Florence on one of his perfect 10-point rides at this year's Billabong Pipe Masters.

HONOLULU, Hawaii (Nov. 27, 2011) – Life-threatening surf and intense conditions at Sunset Beach snapped competitors back to reality today as the first round of the $250,000 Vans World Cup of Surfing got underway in serious 10- to 12-foot waves. It also brought spectators out in droves, resulting in the largest crowd at Sunset Beach in the 38-year history of the event. The Vans World Cup is the second leg of the illustrious Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, presented by Rockstar Energy Drink.