Garcia's made a career of displacing vast amounts of water. - WSL / Laurent Masurel
After decades of competing in the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, Hawaiian legend Sunny Garcia, a former World Champion and 6x winner of the prestigious series, says 2016 will be his final run at it. The 47-year-old's big hope is to earn enough points at the Hawaiian Pro and Vans World Cup events to earn a spot in the series' crown jewel, the Billabong Pipeline Masters.
Sunny won his sixth Triple Crown title in 2004. - WSL / Tostee
The Hawaiian Pro begins Saturday at Haleiwa, with a wave-rich forecast that looks promising for Garcia's power game.
Garcia grew up on Oahu's West Side, but groomed his lead-footed approach all over the island, including the renowned Triple Crown venues. To this day, between his powerful approach and wealth of local knowledge, he still poses a major threat to the younger generation who have far less experience navigating the tricky North Shore lineups.
Garcia's rail work in thick North Shore surf is second to none. - WSL / Kelly Cestari
While Garcia's last Triple Crown win came more than a decade ago, physically he's in better shape today than he was in 2004, or even during his title run in 2000. That's because his newest hobby is participating in triathlons, and he's worked himself into incredible shape in preparation for events like Hawaii's world famous Ironman competition.
Garcia's always been known for his competitive fire, so when he hangs up his competitive jersey it's likely he'll be utilizing his legend status and new fondness for fitness in a new role as mentor and coach to Hawaii's next generation.
Sunny Garcia's 2016 Triple Crown Campaign Will Be His Last
WSL
After decades of competing in the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, Hawaiian legend Sunny Garcia, a former World Champion and 6x winner of the prestigious series, says 2016 will be his final run at it. The 47-year-old's big hope is to earn enough points at the Hawaiian Pro and Vans World Cup events to earn a spot in the series' crown jewel, the Billabong Pipeline Masters.
The Hawaiian Pro begins Saturday at Haleiwa, with a wave-rich forecast that looks promising for Garcia's power game.
Garcia grew up on Oahu's West Side, but groomed his lead-footed approach all over the island, including the renowned Triple Crown venues. To this day, between his powerful approach and wealth of local knowledge, he still poses a major threat to the younger generation who have far less experience navigating the tricky North Shore lineups.
While Garcia's last Triple Crown win came more than a decade ago, physically he's in better shape today than he was in 2004, or even during his title run in 2000. That's because his newest hobby is participating in triathlons, and he's worked himself into incredible shape in preparation for events like Hawaii's world famous Ironman competition.
Garcia's always been known for his competitive fire, so when he hangs up his competitive jersey it's likely he'll be utilizing his legend status and new fondness for fitness in a new role as mentor and coach to Hawaii's next generation.
Sunny Garcia
Why, after 35 years, this is still the trophy every surfer wants to own (next to a World Title).
The two legends talk 80's quiver at the Azores Airlines World Masters Championships.
Jake Paterson and Rob Bain dominate on the first day of the World Masters Championships. Next call is tomorrow at 10:45 am. AZOST.
The Azores Airlines World Masters Championships kicks off in Portugal, providing the type of throwback that everyone needed.
This September, an unprecedented roster of former male and female Champs will battle at the Masters and Grand Masters World Titles.
HIC Pro Sunset Beach
The North Shore's royal surfing family grabs another Sunset Beach win.
Check out all three days of action plus the final with Mason Ho's winning 9.0 ride at the HIC Pro.
Mason Ho claimed the event win with a 9.0 barrel while Eli Olson nabbed the Regional Champion title
Mason Ho claimed the win at Sunset with a 9.0 barrel.
Competition heated up as top names advanced in the 15ft surf at Sunset Beach.