Contest director Pat O'Connell introduces you to this year's event down at Lower Tresltes. Click through for the full story.
Hello and welcome to the Hurley Pro, my favorite ASP World Tour event of the year. It’s not my favorite event just because Hurley is the title sponsor (although we’re proud of that fact). No. I love it more than anything because it’s the ultimate level playing field. The place we get to see just how far surfing is progressing every single year.
Think of the lineup. A two-way peak. Cobblestone bottom. Lined up walls that peel at a perfect speed to do…well, anything you want. And over the decades we’ve watched wild imaginations become reality. From Christian Fletcher’s aerial assault in the late ’80s to Kelly Slater’s rookie dream run in 1990 to Dane and Co.’s assault from all angles last year – surfing’s high-performance progress report begins and ends at Lower Trestles.
And those who get the highest marks? They tend to shine on the final exam. Just look at ten-time world champ Kelly Slater, who won the Hurley Pro in 2010 and went on to clinch his unprecedented tenth title two events later.
It’s also a cool place to hang out. Located deep in the pristine San Onofre State Park, it still feels like an adventure even though you’re a quick sprint from the I5. The reason it’s still pristine is due in large part to the efforts of people like Rich Haydon at the California State Parks. Without their help and guidance, the Hurley Pro would not exist.
For those of you who can’t attend, we’re making sure that our digital presentation of the Hurley Pro is maybe even better than the real thing . Log on to www.thehurleypro.com to see an HD, nine-camera webcast and content-loaded site that gives you a full download on everything happening — both in the water and on the beach.
The Hurley Pro is the ultimate surf fan’s event. Where our favorite surf stars redefine possible over and over again.
Can’t wait to see what they come up with this year.
See you in the lineup,
Pat O’Connell
Hurley Pro Contest Director
