset during the Vans World Cup with a Semifinal finish. Prior to this, he was a seasonal campaigner to the North Shore and has been traveling to Oahu since the age of 12.

“It means so much, I've been surfing over here for so long, I love Hawaii and I love coming here and I just want to say a huge thanks to all the locals and everyone here for letting us have these events,” said Coffin during the awards presentation. “This year I've been on Tour, so we get good waves, but when I was doing the QS I looked forward to coming here because they're the only good waves we get to surf most of the year. It means so much to win here. So many of my favorite surfers have won this event, dream come true for sure.


The first California surfer to ever win the Vans World Cup and only second USA athlete behind CJ Hobgood in 2008, Conner Coffin. Image: WSL/Freesurf/Heff

“Congrats to everyone too, the level of surfing at Sunset now is insane,” Coffin continued. “The turns Barron (Mamiya) was doing on a 6'0 or whatever he was riding were so gnarly. I kind of had to sit on him at the end of the Semifinal because I was tripping on how good he was surfing, and Benji (Brand) too. Congrats to everyone who made the Final and huge shout out to my brother for caddying for me, he's the man. So stoked to be here surfing with all my friends.”

Colapinto, who has had an incredible performance on the North Shore this season after a runner-up finish at the Hawaiian Pro earlier this month, finished in fourth today and takes a strong lead on the Vans Triple Crown title heading into the Billabong Pipe Masters. He is trailed by fellow California surfer Andino who received the highest single wave score in the Final, an 8.17, and a second place finish in today’s event.

Carmichael had a monumental day as he achieved a decade-long goal of qualifying for the CT after an impressive showdown in the second Quarterfinal with a 9.10 and 7.00. The power behind Carmichael’s turns was in a league of its own and verifies he has the skill and progression to battle against the world’s best.


Clean carves from Carmichael in the Final earned him another podium place at Sunset Beach. Image: WSL/Freesurf/Heff

“It’s a dream come true,” said Carmichael after realizing his ultimate goal. “I've been trying so hard, I finally got a real good crack at it and it came true, I'm stoked man.”

Carmichael had early success this season at Sunset with a runner up finish at the HIC Proin October and made his real mark on the North Shore after he won the 2015 Hawaiian Pro at Haleiwa Ali‘i Beach Park. A QS veteran, Carmichael is part of the New Era qualifiers that also includes Colapinto, Willian Cardoso (BRA) and Tomas Hermes (BRA).

As the new 2017 WSL Hawaii/Tahiti Nui Regional Champ, Brand – who grew up between South Africa and Hawaii – earned a bid into all QS1,000 to QS6,000 events for 2018 and a huge leg-up into the QS10,000 events up until the mid-season date. He will also take home the Vans Regional Champion Scholarship for $5,000 to help with travel costs.


Brand used his backhand attack to finish in the Quarterfinals from a Round 1 start. Image: WSL/Freesurf/Keoki

“I didn't really think I was going to end up in this position, it feels pretty good to end up first in the region especially doing Sunset at the end of the year,” commented Brand. “This wave is really special to me, I've competed my whole life out here. It feels really sick, psyching to do the prime's (QS10,000) next year. Never done all the primes so this is a great opportunity.”

The youngest competitor in the event, Mamiya, 17, earned the Vans Triple Crown Rookie Award by besting a field of 18 others and has had an incredibly successful year after winning multiple regional Pro Junior events, the WSL Hawaii/Tahiti Nui Regional Junior Champion, qualification into the World Junior Championship and now today’s accomplishment.

“I'm stoked, I didn't even think I was going to win this award because I did really bad at Haleiwa, but I guess I made up for it here at Sunset,” said Mamiya atop the podium post-Final. “I'm stoked to win it and hopefully I can keep the momentum going until next year.”

Mamiya was the highest placing Hawaii athlete in the Vans World Cup and bowed out in the Semifinal after Andino narrowly beat him 13.63 to Mamiya’s 12.04.


2017 WSL Hawaii/Tahiti Nui Regional Junior Champion, Barron Mamiya, caused a handful of upsets on his way to a Semifinal finish at the Vans World Cup. Image: WSL/Freesurf/Mamiya

In the Final, Andino stayed committed through the 35-minute heat, but Coffin displayed quick work and excellent top to bottom surfing with a rhythm that could not be beat.

Surfers battled for position in the challenging 4-6ft. surf (10-12ft. wave faces) and Carmichael picked up two waves in the first few minutes of the heat to build momentum. Coffin dropped his first keeper score, a 7.33 for smooth, dynamic surfing and took the lead from the Australian, followed by Andino’s 8.17 opening ride where he drew off the bottom for a nice snap and successful completion to shake up the standings.

Andino and Coffin hunted barrels and the eventual winner found quick cover on a set wave followed with a carving maneuver to add a 7.0 to his scoreboard. Carmichael fought hard with huge, arcing turns but neither he nor Colapinto, 17, could overtake the two heat leaders, even with a 7.57 from the teen.

The Vans Triple Crown now shifts to the famed Banzai Pipeline for the Billabong Pipe Masters, December 8 – 20. The capstone event for both the Vans Triple Crown and the 2017 WSL CT, The Billabong Pipe Masters will determine the new World Champion and all eyes will be on World Title contenders John John Florence (HAW), Gabriel Medina (BRA), Jordy Smith (ZAF) and Julian Wilson (AUS).

For more information, please visit www.WorldSurfLeague.com or download the WSL app to receive updates on your mobile device and watch LIVE action. Fans can also tune into Spectrum SURF Channel, which will televise the 2017 Vans Triple Crown events LIVE and in replay on digital channels 250 SD and 1250 HD, across the state of Hawaii. 

The Vans Triple Crown of Surfing runs from November 12 – December 20 and features three events along the North Shore of Oahu; the Hawaiian Pro, from November 12 – 24, which saw the first Brazilian winner, Filipe Toledo, take out the competition on November 20; the Vans World Cup from November 25 – December 6; which crowned Conner Coffin on December 2; and the Billabong Pipe Masters from December 8 – 20, which is also the culminating event of the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT). 
 
