2013 Hurley Pro

Photos courtesy of ASP/Rowland

HURLEY PRO SEPTEMBER 15–21, 2013 SAN ONOFRE STATE BEACH, LOWER TRESTLES

Photo courtesy of the Hurley Pro

Hello, and welcome to another exciting chapter of the Hurley Pro at Lower Trestles.

There have been so many emotional highs at this event over the years and it’s easy to get caught up simply in watching the world’s best surfers compete at the world’s most rippable wave.

But as contest director of this event for five years now, I’ve also learned that it can be just as fun to take a step back and look at the numbers. Here are a few to consider:

• Average Age on tour: 27 • Oldest: Kelly Slater (41) • Youngest: Flilipe Toledo (18) • Kelly Slater and Taj Burrow are the only two surfers who have surfed in all 12 World Tour events held at Lower Trestles.

• Kelly Slater has been in eight finals and has won six of them.

• Of the six stops on the WT there have been five different winners: Kelly Slater, Jordy Smith, Joel Parkinson, Adriano De Souza and Adrian Buchan.

• Number of surfers competing from each represented country: Australia (13), USA (8), Brazil (6), Hawaii (4), South Africa (2), Portugal (1), French Polynesia (1) and France (1).

Lower Trestles is probably the most equalizing wave on tour. A perfect right and left that come in nice, evenly-spaced intervals, it’s the closest thing in surfing to a man versus man arena. At the same time, it’s one of the most pristine settings on tour thanks to the great work by California State Parks and the San Onofre Foundation in preserving this beautiful surf break.

So, if you’re a surf fan like I am and root for your favorites on sites like fantasysurfer.com, make sure you consider all the numbers. Lowers will always bring out the emotion in you, but the stats never lie.

See you at the beach, PAT O’CONNELL Hurley Pro Contest Director

www.sanclementetimes.com

HURLEY PRO SEPTEMBER 15–21, 2013 SAN ONOFRE STATE BEACH, LOWER TRESTLES

The San Clemente Stoke

Local surf enthusiasts embrace the Hurley Pro and the excitement it brings to the city

Photo courtesy of Hurley

BY ANDREA SWAYNE

As the 2013 edition of the Hurley Pro nears, fans are speculating who this year’s winner will be. Will 11-time Association of Surfing Professionals world champion Kelly Slater pull off his fourth win in a row? Will Australian, Joel Parkinson avenge last year’s defeat by Slater? Will Kolohe Andino—the highest ranked San Clemente-based surfer on the World Championship Tour at No. 22 and No. 8 in the ASP Men’s World Ranking—dominate with his lifelong local knowledge and home field advantage? Could San Clemente’s Patrick Gudauskas or Ian Crane also employ local knowledge for the win?

Every year at this time, anticipation begins brewing in San Clemente. As the only ASP World Tour event in North America, the Hurley Pro focuses worldwide attention on the city by bringing the WCT’s Top 34 surfers and two wildcards to battle it out at the world-famous high performance surf break, Lower Trestles.

Excitement runs especially high among

the local groms who, for a few weeks leading up to the contest, know they have a great chance of paddling out to the lineup at Lowers and sharing a few waves with the pros. Actually the entire city seems to catch the surf bug, showing its support, rolling out the red carpet for the visiting athletes and rallying around those whose call this city their home.

Businesses enjoy the influx of customers the event brings to town and local companies such as The Fisherman’s Restaurant and Sambazon will provide beach concessions and food for the VIP area.

So, when the first horn of the event sounds, it’s not only on for the surfers, it’s on for San Clemente.

“The support is the best ever. I love waking up early and watching the kids roll up to watch their heroes in person. I remember being a kid going to the OP Pro in Huntington Beach and I saw Tom Curren for the first time and I went home so pumped,” said Pat O’Connell, contest director for the Hurley Pro. “Next year we’re looking to add ladies

to the event and I think the community connection will only grow. San Clemente is a surf driven town and so it’s great to have an event of this magnitude at this location.”

Much of the city’s support will be focused on the trio of local surfers vying for top honors.

When Round 1 seeds were first announced, it looked as if Andino would be the only San Clementean representing. Gudauskas got the call to arms when Ireland’s Glenn Hall withdrew from the event due to a back injury he sustained in Fiji earlier this summer. Crane made a good run at a wildcard slot in the event’s first ever, fan voted, wildcard video competition but didn’t make the cut. Then, on September 10, Australian Owen Wright and Dusty Payne (Hawaii) withdrew due to injury, and Crane and Yadin Nicol (Australia) were called on to fill their spots.

