Vans announced today that Billabong has signed on as the sponsor of the Pipeline Masters for three more years. As we all know the “$340,000 Billabong Pipeline Masters is the third and final jewel of the men’s Vans Triple Crown of Surfing and the longest running professional surfing event in the world”
At a time when even the stalwart surf industry is feeling the effects of global economic rumblings, this new three-year commitment from Billabong is encouraging news. “It goes without saying this iconic event is still the benchmark for professional surfing and we are proud to be associated with the Pipeline masters and all its history,” says Billabong’s VP of Marketing Graham Stapelberg.
If there was one event anyone in the world would want to sponsor, it would probably be this one. Even if the ASP title keeps getting wrapped up in Europe.
VANS TRIPLE CROWN OF SURFING SIGNS BILLABONG AS BILLABONG PIPELINE MASTERS TITLE SPONSOR THROUGH 2012
Billabong Pipeline Masters, December 8-20, North Shore Oahu, Hawaii
Cypress, CA (April 21, 2009) – Vans and Billabong are pleased to announce that Billabong has extended its commitment to the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing through 2012 as title sponsor of the Billabong Pipeline Masters. The $340,000 Billabong Pipeline Masters is the third and final jewel of the men’s Vans Triple Crown of Surfing and the longest running professional surfing event in the world, celebrating 39 years in 2009. It is also the final stop of the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Tour and officially crowns the ASP world champion each year.
At a time when even the stalwart surf industry is feeling the effects of global economic rumblings, this new three-year commitment from Billabong is encouraging news.
“It goes without saying this iconic event is still the benchmark for professional surfing and we are proud to be associated with the Pipeline masters and all its history,” says Billabong’s VP of Marketing Graham Stapelberg.
“Billabong has recognized that support of the Pipeline Masters brings, without a doubt, the most return of any event on the ASP World Tour. They get it! Another three years of sponsorship will help to build this event to unprecedented levels, of which it so deserves,” says Randy Rarick, Executive Director Vans Triple Crown of Surfing.
“Billabong’s re-commitment to the Pipeline Masters points up just why they are an ideal partner because they understand the value and power of one of surfing’s finest traditions,” says Doug Palladini, Vans Vice President, Marketing.
The Vans Triple Crown of Surfing is the world’s premier surfing series, featuring three major professional surfing events at three of the world’s most iconic venues: Haleiwa, Sunset Beach, and Banzai Pipeline, Hawaii. The series showcases the world’s top-ranked surfers in the revered big waves of Oahu’s North Shore and celebrates its 27th season this winter, running from November 12 through December 20.