RESULTS
Surfers shown in order of 1st through 4th
1st – Conner Coffin (USA), 14.33
2nd – Kolohe Andino (USA), 12.60
3rd – Wade Carmichael (AUS), 11.60
4th – Griffin Colapinto (USA), 8.17

Semifinals (1st and 2nd advance, 3rd = 5th place, 4th =7th place)
SF1: Griffin Colapinto (USA), Wade Carmichael (AUS), Wiggolly Dantas (BRA), Dion Atkinson (AUS)
SF2: Conner Coffin (USA), Kolohe Andino (USA), Barron Mamiya (HAW), Patrick Gudauskas (USA)

Quarterfinals (1st and 2nd advance, 3rd = 9th place, 4th = 13th place)
QF1: Wiggolly Dantas (BRA), Dion Atkinson (AUS), Benji Brand (HAW), Stu Kennedy (AUS)
QF2: Wade Carmichael (AUS), Griffin Colapinto (USA), Caio Ibelli (BRA), Bino Lopes (BRA)
QF3: Kolohe Andino (USA), Conner Coffin (USA), Lucas Silveira (BRA), Vasco Ribeiro (PRT)
QF4: Patrick Gudauskas (USA), Barron Mamiya (HAW), Italo Ferreira (BRA), Sebastian Zietz (HAW)

Round of 32 (1st and 2nd advance, 3rd = 17th place, 4th = 25th place)
H1: Dion Atkinson (AUS), Caio Ibelli (BRA), Adriano de Souza (BRA), Matt Wilkinson (AUS)
H2: Benji Brand (HAW), Wade Carmichael (AUS), Maxime Huscenot (FRA), Miguel Tudela (PER)
H3: Bino Lopes (BRA), Stu Kennedy (AUS), Ethan Ewing (AUS), Miguel Pupo (BRA)
H4: Griffin Colapinto (USA), Wiggolly Dantas (BRA), Frederico Morais (PRT), Makai McNamara
H5: Vasco Ribeiro (PRT), Italo Ferreira (BRA), Michael February (ZAF), Aritz Aranburu (ESP)
H6: Conner Coffin (USA), Sebastian Zietz (HAW), Imaikalani deVault (HAW), Cody Young (HAW)
H7: Barron Mamiya (HAW), Lucas Silveira (BRA), Michel Bourez (PYF), Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA)
H8: Patrick Gudauskas (USA), Kolohe Andino (USA), Kanoa Igarashi (USA), David Van Zyl (ZAF)

GRIFFIN COLAPINTO TAKES LEAD IN VANS TRIPLE CROWN, SEBASTIAN ZIETZ SCORES BACK-TO-BACK 9’S AT VANS WORLD CUP 
- CODY YOUNG ELIMINATES WORLD NO. 2 MEDINA, IMAIKALANI DEVAULT TAKES OUT WORLD NO. 3 SMITH 
- HAWAII'S EZEKIEL LAU AND KEANU ASING BOW OUT 

Caption: Sebastian Zietz (HAW) earns the highest single wave score, a 9.77, and heat total, 19.17 of the event at today's Vans World Cup.
Image: WSL / Freesurf / Heff

HALEIWA, Oahu/Hawaii – (Friday, December 1, 2017) -- Newly qualified for the World Surf League (WSL) 2018 Championship Tour (CT), San Clemente’s Griffin Colaptino (USA) took the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing lead today during Round Three of the Vans World Cup after Sunset Beach delivered more pounding surf to the lineup for the third consistent day of competition on Oahu’s North Shore.

A Men’s Qualifying Series (QS) 10,000 event, top seeds reveled in world class conditions today and displayed some of the highest level of surfing seen all year on the QS. It was a make or break day for Vans Triple Crown title contenders along with potential CT qualifiers, and with one final day left of competition, the anticipation is at an all-time high.


With Filipe Toledo (BRA) not competing in the Vans World Cup, Griffin Colapinto (USA) will take the lead on the Vans Triple Crown title. Image: WSL/Freesurf/Keoki

Sebastian Zietz (HAW) delivered the highest single wave score of the day, a 9.77 for excellent maneuvers on his forehand in Round Three Heat 11. With fine-tuned technique, Zietz unloaded on the wave and used his rail throughout the ride on two very committed turns. He backed this up with a 9.40 for another well-read wave, this time a foamy barrel off the North Point with a near-impossible exit, followed by a layback snap.

“It's a lot of paddling and I love catching a lot of waves,” commented Zietz. “And if you can sit under priority and get that inside bowl, it totally separates from the outside ones and you get a really good barrel. And at Sunset, they really love to score the barrel. It's a good tactic, hopefully no one steals it.”

The surfer from Kauai has competed in the Vans Triple Crown throughout his professional career and won the title in 2012 after taking an early lead at the Hawaiian Pro, Event No. 1 at Haleiwa Ali‘i Beach.


Sebastian Zietz's (HAW) rail game was on point during Round Three Heat 11. Image: WSL/Freesurf/Heff

“I’m going to do the Triple Crown as long as I can. You know after doing the tour the whole year, I actually flew in last night to come do it (Vans World Cup) because Kauai is so close and I love being home too. Triple Crown pretty much gave me everything I have and it would be a shame if I didn't do it so I'm going to do it as long as I can.”

Hawaii’s youthful generation only reinforced their presence today as Cody Young (Maui), 18, Imaikalani deVault (Maui), 20, and Barron Mamiya (North Shore, Oahu), 17, ran away with Round Four spots after expertly navigating their way from Day 1 and taking down big names.

Young eliminated World No. 2 Gabriel Medina (BRA) in Heat 9 while DeVault dismantled World No. 3 Jordy Smith (ZAF) in the final heat of the day to close out Round Three.


Imaikalani deVault (HAW) continued his tear today with a 9.17 in Round Three Heat 12. Image: WSL/Freesurf/Heff

“This is the farthest I've ever gotten in these big events, so I feel like every heat I'm just getting more comfortable and just getting more of that feeling that I belong in these,” said deVault. “It feels good to get some heats in and surf perfect Sunset and I'm just super stoked.” 

Opening the day and setting the pace in Round Three Heat 2 was Caio Ibelli (BRA) who had a deep barrel off the takeoff that earned a 9.10 and berth into Round 4. Ibelli was buried in the belly of the wave and raced the exit to then stamp out a frontside maneuver and reinforce the excellent score from judges.

“I could see everything in the barrel, I just couldn't predict it, I felt like it had a bump right under my board it got a little air in the middle of the barrel and I felt getting disconnected for a little while and I was really hoping I could stick to it,” Ibelli commented of his barrel. “I saw lot of barrel riders tube riding yesterday and a lot of people couldn't complete because they got too comfortable in the barrel and all of a sudden the wave took them down. I was pretty aware of that and I was just trying to not get too relaxed and keep my stance solid. I'm stoked I got that wave and had a lot of fun in the heat.”


