CaboRon - 8-15-2009 at 06:05 AM
Rosarito Beach Pro-Am surf contest rescheduled for Aug. 22-23
August 13, 2009 | 9:03 am
The inaugural Rosarito Beach Pro-Am looks as though it will finally become a reality Aug. 22-23, next to the Baja California city's pier.
The surf contest, which offers $10,000 in prize money, is open to pro and amateur shortboarders, who can register at Active.com or by calling (858)
272-2191.
The event was planned as an ASP World Qualifying Series tour competition to be held much earlier this summer. The once-thriving tourist destination 30
minutes south of the U.S.-Mexico border had hoped the contest would distract from so much negative publicity generated by Mexico's warring drug
cartels.
But the ASP dropped its support and contest organizers had trouble landing sponsors, so the event, with a pro-am format, had been scheduled for last
weekend. But that conflicted with the inaugural Quiksilver Pro Puerto Escondido, which is still in progress on the Mexican mainland.
So the dates were changed again and, finally, all the pieces appear in place. Monster Energy is the presenting sponsor. Quiksilver Mexico has climbed
aboard. So has Swatch watches.
"We have made some large strides in the last week or so and feel that the new additions will not only help with the branding and promotions of this
year's event, but help the idea that this could be an annual event for the City of Rosarito," said Jeff Stoner, contest director.
Registration is $100. The contest will stream live via webcast and the Rosarito Beach Hotel is offering discounts for competitors. Now all that's
needed is a swell!
-- Pete Thomas