Vans Triple Crown of Surfing through the Years

Billabong Pipe Masters, 2008: At only 16, John John was able to beat out ASP-ranked Chris Ward. The final was pretty uneventful, except for one good Backdoor barrel from Kelly Slater which landed him the win, putting an end to his record breaking year on the World Championship Tour. Photo: ASP.

Billabong Pipe Masters, 2008: The swell lined up almost perfectly for contestants early on in the competition. Rain had moved in by the final day, resulting in murkier waters. Kelly Slater was pitted against Chris Ward in the final on a daunting day. Photo: ASP.

Billabong Pipe Masters, 2008: Although Andy Irons was unable to pull out a win, he did get some memorable barrels. Kelly Slater's win at Pipe marked his sixth consecutive victory in the 11 event 2008 ASP World Tour season. Photo: ASP.

Billabong Pipe Masters, 2009: Triple Crown champions Joel Parkinson and Stephanie Gilmore. Taj Burrow also took home a first place after beating Dane Reynolds in the Semifinals and Kelly Slater in the Final. Burrow earned a 7.0 in his opening ride with a series of loose airs and carves – the highest score recorded for a turn at Pipe since Tom Carroll in 1991. Photo: ASP.

Reef Hawaiian Pro, Haleiwa, 2011: Taj Burrow is the 2011 Reef Hawaiian Pro Champion, but not before Josh Kerr pulled off some impressive airs. Kerr received one of the highest wave scores with a 9.70 in the first heat. Photo: ASP.

Billabong Pipe Masters in Memory of Andy Irons, 2011: Pipe delivered with 10-12-foot sets the first couple days of the competition. Kieren Perrow was fearless, scoring a perfect 10 at Backdoor during the Semis and eventually beat out Joel Parkinson in the Final. Photo: ASP.

Billabong Pipe Masters in Memory of Andy Irons, 2011: Gabriel Medina was able to silence some of his critics with this ride. 2011 marked some historic Pipe showdowns, especially in the Quarterfinals when John John Florence took on Kelly Slater. The Prince of Pipe took on the then 39-year-old veteran for an intense heat. Kelly Slater won, but he was later eliminated. Photo: ASP.

Billabong Pipe Masters in Memory of Andy Irons, 2011: John John Florence was crowned the youngest champion in history at only 19 years old. Going against Kelly Slater anywhere is no easy feat. John John scored a 9.7 bomb during his heat with Slater, which Slater beat with a 9.7 and 7.83. Alas, no luck for the young 'un. Photo: ASP.

Reef Hawaiian Pro, Haleiwa, 2012: Gavin Gillette is a veteran of Ali'i Beach Park and it showed. Gillette was eliminated during Heat 8 against Jadson Andre, Perth Standlick and Gabriel Medina. Although his scores probably weren't exactly what he had hoped, Gillette was able to rack up some high scoring waves. Just not enough. Photo: ASP.

Reef Hawaiian Pro, Haleiwa, 2012: Although conditions weren't ideal towards the end of the competition, Dane Reynolds still tried to make the most of it but was unable to advance through his heat against John John Florence and Dusty Payne. Ali'i Beach, home to the Reef Hawaiian Pro, is known for its hollow rights, rippable sections and powerful closeouts. Photo: ASP.

Reef Hawaiian Pro, Haleiwa, 2012: Legend Kaipo Jaquias won the event in 1996 and 1998. Kauai's Sebastian Zietz ended up taking home the trophy, marking his first major win of his five-year pro surfing career and qualified for the 2013 ASP World Tour. Zietz gained insane momentum through the event, which helped him during the final against John John Florence. Photo: ASP.

Vans World Cup of Surfing at Sunset Beach, 2012: A rise in swell resulted in a late session at Sunset Beach. This has become one of the most anticipated events due to its open ocean feel. It's a test of surfers strength, skill, stamina and courage. Sunset showcases the force of Mother Nature and usually prompts some intense showdowns. Australian Adam Melling won last year, solidifying his spot on the 2013 ASP World Tour. Photo: ASP.

Billabong Pipe Masters, 2012: The surfing gods smiled on Sebastian Zietz last year when he stood tall at Backdoor. His run at Pipe ended the world title hopes of John John Florence. Photo: ASP.

Billabong Pipe Masters, 2012: Zietz finished off the year with the coveted win of the $100,000 Triple Crown title. Sunny Garcia still holds the record for the most Triple Crown titles ever – with a total of six. Joel Parkinson follows Garcia with three consecutive Triple Crowns. Photo: ASP.

Billabong Pipe Masters, 2012: With the Reef Hawaiian Pro kicking off this week, the North Shore is seeing their fair share of professional surfing. The surfing series will culminate with a battle between Kelly Slater and Mick Fanning. As previous world champions, both surfers were well aware of the stakes. The Triple Crown weighs heavily on consistency, which both surfers have demonstrated without fail. This year is sure to see some insane surfing as Slater and Fanning battle it out. Photo: ASP.