The Vans Triple Crown of Surfing event started today on the North Shore. 

The purse prize for the prestigious surf event is $1 million, the highest ever in the sport of surfing. 

The event is being broadcast live on Oceanic Time Warner cable channel 250.

The first jewel, Reef Hawaiian Pro is being held at Alii Beach Park. This is the 27th year of the Vans Triple Crown.