Barrels kick started the morning and Caio Ibelli (BRA) was first to profit. Image: WSL/Freesurf/Heff

Benji Brand (HAW) found his rhythm again in Round Three Heat 3 and produced an 8.23 for two vertical turns in the lip and an air drop to clinch the score. Brand went against fellow Hawaii athlete Ezekiel Lau (HAW) who was in desperate need of a good finish at Sunset since he sits on the bubble of re-qualification for the 2018 Championship Tour. Although Lau is No. 9 on the QS, he isn’t safe with athletes like Italo Ferreira (BRA), No. 10, Michael February (ZAF), No. 14, and Frederico Morais (PRT), No. 15, still in the competition and shaking up the ratings. Ferreira was the only surfer that advanced today who can seal his CT qualification with one more heat advancement.

Another disappointing Hawaii elimination came after Keanu Asing bowed out of the event at the hands of Miguel Tudela (PER) and Adriano de Souza (BRA) in Round Three Heat 4. Both Asing and Lau still have a chance to qualify for the CT, however they will be counting on competitors to not overtake their places on the QS once competition resumes.


Keanu Asing (HAW) processing the loss after a shocker Heat 4 against Miguel Tudela (PER), Adriano De Souza (BRA) and Davey Cathels (AUS). Image: WSL/Freesurf/Keoki

Meanwhile, Brand strengthens his lead in the WSL Hawaii/Tahiti Nui Regional Champion race, which will award the winner a seed into all QS1,000 to QS6,000 events for 2018 plus a highly-coveted spot into the QS10,000 events up to the mid-season date. A $5,000 Vans Regional Champion Scholarship will also be awarded to the winner to help with travel costs and provide a leg-up for the athlete as they embark on an international journey following the QS.

Contest organizers will keep their eyes tuned to the lineup tomorrow morning to make an official call for the final day of the Vans World Cup. Surfline, official forecaster for the Vans Triple Crown, is calling for surf to trend down steadily over the weekend with waves biggest early on Saturday due to a dropping NW swell. However, given the strength of the swell, waves are still expected to be highly contestable and in the 5-8ft. range.

The Vans Triple Crown of Surfing runs from November 12 – December 20 and features three events along the North Shore of Oahu; the Hawaiian Pro, from November 12 – 24, which saw the first Brazilian winner, Filipe Toledo, take out the competition on November 20; the Vans World Cup from November 25 – December 6; and the Billabong Pipe Masters from December 8 – 20, which is also the culminating event of the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT). 

For more information, please visit www.WorldSurfLeague.com or download the WSL app to receive updates on your mobile device and watch LIVE action. Fans can also tune into Spectrum SURF Channel, which will televise the 2017 Vans Triple Crown events LIVE and in replay on digital channels 250 SD and 1250 HD, across the state of Hawaii. 

 
RESULTS
Surfers shown in order of 1st through 4th

Round of 64 (1st and 2nd advance, 3rd = 33rd place, 4th = 49th place)
H2: Caio Ibelli (BRA), Maxime Houscenot (FRA), Ian Gouveia (BRA), Raoni Monteiro (BRA)
H3: Benji Brand (HAW), Dion Atkinson (AUS), Ezekiel Lau (HAW), Joan Duru (FRA)
H4: Miguel Tudela (PER), Adriano De Souza (BRA), Davey Cathels (AUS), Keanu Asing (HAW)
H5: Bino Lopes (BRA), Frederico Morais (PRT), Logan Bediamol (HAW), Tomas Hermes (BRA)
H6: Ethan Ewing (AUS), Griffin Colapinto (USA), Conner O’Leary (AUS), Jackson Baker (AUS)
H7: Wiggolly Dantas (BRA), Miguel Pupo (BRA), Jorgann Couzinet (FRA), Brett Simpson (USA)
H8: Makai McNamara (HAW), Stu Kennedy (AUS), Alex Ribeiro (BRA), Nathan Florence (HAW)
H9: Michael February (ZAF), Cody Young (HAW), Josh Moniz (HAW), Gabriel Medina (BRA)
H10: Italo Ferreira (BRA), Conner Coffin (USA), Adam Melling (AUS), Noe Mar McGonagle (CRI)
H11: Sebastian Zietz (HAW), Vasco Ribeiro (PRT), Yago Dora (BRA), Michael Rodrigues (BRA)
H12: Imaikalani deVault (HAW), Aritz Aranburu (ESP), Adrian Buchan (AUS), Jesse Mendes (BRA)
H13: Lucas Silveira (BRA), Kolohe Andino (USA), Ramzi Boukhiam (MAR), Willian Cardoso (BRA)
H14: Michel Bourez (PYF), David Van Zyl (ZAF), Jadson Andre (BRA), Marc Lacomare (FRA)
H15: Kanoa Igarashi (USA), Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA), Kiron Jabour (HAW), Evan Valiere (HAW)
H16: Patrick Gudauskas (USA), Barron Mamiya (HAW), Jordy Smith (ZAF), Mitch Coleborn (AUS)
 
About Vans
Vans^®, a VF Corporation (NYSE: VFC) brand, is the original action sports footwear, apparel and accessories brand. Vans authentic collections are sold globally in more than 75 countries through a network of subsidiaries, distributors and international offices. Vans also owns and operates nearly 600 retail locations around the world. The Vans brand promotes the action sports lifestyle, youth culture and creative self-expression through the support of athletes, musicians and artists and through progressive events and platforms such as the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing^®, the Vans U.S. Open of Surfing, Vans Pool Party, Vans Custom Culture, Vans Warped Tour^®, and Vans’ cultural hub and international music venue, the House of Vans.


Aloha!

Lauren Rolland
WSL Hawaii/Tahiti Nui
Media and Communications Manager

SUNSET MAXES OUT FOR DAY 2 OF VANS WORLD CUP, TESTS ATHLETES’ BIG WAVE ABILITIES 
- MATT WILKINSON EARNS BEST SCORE AND HIGHEST HEAT TOTAL OF EVENT 
- BENJI BRAND CLOSES IN ON WSL HAWAII/TAHITI NUI REGIONAL CHAMP TITLE 

Caption: Australia's Matt Wilkinson demonstrated impressive backside maneuvers in the massive surf.
Image: WSL / Freesurf / Heff

HALEIWA, Oahu/Hawaii – (Thursday, November 30, 2017) -- The action continued as massive surf pumped through the Sunset Beach lineup for Day 2 of the Vans World Cup, a World Surf League (WSL) Qualifying Series (QS) 10,000 event and the second gem of the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing. Round Two saw barrels and dramatic wipeouts, however it wasn’t until top seed Matt Wilkinson (AUS) triggered Round Three that the highest single wave score and heat total of the event was dropped in the final heat of the day.

