The Grand Finale

Wow!  10,000 people showed up for the last surfing contest in the 2012 Triple Crown----the Pipe Masters.  The waves were pretty good, but not spectacular.  The crowds loved the beach, the warm sand, and all the hubbub.

Get out Your Camera

If you missed the contest this year, you can always come back in 2013 and try your luck at winning a prize by taking a great photo.

The Best Perch of All

Most of the kids you see on the second story of this judge's tower ride for surf companies.  They are sponsored at a young age and groomed to become professional surfers. The top floor houses the contest judges.  That's Clay Everline holding me.  He's an old friend and one of the doctors on staff for the Pipe Masters.  Good he's here-----serious injuries can be sustained riding that wave!

And Behind the Scenes...........

Now I'm in the back of the judge's tower.  Everyone  was making a big fuss over that blue surfboard because Gerry Lopez, Mr. Pipeline, shaped it and it's going to the winner of the contest.  Gerry is an oldtime big wave rider and super famous.  Those three young girls ogling the board are sponsored surfers for Billabong.

"The" Board

Wendy, the women's coach for Billabong, was kind enough to let me take her picture with the Gerry Lopez surfboard.  I must admit, it's one of the prettiest boards I've ever seen.  I wonder how it will catch waves?  The deck has a photo of Andy Irons paddling out at Pipeline.

Just In

This photographer was rinsing off in one of the many North Shore outside showers.  He had just finished shooting the Pipe Masters.  The Triple Crown of Surfing rents this house all year long and has it wired for mega transmission for the contest.  Now, remember, it's December, and most other people in the world are wearing mittens and caps.  Lucky I live Hawaii!  (If you know this photographer's name, please leave me a message.  I forgot it.  Naughty dog.)

My Pal from Japan

Tosh Omi runs the Association of Surfing Professionals in the Far East.  He's in charge of all the ASP events there.  He is also manufacturing my clothing and beach line and Rex the Surf Dog pups in Japan.  Whoopee---I'm going international!  Tosh was at the contest announcing and translating to all those viewers back home who only speak Japanese.  In the 80's he was competing on the world surfing tour.

Occy---Commentator and Interviewer

Mark Occhilupo is a famous Australian surfer who competed in the world tour and won the title in 1999.  Now he's reporting and keeping fans abreast of the minute by minute status of the challengers in the water as a presenter on FuelTV in Australia.  He also interviews them after they compete.  Hmm..........next time maybe he'll interview me.

The Winner-----Joel Parkinson

Parko is the 2012 ASP World Champion.  What do you think of his trophy?  Pretty impressive if you ask me.

Google his name to find out more about this surfer from Australia or go to:  www.aspworldtour.com

Vroom, Vroom

Now, how's this for a surfing contest prize-------ask Seabass-------the winner of the 2012 Vans Triple Crown of Surfing.  Sebastian Zeitz is from a well-known surfing family on the island of Kauai.  He took home this Harley, along with a $10,000 Nixon watch and $100,000 in prize money!!  Yikes, that's a lot of cash!

Seabass said he's taking his winnings and looking to put some money down on a piece of property on the Garden Isle of Kaua'i.

Beginning the Season.......

There are many events scheduled on the North Shore starting in November because the circus has come to town.  Not really "the circus", but the final contests of the world tour of surfing.  This one at Waimea Valley was the first I attended.  I always support the Surfrider Foundation benefit; this organization keeps the waves protected across the globe.  See more at www.surfrider.org

He's in Charge

Stuart Coleman leads the Surfrider organization in Hawaii.  He's always so personable and ready to have his picture taken with me.  Stuart is also a famous author.  He just released his 10th anniversary edition of Eddie Would Go, a biography of Eddie Aikau, the well-known Hawaiian waterman.

Jack Johnson Pitches In

Jack was at the Surfrider benefit entertaining the crowd.  Because he was raised in this neighborhood and because he's a philanthropist as well as a great musician, he shares his talents to raise awareness of causes. He supports events that support the community here, and around the world.  Hooray for Jack!

The First Friday of Every December

Sunset Beach Elementary is in the heart of the surf mecca of the world.  Situated across Kamehameha Highway from the Pipeline, this charming school has taken advantage of the surf season on the North Shore.  Surf Night, brainchild of former PTCA President, Bev Speece, has been happening for over 20 years and raises thousands of dollars for the school.  It's lots of fun--pro surfers signing posters, raffle prizes, tasty baked goods and homecooked meals like the ones Sophie and her friend are eating.  Here is a link to the 2011 action:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6_uNWg2a-E

Hailing from Australia

Nikki, the blonde, and Lauren are up and coming waveriders from the Land Down Under and are sponsored by a big surfing company called Rip Curl.  They were on the North Shore representing their sponsor and catching as many waves as they could.  Did you notice how many signatures are on that poster?

Mahina Maeda---Surfing to the Top

Mahina went to Sunset Beach Elementary and was one of Mom's students.  She's one of the top young women surfers in the world.  More and more females are taking up this sport every year---it's healthy and fun to ride waves, isn't it girls?  Many former students come back for Surf Night because it's like a family reunion!

The Whole Neighborhood Comes Out

Deni and her daughter, La'e, live at Sunset Beach.  Surf Night is a family affair and it draws a huge crowd.  Hundreds of prizes are raffled off to raise money for the school and the odds of winning are really good.  Make sure to attend this fundraiser if you are on the North Shore the first Friday in December.

Precious Collette

See that little furball in the tote bag?  That's Collette, a sweet, sweet petite pooch who is loved to the hilt by her Mom, Kelly.  Collette goes everywhere------and Surf Night was no exception.  Did you notice the couple behind Kelly?  Old friends meet and greet at this iconic fundraiser.

Everyone Pitches In

Corinna and Crystal are second grade teachers at Sunset Beach Elementary.  This event is supported by the faculty and staff of the school and all are eager to lend a hand to make Surf Night successful.  Aren't their smiles heartwarming------loving teachers make happy students!  Anyone for an oatmeal cookie, a brownie, or how about a popcorn ball?  (Corinna also has a site for teacher materials--Surfin' Through Second--on Facebook.)

My Name in Lights

I love to support events that make my community a better place.  There is something about sharing that makes my heart feel bigger!