5 tips for watching the final day of the Billabong Pipe Masters on the North Shore of Oahu

The Billabong Pipe Masters in Memory of Andy Irons will wrap up competition today crowning an event winner, Vans Triple Crown of Surfing champion and a World champion.

This is the final jewel of the Triple Crown as well as the last contest of World Surf League’s Championship Tour. There have been some amazing performances in heavy surf in the first three days of competition, and there is a lot more on the line for the remaining competitors in the Round of 5 to the final heat. Emotions will be running high at the Pipe Masters so we thought to give you some tips on how and what to watch today.

1. Shuttle there from Turtle Bay

Parking on Kamehameha Highway is a nightmare during the Pipe Masters so we suggest avoiding the search for parking and the subsequent the traffic jams. Instead, head to the Turtle Bay Resort, park there and jump on one of their shuttles that depart at 8:30 and 9:30 a.m. to the contest site for $25 per person. Book your seat on the shuttle here.

2. If you drive, plan to pay for parking

If you’re set on driving to the Pipe Master then pay for parking at one of the houses with signs out front because you will get a ticket and/or towed if you park illegally on Kamehameha Highway.

3. Don’t turn your back to the ocean

Always be mindful of the ocean when on the North Shore. Don’t pose for a picture on the shoreline with the big waves at your back because that is a recipe for disaster. Also it’s not a good idea to let your keiki (kids) swim in the shore break because the current is really strong at Ehukai Beach Park. Another common blunder is when people lie too close to the water’s edge and when a big set of waves comes in the water rushes up the beach, drowning cell phones and other electronic devices. Once again, consult a lifeguard about ocean conditions before setting up your beach towel.

4. Download the World Surf League app

A lot of North Shore locals prefer watching the Pipe Masters on Oceanic Time Warner Cable, the webcast or on the WSL mobile app as opposed to going to Ehukai Beach Park. The broadcasts allow you to see replays of waves and the commentators share insights and give the heats some perspective, which makes for a richer viewing experience. The WSL mobile app can be downloaded for free and if you’re watching Oceanic Time Warner cable the telecast is on channel 250 or 1250.

5. Decide on a surfer to root for

Australian Mick Fanning is in the hunt for his fourth world title at the Pipe Masters, but Brazilians Adriano De Souza and Gabriel Medina are also in contention for the WSL championship as well. Each heat one of these surfers have huge implications for the world title race so it’s going to be heavy. In addition to the already dramatic competition, Fanning found out yesterday that is his brother, Peter, suddenly passed away in Australia on Wednesday night (http://stabmag.com/mick-fannings-brother-dies-on-the-eve-of-the-showdown/#Rteb667kYWty4Pzm.97) so emotions are running high on the final day of the Pipe Masters.