“That was good fun, it doesn't always go that well out at Sunset, there's so many variables out there, so many times you find yourself getting washed in and your whole heat plan just gets washed away but, everything kind of fell into place then,” said Wilkinson. “I was just stroking out the back and a wave would come and I'd ride it to the end and pull off and just do it again, and again, it was good fun."


Wilkinson sets up for a powerful backside hook with a classic bottom turn. Image: WSL/Freesurf/Heff

Current No. 6 on the Championship Tour (CT), Wilkinson took on the massive surf with a confident backside approach and found a 9.33 (out of a possible 10) for two huge turns to completion on a fifteen-foot inside bowl. He took a commanding lead with a backup score of an 8.77, while Wade Carmichael (AUS) fought off Vans Triple Crown rookie contender Luel Felipe (BRA) and Evan Geiselman (USA) to advance in second. Carmichael keeps his CT hopes alive with today’s advancement into Round 4 and stands to better his current No. 8 position on the QS.

The second best score of the day, a 9.0, went to Noe Mar McGonagle (CRI) for a long travel through a heaving barrel in Round Two Heat 10. Barely scratching into the wave, McGonagle faded and slowly edged his way into the tube for a well-timed ride that demonstrated excellent wave knowledge.
 
“It's been really fun the last few days at Sunset so I felt like finally I'm starting to get to know the wave better this year than the last 3 years I've been here, I feel really comfortable and I'm stoked,” commented McGonagle. From Costa Rica, the surfer has grown up on the long left-handed wave of Pavones and had to adjust coming into the chunky rights of Sunset Beach.


McGonagle throws his arms up in exuberance after scoring a 9.0 on his barrel ride. Image: WSL/Freesurf/Heff

“It's been my weakness my whole life so I've been working on it a lot,” McGonagle continued. “Spending a lot of time here in Hawaii helps, the waves are a lot more powerful. It’s paid off being here so many times and so many winters and putting time out here at Sunset, it's paying off out here, finally.” 
 
South African born and long-time resident of the North Shore of Oahu, Benji Brand (HAW), 21, currently leads the WSL Hawaii/Tahiti Nui regional rankings above Finn McGill (HAW), who dropped out of the competition in a disappointing Round 2 loss. Brand is eyeing the coveted champion title, which will be determined at the close of the Vans World Cup.
 
“It'd be so sick, I just want to get into the primes (QS10,000’s) next year and if you win the region then you get into the primes, that's kind of my goal,” commented Brand. “Hopefully I just keep making heats and end up on top at the end of this contest.”


The unruliness of Sunset was well-suited for Brand's powerful backhand attacks. Image: WSL/Freesurf/Keoki

Brand has nabbed multiple 5th place finishes in the region, two being at Sunset Beach (2017 Sunset Open and 2016 HIC Pro) and put in plenty of time to earn a well-deserved place among Hawaii’s best over the years. Only a few surfers can catch up to him to claim the Regional Champion title, including Imaikalani deVault (HAW) who is part of Hawaii’s youthful movement and demonstrated power and flow to advance in first from Round Two Heat 12.
 
"We definitely look to the older guys for inspiration, they're the best,” said deVault. “But, definitely new school. All of us young Hawaii guys, like my friend Cody (Young) who just won his heat too, and who was killing it power surfing, we still try and stick to the power surfing game, but I guess try and add some flare to it.”


DeVault show total commitment on every wave today, including this one that earned him an 8.00. Image: WSL/Freesurf/Keoki

DeVault committed to two high-risk maneuvers in the lip for an 8.0 and continued his relaxed attack in the intimidating surf to back up his score with a 6.07 for the heat win. Advancing behind him was Vasco Ribeiro (PRT) with a combined heat total of 11.27 who caused an upset by knocking QS hopeful Mikey Wright (AUS) out of the competition.
 
Cody Young (HAW), 18, had great wave selection during Round Two Heat 9 and was in position for a massive barreling wave, which judges awarded an 8.33 after he stamped out a carve to complete the ride. The young surfer from Maui looked comfortable in the open water and offshore winds due to his experience at Ho‘okipa, the wind surfing capital of the world.

“I paddled into it and had to catch the white-water corner of it,” Young commented of his excellent ride. “Almost fell on the drop, air dropped, was in the white water and then I bottom turned straight up into it. Luckily it barreled over me and as I was coming out, I almost fell again and then I had to get low and was able to do a little grab rail carve after it. It's pretty bumpy out there and hard to manage.”


Young threads a barrel in Round Two Heat 9 for an 8.33. Image: WSL/Freesurf/Heff

This is Young’s second year competing in the Vans Triple Crown and at just 18 years old, has surfed Sunset in nearly every size the wave dishes out.

“Each heat that I'm surfing at Sunset I'm learning more and more and I'll just take that to the next one,” he continued. “These are the main events for us throughout the year. Everybody in Hawaii looks forward to these events the most, as well as around the world doing the QS's and stuff, even CT guys are looking forward to trying to win the Triple Crown or win Pipe. It's really, really important and really special to just be in the event.”
 
The qualification stories heated up after Jorgann Couzinet (FRA) No. 16 on the QS; Michael February (ZAF), No. 14; and Michael Rodrigues (BRA), No. 11, advanced into Round 3 where they will meet the likes of proven Sunset winner Ezekiel Lau (HAW) and Honolulu’s Keanu Asing (HAW), all equally hungry to be among the world’s best on the 2018 CT.
 
A third consecutive day of competition looks likely for the Vans World Cup to resume tomorrow as contest organizers anticipate the NW swell to hold out for more contestable surf. A call will be made by 7:30am HST and first in the water will be Round Three Heat 2 featuring Caio Ibelli (BRA), Ian Gouveia (BRA), Raoni Monteiro (BRA) and Maxime Huscenot (FRA).

For more information, please visit www.WorldSurfLeague.com or download the WSL app to receive updates on your mobile device and watch LIVE action. Fans can also tune into Spectrum SURF Channel, which will televise the 2017 Vans Triple Crown events LIVE and in replay on digital channels 250 SD and 1250 HD, across the state of Hawaii. 

The Vans Triple Crown of Surfing runs from November 12 – December 20 and features three events along the North Shore of Oahu; the Hawaiian Pro, from November 12 – 24, which saw the first Brazilian winner, Filipe Toledo, take out the competition on November 20; the Vans World Cup from November 25 – December 6; and the Billabong Pipe Masters from December 8 – 20, which is also the culminating event of the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT). 
 
