While most beginner surfers are taking lessons in small 1-2 foot waves on the North Shore of Oahu, the big boys will be battling it out for the Surfing World Title.  Currently 3 surfers are in contention; Joel Parkinson, Mick Fanning and of course the man himself, Kelly Slater.  A complicated mathematical formula explains who has to place where in order for  Slater to win.  Since Parkinson is the current rankings leader on the Association of Surfing Professional, ASP, World Championship Tour, WCT, the following ASP World Title scenarios will be based on his potential finishes at Pipeline. None the less remember, we are pulling for Slater.

If Parkinson finishes 13th, 9th or 5th at the Billabong Pipe Masters:

  • Slater needs a 5th or higher to take the 2012 ASP World Title.
  • Fanning needs to win at Pipeline to take the 2012 ASP World Title. (*Contingent upon Slater finishing 5th or Lower at Pipeline.)

If Parkinson finishes Equal 3rd at the Billabong Pipe Masters:

  • Slater needs a 3rd or higher to take the 2012 ASP World Title.
  • Fanning needs to win at Pipeline to take the 2012 ASP World Title. (*Contingent upon Slater finishing 5th or Lower at Pipeline.)

If Parkinson finishes 2nd at the Billabong Pipe Masters:

  • Slater needs to win at Pipeline to take the 2012 ASP World Title.
  • Fanning cannot win the 2012 ASP World Title.

If Parkinson wins the Billabong Pipe Masters, he will take the 2012 ASP World Title.

Full ASP WCT possibilities for Pipeline can be accessed HERE

The Billabong Pipe Masters, the third jewel of the Vans Hawaiian Triple Crown of Surfing, will be run from December 8 – 20, 2012.

There you go…in a nutshell – pardon the pun boys.

For more details visit Billabong Pipe Masters in Memory of Andy Irons

Contenders: Joel Parkinson, Kelly Slater, Mick Fanning