30+ Famous Surfers to Battle it out in Hurley Pro

From Hurley and the ASP --

Southern California appears to have a huge case of “surf stoke” after a record-breaking U.S. Open of Surfing this summer in Huntington Beach, CA. 

But down the road a bit further south, at one of the world’s most famous surf breaks, lies the competitive heart and soul of surfing. All previous levels of high-performance surfing are about to be shattered when the world’s best surfers descend upon California’s premier wave, San Onofre State Beach -- Lower Trestles for the 2012 Hurley Pro.

The 2012 Hurley Pro is one of the critical ASP World Tour events on mainland U.S. shores and is where the best of the best fight for the world title and prove that surfing is one of the most competitive world sports featuring some of the finest, most talented athletes on the planet. On Sept. 16, the elite in professional surfing will join the world’s most “rippable” wave. 

In the current world title race, usual suspects Mick Fanning, Kelly Slater and Joel Parkinson have a grip on the top three spots, but new contenders like John John Florence and Gabriel Medina can easily upset the established order with a strong second half.

The 32-man field will be joined by 4 wildcards. Additional news on competitors in the field will be announced shortly.

All of the dramatic action will be captured with state-of-the-art live webcasts that give surfing fans and all sports enthusiasts a birds-eye view of the competition.

Multiple camera angles and water cams will deliver competition heats along with exclusive behind-the-scenes moments. In addition, the Hurley Pro will have an official App for iPhone and iPad, bringing the live event to the palm of your hand.

Lined with cobblestones, San Onofre State Beach - Lower Trestles is California’s premier point/reef break and a world-class showcase for high-performance surfing.

If Pipeline is surfing's Gladiator Pit, Lower Trestles is surfing's Center Stage, the spot where the world's best continue to push the limits of what can be done on a wave.

It is here where the most futuristic maneuvers in surfing are attempted and perfected. Located squarely between San Diego and Orange County, the Hurley Pro draws thousands of fans and legends, the young and the old, scions of industry and keen media members to cover every moment of action over the weeklong waiting period.  

As the athletes return to Lower Trestles for the Hurley Pro, everything is on the line, including world rankings, so surfers bring their absolute best to this fierce competition.  Audiences watching live or online are guaranteed a view to the new gold standard in aerials and other game-changing maneuvers. The Hurley Pro will take place September 16-22 with competition taking place five of the seven days.

Last year’s Hurley Pro set a historic record, offering the single largest first place and overall prize purse in ASP World Tour history; $105,000 first place prize and $400,000 overall.  This year’s first-place check has yet to be determined.

“California State Parks is pleased to once again host the 2012 Hurley Pro at San Onofre State Beach – Lower Trestles. With this world famous surfing break known for consistently producing contestable waves and Hurley’s reputation for treating the competitors as the world class professionals that they are, this year’s event promises to be one of the best ever,” said Rich Haydon, Park Superintendent.

“Every year, we strive to make the sport of surfing better,” says Hurley VP of Sports Marketing, Pat O’Connell. “And the Hurley Pro is the perfect venue to achieve that. From the world’s best surfers to the fans on the beach to the online audience, we’re looking to elevate the experience across the board."