RESULTS
Surfers shown in order of 1st through 4th

Round of 64 (1st and 2nd advance, 3rd = 33rd place, 4th = 49th place)
H1: Matt Wilkinson (AUS), Wade Carmichael (AUS), Evan Geiselman (USA), Luel Felipe (BRA)

Round of 96 (1st and 2nd advance, 3rd = 65th place, 4th = 81st place)
H3: Benji Brand (HAW), Miguel Tudela (PER), Billy Kemper (HAW), Josh Kerr (AUS)
H4: Davey Cathels (AUS), Dion Atkinson (AUS), Carlos Munoz (CRI), Hizunome Bettero (BRA)
H5: Bino Lopes (BRA), Jackson Baker (AUS), Torrey Meister (HAW), Flavio Nakagima (BRA)
H6: Ethan Ewing (AUS), Logan Bediamol (HAW), Gony Zubizarreta (ESP), Olamana Eleogram (HAW)
H7: Jorgann Couzinet (FRA), Makai McNamara (HAW), Thiago Camarao (BRA), Cam Richards (USA)
H8: Alex Ribeiro (BRA), Brett Simpson (USA), Jordy Collins (USA), Peterson Crisanto (BRA)
H9: Cody Young (HAW), Adam Melling (AUS), Deivid Silva (BRA), Victor Bernardo (BRA)
H10: Noe Mar McGonagle (CRI), Michael February (ZAF), Koa Smith (HAW), Mihimana Braye (PYF)
H11: Michael Rodrigues (BRA), Aritz Aranburu (ESP), Ian Crane (USA), Kaimana Jaquias (HAW)
H12: Imaikalani deVault (HAW), Vasco Ribeiro (PRT), Mikey Wright (AUS), Kaito Kino (HAW)
H13: Ramzi Boukhiam (MAR), David Van Zyl (ZAF), Cooper Chapman (AUS), Rafael Teixeira (BRA)
H14: Marc Lacomare (FRA), Lucas Silveira (BRA), Leandro Usuna (ARG), Dusty Payne (HAW)
H15: Evan Valiere (HAW), Barron Mamiya (HAW), Alejo Muniz (BRA), Marco Giorgi (URY)
H16: Mitch Coleborn (AUS), Kiron Jabour (HAW), Finn McGill (HAW), Hiroto Ohhara (JPN)
 
About Vans
Vans^®, a VF Corporation (NYSE: VFC) brand, is the original action sports footwear, apparel and accessories brand. Vans authentic collections are sold globally in more than 75 countries through a network of subsidiaries, distributors and international offices. Vans also owns and operates nearly 600 retail locations around the world. The Vans brand promotes the action sports lifestyle, youth culture and creative self-expression through the support of athletes, musicians and artists and through progressive events and platforms such as the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing^®, the Vans U.S. Open of Surfing, Vans Pool Party, Vans Custom Culture, Vans Warped Tour^®, and Vans’ cultural hub and international music venue, the House of Vans.


Aloha!

Lauren Rolland
WSL Hawaii/Tahiti Nui
Media and Communications Manager

VANS WORLD CUP DEBUTS IN CLASSIC SUNSET CONDITIONS, LOCALS DOMINATE ROUND ONE
- BREAKOUT PERFORMANCE BY MAUI'S LOGAN BEDIAMOL 
- STRONGEST FIELD OF VANS TRIPLE CROWN ROOKIE CONTENDERS IN 35 YEARS
- DEFENDING VANS TRIPLE CROWN WINNER JOHN JOHN FLORENCE WITHDRAWS FROM SUNSET TO FOCUS ON PIPE MASTERS 

Caption:  Logan Bediamol (HAW) stalls for a picture-perfect barrel and secures the highest wave score of the day, a 9.43.
Image: WSL / Freesurf / Heff

HALEIWA, Oahu/Hawaii – (Wednesday, November 29, 2017) -- Opening day of the Vans World Cup, the final stop on the World Surf League (WSL) Qualifying Series (QS) and most important event in the qualification story for the 2018 Championship Tour (CT), delivered true Sunset conditions today with wave face heights occasionally topping out at 20-feet. The day's biggest performances came from Hawaii, particularly the three youngest competitors in the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, Logan Bediamol (Haiku, Maui), Barron Mamiya (North Shore, Oahu) and Finn McGill (North Shore, Oahu), all only 17 years of age.

Bediamol and Mamiya help make up the rookie class of 19 surfers, which represents the strongest field in the 35-year history of the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing (VTCS). 

In Heat 6, Bediamol showed incredible control with a combination of turns and a calculated stall to navigate a deep barrel on the second wave of the set. He earned the first highest single wave score of the day, a 9.43 for the ride and ultimately the heat win ahead of Jackson Baker (AUS).

Bediamol takes a lead on the VTCS Rookie Award along with Mamiya after today’s performances. The confidence boost comes after a challenging start to the season for Bediamol, but after a third place finish at the Turtle Bay Resort Pro Junior in October and a breakout performance today at Sunset, he is eager to find more solid results.


Logan Bediamol blasted out of the barrel for a 9.43 and a slot into Round 2. Image: WSL/Freesurf/Heff

“I’m super excited, I really want to do well,” commented Bediamol. “I grew up watching this event on TV at home on Maui. It's always been a dream of mine just to be in the comp so to be able to surf and make heats, it's so cool… I figured this winter season will hopefully be one of my better ones. Coming into the Vans World Cup I was so stoked to even just be here.”
 
With another year left to compete against Hawaii’s top 18 and under, Bediamol will stay tuned into the WSL Hawaii/Tahiti Nui regional junior events for 2018.

"I'm going to be 18 so it will be my last amateur year, I'm going to focus on finishing out strong though the Pro Juniors and the amateur events,” he continued. “I’ll be doing QS's on the side but still the main focus is on the amateur stuff.”
 
After a morning of big, consistent surf, the competition fired up even more when Dusty Payne (HAW) catapulted from fourth to first in Heat 14 after tying Bediamol for another near-perfect 9.43 score with less than 30 seconds left on the clock. Anticipation built after Payne dropped into the wave in the dying moments of the heat, needing something excellent to knock out Sunset regular Mason Ho (HAW) and advance. The Maui surfer set up with two powerful turns then pulled in for an overhead barrel and found the exit to explosive cheers on the beach.


A come-from-behind performance is the new norm for Dusty Payne. Image: WSL/Freesurf/Keoki

“When you need a score you have to claim it,” Payne laughed during his post-heat interview. “I got lucky, I just wish Mason (Ho) was winning the heat and we could have gone 1 and 2, but that's competitive surfing, sucks when you have to surf with your friends in heats. I just got lucky that wave came in. Sometimes it's better to be lucky than good and I was pretty fortunate that one showed up.” 
 
