Bet that I know something you don’t. The Triple Crown Winners were announced two days ago. That’s right. You might be wondering how that happened. How did you miss this renowned, honorable affair? What used to be viewed as one of the most prominent awards across the surf sphere, has now transformed into a series of events that does not actually take place. Let me explain.
When COVID took over the world, everything changed. Clearly. The Triple Crown was moved to an online format. Which means every wave is submitted via video. There was about a month-long waiting period to film and get your waves. And you could choose any waves you wanted to enter. The criteria was still kept similar to a regular competition, with a couple of wrinkles thrown in. 2 waves are judged at each location – Pipe, Sunset and Haleiwa – but one ride in total must be on an “alternative craft”. Each “event” was still judged on its own, thus, each “contest” or location still had a winner of their own. And the winner of the Triple Crown would be the culminating leader of all 3 events.
The whole thing has been a bit weird, confusing, and glazed over. Crosby Colapinto won the 2021 “Pipe Masters” – he’s listed on the official Vans Website – and hardly anyone remembered about it until this year’s live “Pipe Masters”. The Pipe Masters was originally in the Triple Crown too, but now that it was a separate event in its own right, I’m not sure what the Pipeline “contest” will be called for the Triple Crown this year. Anyways, the overall winners for the last two years, the digital years, have been repeat champions; John Florence and Carissa Moore. They took out their respective titles in both 2021 and 2022. Carissa did it last year by winning all 3 of the individual events. John won Sunset and Haleiwa, but fell short to Crosby and Billy Kemper at Pipe.
This year, although Ethan Ewing won 2 events (Haleiwa & Sunset), he finished 4th overall. Not quite sure how that one works out, but take that as you will.
The Men’s Triple Crown winner didn’t actually win an event. Nonetheless, Finn McGill was given the trophy this year. Congrats.
The Women’s Triple Crown winner only won the Sunset event. She is now holding on to a 3-peat; The Champ, Carissa Moore. Congratulations.
Even with the digital aspect, 3 in a row is impressive. Hoorah’s all around. Your 2023 Triple Crown Champions. Can’t wait for next year.
-hwilsin