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Irvine,
CA – Vans and Billabong today announced that Billabong has signed on as lead
partner and title sponsor of the Pipeline Masters, the legendary 37-year-old event
regarded as the world’s most prestigious surfing contest. 
The
Billabong Pipeline Masters will be the finale to a series of Billabong sponsored
Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Tour events held at the finest
venues around the globe – including Teahupoo, Tahiti; Jeffreys Bay, South
Africa; Mundaka, Spain; and the women’s final event at Honolua Bay, Maui.
“Hawaii
has been and still remains the true testing ground for any professional surfer,”
said Graham Stapelberg VP of Marketing at Billabong USA. “The greatest world
title show downs have all taken place at Pipeline and Billabong is proud to be
part of this rich heritage. “Billabong will now have both
the final Men’s and Women’s World Tour events on the ASP World Tour.” The
2007 Billabong Pipeline Masters caps off the 25th edition of the Vans Triple Crown
of Surfing. As the culmination of the ASP Foster’s Men’s World Tour,
it is possible that the eventual world champion will be decided at the event.
Outside of a world title, the $710,000 Vans Triple Crown is seen as the most coveted
accolade in the sport. 1978 World Surfing Champion and ASP
president Wayne Bartholomew who has both competed at Pipeline and now oversees
the governing body that sanctions the event, summed it up succinctly: “Pipe
is the ultimate arena and the Pipeline Masters the most prestigious title on tour,”
said Bartholomew. “Billabong brings their wealth of event skills to this
North Shore icon, and this partnership personifies the dream tour concept. Billabong
has had a longstanding impact on professional surfing on Hawaii’s North Shore.
During the 1980’s when the pro tour was struggling, the surf company launched
the Billabong Pro to set several new benchmarks. Prize money was lifted to previously
unheard of levels, a mobile venue was utilized between Sunset and Waimea Bay which
eventuated in the largest surf ever seen in ASP competition history. “The
Vans Triple Crown of Surfing couldn’t be prouder than to have a partner such
as Billabong, a true leader in the sport and culture,” said Doug Palladini,
Vans’ Vice President of Marketing. “As we celebrate 25 years of history
and surfing tradition on the North Shore, cementing our partnership with Billabong
only builds on the legacy of the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing.” | 