Big wave standout Billy Kemper (HAW) scored two solid waves - a 6.50 and 6.33 - in Round One Heat 3 with dynamic surfing and a confident approach in the lineup to earn a slot in Round Two. A 2x Pe‘ahi Challenge winner, Kemper is building his legendary status in the big wave arena and demonstrated his powerful style in the extra-large surf today.
 
"I mean, just free surfing Sunset is stressful, but it was definitely fun out there,” said Kemper post-heat. “I woke up this morning and saw what was at hand and I was very stoked, it looks like we have a few days of incredible surf. To surf in your backyard at 10ft. Sunset with three other guys out is somewhat of a blessing so I'm just kind of having fun and taking it heat by heat." 

Torrey Meister (HAW) was the first to put a 9-point ride on the scoreboard after he pulled into one of the best barrels of the day on the inside bowl, bringing beach fans to their feet as the day continued to deliver all-time conditions. The Big Island surfer finaled at the Vans World Cup last year and looks in fine form to advance to the podium again.


All eyes locked on Sunset and performances like this, Torrey Meister's 9.00 ride. Image: WSL/Freesurf/Heff

“I just enjoy surfing this place and you know, I've had a pretty rough year competing and it just feels so good to end it here,” commented Meister. “I feel really comfortable out here and I always enjoy myself. Sunset is all about doing homework, when you enjoy your homework you get good results usually, I enjoy this place.”

Jordy Collins (USA) has been back and forth between home and Hawaii after he competed in the Hawaiian Pro earlier this month then earned a fifth place finish in the Pismo Beach Open to become the North America Men’s QS Regional Champion. Collins is one of the handful of rookie VTCS surfers that remain in contention and could easily add another title to his stellar year after proving his dedication to the competition.  

John John Florence (HAW), 25, reigning WSL Champion and defending Vans Triple Crown winner, has withdrawn from the Vans World Cup of Surfing, opting to focus his energy on the year-end WSL Title showdown at the Billabong Pipe Masters in Memory of Andy Irons.

“I have decided to pull out of the Sunset Beach Triple Crown event," Florence said. "It was a difficult decision for me. As much as I enjoy competing at home, I want to fully prepare for and focus on the Pipe Masters.”

Florence is leading a four-pack of contenders for the 2017 WSL Title that includes Gabriel Medina (BRA), 23, Julian Wilson (AUS), 29, and Jordy Smith (ZAF), 29, heading into the final event of the season from December 8 - 20, 2017.

Contest organizers are confident competition will resume at 8am tomorrow morning; first in the water will be Round Two Heat 3 which features Josh Kerr (AUS), Miguel Tudela (PER), Billy Kemper (HAW) and Benji Brand (HAW). For more information, please visit www.WorldSurfLeague.com or download the WSL app to receive updates on your mobile device and watch LIVE action. Fans can also tune into Spectrum SURF Channel, which will televise the 2017 Vans Triple Crown events LIVE and in replay on digital channels 250 SD and 1250 HD, across the state of Hawaii. 

The Vans Triple Crown of Surfing runs from November 12 – December 20 and features three events along the North Shore of Oahu; the Hawaiian Pro, from November 12 – 24, which saw the first Brazilian winner, Filipe Toledo, take out the competition on November 20; the Vans World Cup from November 25 – December 6; and the Billabong Pipe Masters from December 8 – 20, which is also the culminating event of the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT). 

RESULTS
Surfers shown in order of 1st through 4th

Round of 96 (1st and 2nd advance, 3rd = 65th place, 4th = 81st place)
H1: Evan Geiselman (USA), Maxime Huscenot (FRA), Elijah Gates (HAW), Nat Young (USA)
H2: Raoni Monteiro (BRA), Felipe Luel (BRA), Soli Bailey (AUS), Ricardo Christie (NZL)

Round of 128 (1st and 2nd advance, 3rd = 97th place, 4th = 113th place)
H1: Elijah Gates (HAW), Luel Felipe (BRA), Tanner Hendrickson (HAW), O’Neill Massin (PYF)
H2: Raoni Monteiro (BRA), Maxime Huscenot (FRA), David do Carmo (BRA), Makuakai Rothman (HAW)
H3: Billy Kemper (HAW), Hizunome Bettero (BRA), Jacob Wilcox (AUS), Shayden Pacarro (HAW)
H4: Dion Atkinson (AUS), Benji Brand (HAW), Shane Campbell (AUS), Keoni Yan (HAW)
H5: Torrey Meister (HAW), Olamana Eleogram (HAW), Oney Anwar (IDN), Tomas Tudela (PER)
H6: Logan Bediamol (HAW), Jackson Baker (AUS), Tanner Gudauskas (USA), Timothee Bisso (FRA)
H7: Cam Richards (USA), Jordy Collins (USA), Makana Eleogram (HAW), Tomas King (CRI)
H8: Brett Simpson (USA), Makai McNamara (HAW), Kalani Ball (AUS), Ariihoe Tefaafana (PYF)
H9: Cody Young (HAW), Koa Smith (HAW), Marco Fernandez (BRA), Heremoana Luciani (PYF)
H10: Mihimana Braye (PYF), Victor Bernardo (BRA), Lliam Mortensen (AUS), Tereva David (PYF)
H11: Aritz Aranburu (ESP), Imaikalani deVault (HAW), Mateus Herdy (BRA), Kekoa Cazimero (HAW)
H12: Kaito Kino (HAW), Kaimana Jaquias (HAW), Parker Coffin (USA), Hiroto Arai (JPN)
H13: Rafael Teixeira (BRA), Lucas Silveira (BRA), Dylan Goodale (HAW), Luke Shepardson (HAW)
H14: Dusty Payne (HAW), David Van Zyl (ZAF), Mason Ho (HAW), Taumata Puhetini (PYF)
H15: Evan Valiere (HAW), Mitch Coleborn (AUS), Michael Dunphy (USA), Lucca Mesinas Novaro (PER)
H16: Finn McGill (HAW), Barron Mamiya (HAW), Seth Moniz (HAW), Mitch Crews (AUS)
 
About Vans
Vans^®, a VF Corporation (NYSE: VFC) brand, is the original action sports footwear, apparel and accessories brand. Vans authentic collections are sold globally in more than 75 countries through a network of subsidiaries, distributors and international offices. Vans also owns and operates nearly 600 retail locations around the world. The Vans brand promotes the action sports lifestyle, youth culture and creative self-expression through the support of athletes, musicians and artists and through progressive events and platforms such as the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing^®, the Vans U.S. Open of Surfing, Vans Pool Party, Vans Custom Culture, Vans Warped Tour^®, and Vans’ cultural hub and international music venue, the House of Vans.


