kgh8m

We're planning to be on Oahu during the 2008 Triple Crown of Surfing. I'd love to watch a bit of pro surfing (if the waves and weather are favorable).

Do you just show up at the beach if the event is on for the day? The official site shows no indication of tickets of any sort.

Also, for a couple of 30-year old squares , are we better off avoiding the North Shore around this time? Will it simply be too crowded to be enjoyable otherwise? We're going to be there around the end of the "first" crown and the beginning of the "second".
Thanks!

MelissaHI

If I recall, there are no tickets needed for the surf meets. However, it IS really crowded. I once made the mistake of driving out to Waimea Bay when a surf meet was on and traffic was out of control! Not to mention, there's no infrastructure out there to handle the parking needs so there are cars parked willy-nilly all over the place.

Hard for me to say if it will be too crowded for you to enjoy, though. If you have the time, it IS something to see.....

joeyi

we went last Dec for the Pipeline Masters. You do not have to purchase tickets these events are free for the public to watch. Probably the only pro sports event that are free. The Pipeline masters is a good one to watch as the break is close to the beach so the viewing is really good.

Yes, just show up at the beach, they post if the event will be held that day early in the morning, it all depends on the surf conditions. the conditions were actually pretty poor last year but they had the contest anyhow. My husband was very disappointed in the surf.

yes it will be very crowded. will you have a rent a car?? if you plan to attend i would say go very early or stay on the north shore for a few days, we rented a house for the week so we could just walk to the contest each day. Like MelissaHI said the parking is kind of crazy and cars are everywhere. I know there is a bus that goes to the north shore so that would be another option if you didn't want to drive, but since i've never taken it i can't tell you how long it takes to get there.

we are 50 year old squares, but my husband has surfed forever and it had always been his dream to see the pipeline masters. So i think you 30 year olds could probably handle it. And if you have any favorite surfers you will get a chance to see them up close and possibly even talk with them.

kgh8m

Thanks!
I assume if the first crown runs from Nov. 12-23, and the second crown runs from Nov. 24-Dec. 6, we're better off going on the 24th or 25th, because the 23rd would likely be a final meet - drawing more of a crowd.

I'm also assuming Turtle Bay Resort might best be avoided around this time, with a day trip to the North Shore instead?

Thanks!

kona514

I was on Oahu last December. I always stay at the JW Marriott and drive up to the North Shore. Last year was awesome because the waves were very very big because of the Pineapple Express that came through. Although the effects of the storm were damaging and part of the surfing championship was postponed, it was a sight to see.
Lot's of surfers, cool vibe, beautiful beaches.
I suggest parking your car and stopping at Ted's Bakery for some pie.
I leave in 41 days for Oahu.....
Paradise on Earth
K

dusty56438

"I assume if the first crown runs from Nov. 12-23, and the second crown runs from Nov. 24-Dec. 6, we're better off going on the 24th or 25th, because the 23rd would likely be a final meet - drawing more of a crowd."

There is 10-12 day period for each meet.

The actual meet runs 3-4 days.

The surf has to meet certain conditions (high enough, but not too high & not too choppy, etc.)

So the meet may actually be held on any 3 of the days & they don't have to be consecutive days.

Each morning, the meet officials will make a decision whether the meet is on that day.

So the meet could be over in the first 3-4 days. Or it could be over several days before the end of the holding period.

This site can explain it further.

www.triplecrownofsurfing.com

Check the local whether reports the night before you plan to go & early in the morning that you plan to go to see if the meet is on.

You can always park a couple of beaches away & walk to the meet.

gyppielou

this is why I have a secret crush on dusty!!!

dusty56438

Here is an excellent site with updated daily surf info including photos & surf reports.

http://hawaiianwatershots.com/

kgh8m

Dusty - Thanks very much for the explanation. So, we'll go and see what we see!

Thanks to all!

dusty56438

"this is why I have a secret crush on dusty!!!"

With a 60 year old, balding fat guy?

beachbum

Thanks for asking the question, kgh8m. Since it's been answered, if I can hijack the thread....

My wife and I will have a free day on either side of the Honolulu Marathon, which is scheduled during the dates for the Pipeline Masters. Would love to see the competition, but don't want to deal with the logistics. So, the question; how badly will other north shore traffic be impacted if they're surfing either or both of those days? And can anyone suggest a nice beach, hopefully with decent snorkeling, away from the surfing beaches? We're trying to decide what to do with those days, and neither of us is much into sightseeing, unless it's through the lens of a snorkel mask or camera. Thanks.

dusty56438

It will be crowded on the weekend. So you are better off waiting until the day after the marathon.

But, if watching a surf meet is a high priority and it is being held on the Saturday before the marathon, you ought to go then as it may not be held on the Monday.

Hanauma Bay is a good place for snorkeling. However it can get somewhat crowded there. Best if you go really early like 7am to avoid the crowd. Or wait until 2pm when most have left.

gyppielou

""this is why I have a secret crush on dusty!!!"

With a 60 year old, balding fat guy?"

Helpful, informative and kind are the new sexy!!!

MelissaHI

gyppie: Kinda like the hot professor???

dusty56438

"With a 60 year old, balding fat guy?"

I know that six pack abs are the "in thing" right now. Forget the six pack, my abs are like a keg.