It was a year marked by consistency and highlighted by one of the most exciting title showdowns in a decade. Going into the final contest of the year, the Pipeline Masters, Kelly Slater had three wins for the year while Joel Parkinson had none. However, he'd also placed 9th or higher in every contest of the year including three second place finishes.

On Saturday he went one higher and won the Pipeline Masters. More importantly he progressed further than Kelly Slater, who was knocked out in the semi finals, and thus Joel Parkinson became the 2012 World Title.

Here's a selection of the best shots from Parko's year.

All photos ASP.