LIVE Webcast of Rip Curl Pro Pipeline Masters

After a sensational finish to the second of the three Vans Triple Crown of Surfing events yesterday where Australian Joel Parkinson stole the show in huge waves at Sunset Beach, anticipation for today’s potential start of the Rip Curl Pro Pipeline Masters is at an all time high.

The event, the last of 11 on the Foster’s ASP World Tour, is one of surfing’s most prestigious and spectacular as surfers risk life and limb to score some of the biggest tube rides of their lives.

And with the world crown having already been in the living room of now eight-time champion Kelly Slater (USA) for some months, his fellow tourers will be fighting like cats and dogs to climb onto the podium and be labelled a Pipe Master – one of biggest honours in the sport.

On a roll after claiming victory in the first Vans Triple Crown of Surfing event in Haleiwa, then riding home in third place in yesterday’s O’Neill World Cup Of Surfing behind Joel Parkinson (AUS) and Jordy Smith (ZAF) is Hawaii’s own Andy Irons who is currently sitting in fifth place on the Foster’s ASP World Tour ratings and atop the Vans Triple Crown point score.

“Coming from Hawaii, everyone always says that the Triple Crown is just as important as the world title,” said Irons. “I love surfing these three events. It’s home. These are the waves that I grew up surfing and I feel really comfortable out there. Since the ASP world title race finished, my focus has been on doing well in here.”

The exciting former three-time world champion loves competing at Pipe and always lifts his performance standards when he tackles the typically powerful Hawaiian waves. “Pipeline is a really special place for me,” said Irons. “I’ve won the Rip Curl Pro Pipe Masters three times and I don’t know, I feel like my surfing has lifted just being in Hawaii already. Just being around all my friends and surfing everyday, I feel like I’m more confident.”

Being the defending champion, Irons knows what it takes to win and over the past few years he’s been a constant force in some incredible battles. “The event has always been high-intensity for me,” said Irons. “It’s where I won the world title over Kelly (Slater) in 2003, and I’ve picked up a few Vans Triple Crowns there.”

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(Source: Surfersvillage Global Surf News)