Aloha!

Lauren Rolland
WSL Hawaii/Tahiti Nui
Media and Communications Manager

FILIPE TOLEDO FIRST BRAZILIAN WINNER AT HAWAIIAN PRO,TAKES LEAD ON
VANS TRIPLE CROWN TITLE
- RUNNER-UP GRIFFIN COLAPINTO QUALIFIES FOR 2018 CHAMPIONSHIP TOUR
- VANS WORLD CUP BEGINS SATURDAY AT SUNSET BEACH

Caption: 2017 Hawaiian Pro finalists: Filipe Toledo (1st), Griffin Colapinto (2nd), Wiggolly Dantas (3rd) and Michel Bourez (4th). Image: WSL / Freesurf / Keoki

HALEIWA, Oahu/Hawaii – (Monday, November 20, 2017) -- Filipe Toledo (BRA)earned a huge victory in Hawaii today and became the first Brazilian to win the Hawaiian Pro, a World Surf League (WSL) Qualifying Series (QS) 10,000 and the first event of the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing on Oahu’s North Shore. Runner up Griffin Colapinto (USA)also had a momentous day and qualified for his inaugural year on the 2018 Championship Tour (CT) after he jumped to the No. 2 spot on the International QS rankings.

The Final ramped up to an unbelievable display of high-performance surfing from Toledo, Colapinto, Wiggolly Dantas (BRA) and 2x Hawaiian Pro winner Michel Bourez (PYF)who earned third and fourth place respectively.


Toledo is chaired up the beach to the awards stage after the Final. Image: WSL/Freesurf/Heff

Bourez opened the Final by pulling into a closeout barrel for a 4.67 to set the scale and elevate the energy on the beach, but Colapinto quickly followed up with his first and best wave of the heat, an 8.17 for a strong carve and powerful finish. Dantas’ backhand looked lethal and the Brazilian had strong waves throughout the 35-minute heat, but Toledo was unstoppable after he landed a lofty 540 rotation on a buckled board.

“It was kind of an average wave and Wiggolly (Dantas) looked at it, he had priority and he didn't like it because it was kind of a close out wave,” commented Toledo. “Once I hit the lip and I felt my board was broken, I heard like a really crazy noise and I was like, ‘No!’ and did the whole rotation and landed on the foam. I was just super scared my board would be separated but thank God the board was pretty solid still and I could land that air.”


Air game on point, despite Filipe Toledo's broken board. Image: WSL/Freesurf/Heff

Incredibly in-tune with his equipment and displaying impeccable wave knowledge, Toledo earned an 8.87 on the air and ultimately the win; no surfer could pull past his combined heat score of 16.54, one of the highest of the day and entire event.

“It feels amazing, it feels really amazing,” continued Toledo. “I got runner up in 2015 and I felt that little taste of the victory. I already qualified for the World Tour so I've been super relaxed. I stuck to my game with my strategy and I did what I needed to do and thank God for these wave and these airs, it was really fun.”

Colapinto had an all-out approach throughout the event and lost to Toledo by less than a point. The progressive athlete from San Clemente was the first to drop an excellent score in the Final, an 8.17, but couldn’t land his air 360 in the dying seconds of the heat for a back-up score to pull ahead.


Colapinto takes the highest score of the event, a 9.77 ahead of Cam Richard's 9.33 on Day 2. Image: WSL/Freesurf/Keoki

Aside from placing second and qualifying for the CT, the 19-year-old also made a huge impression after nailing the highest single wave score of the day, a 9.77, in the first Quarterfinal for a blow tail reverse on the end section, which absolutely wowed the beach crowd.

“This will give me a lot of confidence, especially since I'm going to be on tour next year, beating guys like that on tour,” said Colapinto of his fellow finalists.

“I'm lost for words almost, I don't know, I've gone through so much hard work, so much hard work with my parents,” he said after realizing his ultimate goal of CT qualification. “My parents have invested so much time in me and I have to thank them a lot because we committed when I was 15. I also set goals. I think when I was 16 I said, ‘Alright I want to be in the 6,000's by the time I'm 16, and by the time I'm 17 I want to be in the 10,000's, and by the time I’m 19 I want to qualify.’ So, I've nailed my goals on the spot, I'm so proud of that.”

Although Toledo takes an early lead on the Vans Triple Crown title, he will be sitting the Vans World Cup out, which leaves the door open for Colapinto, Dantas and Bourez to earn their first title on hallowed grounds.

Another CT qualification story unfolded today as Tomas Hermes (BRA) earned a place among the new progressive roster of names after a Quarterfinal finish.


Hermes adds to next year's talented wave of progressive surfers on the WSL CT. Image: WSL/Freesurf/Heff

“It's not a dream, I think I live the dream every day,” said Hermes. “It's not a dream to qualify, it's like a job. I just want to say a lot of thanks to so many people, my family, Vans. I believe in me, my creator, my wife, she is with me a lot. She doesn’t care about anything, wakes up early with me, is my wife, best friend, coach. Especially because of her I am here.” 

Current World Champion and 2016 Hawaiian Pro winner John John Florence (HAW)suffered a disappointing departure after he was pushed out of the competition in the second Quarterfinal. Good friend and fellow North Shore standout Kiron Jabour (HAW)went against Florence after advancing through three days of competition from Round 1, but also fell short to eventual finalist Dantas and Kolohe Andino (USA).

Florence will maintain focus heading into the Vans World Cup and still eyes a fourth Vans Triple Crown title.


Florence heads out for Round 4 and keeps his head in the game. Image: WSL/Freesurf/Heff

“I'm always super motivated by the Triple Crown for sure,” said Florence. “I think this year my heads a little more at Pipe, focusing for Pipe and getting ready for that. These two events are really fun warm up events to kind of get back into that heat structure. Been a little while since Europe.”

The WSL QS and Vans Triple Crown of Surfing now heads to the heavy water spot of Sunset Beach for the Vans World Cup, which has a holding period of November 25 – December 6. With energy headed to Hawaii, the forecast looks good for a solid start to Event No. 2 of the 35th Annual Vans Triple Crown.

“There is a series of N-NW swells lining up for the event holding period and good surf looks promising for the Vans World Cup,” said WSL Hawaii/Tahiti Nui Tour Manager and Vans Triple Crown Event Director. For more information, please visit www.worldsurfleague.com or download the WSL app to receive updates on your mobile device and watch LIVE action. Fans can also tune into Spectrum SURF Channel, which will televise the 2017 Vans Triple Crown events LIVE and in replay on digital channels 250 SD and 1250 HD, across the state of Hawaii. 

