Reef Sets Its Sights on Haleiwa for 2011 Reef Hawaiian Pro

(San Diego, CA) November 2nd, 2011 – Winter is approaching, ushering in that epic time of year when the world’s elite surfers flock to the North Shore of Oahu for the final showdowns of the 2011 competitive surfing season. The 6-Star Prime Reef Hawaiian Pro, the first gem of the Van’s Triple Crown, will reconvene November 12th-23rd at Ali’i Beach Park in Haleiwa. Besides offering a $145,000 prize purse and valuable end-of-year World Tour ratings points, Reef will also host the 2nd annual Clash of the Legends, presented by Bud Light Lime. All events of the Reef Hawaiian Pro will be webcast live via the ww.vanstriplecrownofsurfing.com site.

The conditions at Haleiwa can be a surfer’s greatest advantage or most brutal obstacle. Local knowledge and experience of the iconic break are keys to success at this spot, made evident with Hawaiians taking home eight of the last eleven titles. Reigning champion, Joel Parkinson (AUS), makes the argument that it’s anyone’s event to win as long as you have the distinct set of skills required to master Haleiwa and the world-class surfers competing here.

In addition to the main event, Reef is proud to bring back a crowd favorite with the second installment of Clash of the Legends: Momentum Generation Edition. Reef has invited Rob Machado, Shane Dorian, Ross Williams, and Kalani Robb, all influential members of Taylor Steele’s breakthrough film Momentum, to take a crack at the $20,000 prize purse. The four competitors will surf three 30-minute heats and compete in a final round prior to the Men’s Reef Hawaiian Pro final to determine the 2011 Clash of the Legends champion.

The Reef Hawaiian Pro is a show of competitive surfing at its highest level, but also an opportunity to glorify the unique aspects of Oahu. This year, Reef has commissioned artist, Erik Abil, to create the 2011 contest artwork with the intent of capturing the raw and natural beauty of Haleiwa. The original piece of art, which will be featured at the Wyland Gallery in Haleiwa, was crafted using salvaged wood, acrylic paint and colored pencils.

For the competitors that place in the final of the Reef Hawaiian Pro, a traditional ukulele, handcrafted by Joe Green, owner of Surf N’ Sea in Haleiwa, will replace a traditional trophy as a gesture of thanks for participating in the 2011 Reef Hawaiian Pro.

Stay connected to all of the latest developments regarding the Reef Hawaiian Pro and Clash of the Legends at www.vanstriplecrownofsurfing.com