JOHN JOHN FLORENCE HEADLINES
35TH ANNUAL VANS TRIPLE CROWN OF SURFING 
- WORLD TITLE TO BE DECIDED IN HAWAII
- OVER 80 PERCENT OF CT ATHLETES CONFIRMED FOR HAWAIIAN PRO 

Caption: Florence will return to Haleiwa to defend his Hawaiian Pro title and hunt for a fourth Vans Triple Crown victory. Image: WSL / Freesurf / Heff

HALEIWA, Oahu/Hawaii – (Monday, November 6, 2017) -- For 35 years, the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing has been sharing and celebrating one of the most significant sporting series in the world. The Hawaiian Pro, the Vans World Cup of Surfing, and the Billabong Pipe Masters make up the three-event series that crowns the World Surf League (WSL) Champion, determines the new WSL Championship Tour (CT) roster and names the best professional surfer of the Hawaiian winter season in dramatic fashion. This year, the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing (VTCS), which takes place November 12 – December 20, will bring one of the tightest World Title races in recent history to the North Shore of Oahu.

All four title contenders – John John Florence (HAW), Gabriel Medina (BRA), Jordy Smith (ZAF) and Julian Wilson (AUS) are confirmed to compete in one or more events in the VTCS. These top professional athletes represent a geographically diverse scale of surfing’s global reach and its infiltration into mainstream big-league sports, with four different countries characterized in the World Title race.

Heading into Hawaii, Florence holds the no. 1 spot on the Jeep Leaderboard rankings, but with only 3,100 points separating he and Medina, the competition will be intense as Florence fights to defend his 2016 World Title at his home break.


Florence will wear the yellow Jeep Leader jersey heading into the Hawaiian Pro, event No. 1 of the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing. Image: WSL/Masurel

“I'm really excited to go surf Pipe and hopefully we get some good waves,” commented Florence after his Quarterfinal loss at the MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal in October. “If I win at home it will be even more meaningful."

The VTCS encompasses three different and equally storied wave venues along seven miles of hallowed coastline – Haleiwa Ali‘i Beach, Sunset Beach and Pipeline, the latter being Florence’s literal backyard. The first gem of the series, the Hawaiian Pro at Haleiwa, begins November 12 – 24 and will showcase a mix of 128 local and international athletes including Florence, who will look to back up his 2016 Hawaiian Pro victory and warm up for the winter season at home.

A win at the Hawaiian Pro is a strong indicator – approximately 30 percent – that the victor will go on to claim the VTCS title. Ten surfers have secured the series win after finding success at Haleiwa including Hawaii athletes Florence, Sebastian Zietz, the late Andy Irons, Sunny Garcia and Kaipo Jaquias. The wave at Haleiwa is the best venue of the three for progressive surfing and with 26 of the CT’s top 32 athletes confirmed to compete, the Hawaiian Pro will serve up a sensational kick-off to the celebrated series.

The VTCS boasts a combined prize purse of more than one million dollars across all three events with a hefty $50,000 going to the surfer who wins the series title. Hawaii athletes have dominated the North Shore’s competitive surf season and in 35 years, 60 percent of VTCS champions have hailed from the “Aloha State”. However, each year the competition gets fiercer and there are plenty of shake-ups to elevate the drama of qualification for both the Qualifying Series (QS) and CT.
 

11x World Champion Kelly Slater helps the compostable cause at last year's Vans World Cup. Image: WSL/Chlala

Alongside the competition, the VTCS has championed community-conscious activations, Hawaii’s most sustainable event program and 35 years of heritage that has shaped a thriving cultural breeding ground. Interlacing creative self-expression through action sports, art and music, Vans – one of the industry’s original surf/skate lifestyle brands – has remained steadfast in promoting authenticity.

“Witnessing the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing evolve into the community it is today has been a great pleasure for me, my family and for Vans,” said Steve Van Doren, Vans Vice President of Events and Promotions. “Generations of surfers, fans, artists and visitors worldwide have cherished the North Shore, forever inspired by a heritage of surfing that inspires true creativity beyond the shoreline. I couldn’t be happier to once again join such a passionate community of people to celebrate this special moment in history!”

Sustainable living is a prominent trademark of the North Shore community and new to the program this year is a partnership with Hydro Flask, the official water bottle and drinkware sponsor of the WSL CT, which will reinforce the full-scope waste management program and help keep single use plastics off the beach.


Hydro Flask will be activating onsite this Vans Triple Crown season, including at Halewa Ali'i Beach for the Hawaiian Pro. Image: WSL/Freesurf/Heff

"Hydro Flask was built on the premise of creating high functioning products that last a lifetime, helping to eliminate single use products as a result,” said Yiorgos Makris, Hydro Flask Marketing Director. “The mission of the WSL and Vans Triple Crown of Surfing to create a truly sustainable event in an effort to minimize environmental impact and maximize community is spot on with our brand. We’re proud to further this mission on the North Shore.” 

In times of change and evolution, the VTCS can be recognized as a steadfast series that celebrates culture, heritage and professional surfing, all trademarks of Hawaii. WSL and Vans bring awareness of these positive attributes to a global audience to highlight world-class surfing, community inclusiveness, sustainability and relationships.

The VTCS will run on the four biggest and best days of surf within the holding period, determined by Commissioners Travis Logie for the Men’s QS10,000’s and Kieren Perrow for the Men’s CT. Visit WorldSurfLeague.com and the WSL app for the official call and LIVE action, or tune into Spectrum SURF Channel, which will televise the 2017 Vans Triple Crown events LIVE and in replay on digital channels 250 SD and 1250 HD, across the state of Hawaii.  

 
About Vans
Vans^®, a VF Corporation (NYSE: VFC) brand, is the original action sports footwear, apparel and accessories brand. Vans authentic collections are sold globally in more than 75 countries through a network of subsidiaries, distributors and international offices. Vans also owns and operates nearly 600 retail locations around the world. The Vans brand promotes the action sports lifestyle, youth culture and creative self-expression through the support of athletes, musicians and artists and through progressive events and platforms such as the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing^®, the Vans U.S. Open of Surfing, Vans Pool Party, Vans Custom Culture, Vans Warped Tour^®, and Vans’ cultural hub and international music venue, the House of Vans.

Aloha!

Lauren Rolland
WSL Hawaii/Tahiti Nui
Media and Communications Manager