As of press time on September 11, rumors of a few possible last minute injury withdrawals which could result in yet another local being called into the mix, rendered the final lineup a bit of a mystery and a major topic of conversation. News of video wildcard winner Dane Reynolds’ injury had fans, and possible replacements, on the edge of their seats awaiting his final decision.

Could video wildcard runner-up Luke Davis of Capistrano Beach be called to replace Reynolds should he decide to pull out?

Could San Clemente’s Nathan Yeomans get the call? Everyone would just have to wait and see.

Speaking of waiting; the waiting period for the event begins September 15 and runs through September 21. With the official Surfline Hurley Pro forecast, as of September 9, calling for “a series of small, contestable, southerly swells” to remain throughout the waiting period, with the largest waves expected to hit on the September 15, 17 and 18, it looks like the action should get underway on day 1. SC

HURLEY PRO: THE EXPERIENCE

GET CONNECTED AND INTERACTIVE Fans can connect with the Hurley Pro through a variety of online, social media, mobile apps and televised shows www.thehurleypro.com Tune into the live webcast featuring Heats on Demand, news, stories, results and photo/video highlights.

Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the competition, along with exclusive behind-the-scenes moments through multiple camera angles and water cams.

Play “Who’s In First?” by predicting, in real time, who will win the current heat, for chance to win Hurley prize packs.

Hurley Pro App See the live webcast, photos, video, news, heat alerts and more from the palm of your hand on your iPhone, iPad, Android and more.

Hurley Social Media Platforms Instagram, Facebook, Twitter will be updated live from the beach, with daily result, highlights and more Check out Vine to see what surfboards the athletes are riding.

Join a Surfer’s “Team” via Custom Hashtags Pick your favorite athletes and cheer them on throughout the contest by joining their “team” and promoting their custom hashtags via posts on Instagram and/or Twitter. Enter #team_____ (i.e. #teamjohnjohn) to create a conversation around all of the great surfers at the event.

The overall experience for both spectators and athletes is of paramount concern to Hurley Pro organizers and this year both will be pushed to new levels.

“We always put the athlete at the center and want to continue to create an elevated experience for the surfers. Valet service, locker rooms and a personalized iPad—with a customized homepage, media feed, ancillary events schedule and any messages that need to get to them—will be provided for every competitor, said Evan Slater, Hurley’s senior vice president of marketing.

And a first-class experience awaits fans as well.

“Access to the event via the video wildcard trials and the Rob Machado Expression Session auction created more opportunities for fans to feel a part of the event,” Slater said. “We want to make the experience premium for both the surfers and the fans.” SC

Become Part of the Action Head on down to Lower Trestles and witness the world’s best surfing with a frontrow seat to all the action.

Parking and shuttle service provided. Log on to www.thehurleypro.com for directions and more information.

Catch the Action on TV A television show covering the Hurley Pro is set to air on ESPN2 the Wednesday following the event, September 25, and on ABC shortly thereafter. Check your local listings for times.

Photo courtesy of ASP/Kirstin www.sanclementetimes.com

HURLEY PRO SEPTEMBER 15–21, 2013 SAN ONOFRE STATE BEACH, LOWER TRESTLES

TRESTLES: A SPECIAL PLACE

Photo courtesy ASP/Rowland

BY ANDREA SWAYNE

Trestles is a special place, not only for its perfect reef/ point breaks dishing out both rights and lefts, but also for the natural beauty that surrounds it. It is a spectacular venue for a world-class event like the Hurley Pro, but it is also revered as a natural treasure that must be fiercely protected.

Home to one of Southern California’s last remaining pristine watersheds, the San Onofre State Park/Trestles area is home to nearly a dozen endangered wildlife species.

“It is a special stop on the tour, one of the most neutral spots, with a perfect wave. Competition here really comes down to who is surfing the best and the most in tune with their equipment and their body,” said Evan Slater, senior vice president of marketing for Hurley. “It’s a high performance wave, one of the world’s most rippable, allowing surfers to do the unimaginable. There are no excuses at Trestles. We love that it comes down to the athlete’s performance. You can’t really blame it on the waves, that’s part of the beauty of the place.”

The other part of its beauty, he said, is its location within the 3,000-acre San Onofre State Park.

“As part of the California State Parks system, Trestles is also a place that is highly valued and respected by surfers all over the world,” Slater said, “and for that reason, our goal is to maximize the impact of the event on professional surfing while minimizing its ecological footprint at the same time.”

Environmental stewardship is an essential part of Hurley’s goal for putting on a great contest while simultaneously fostering an awareness of recycling, using resources wisely and educating the public about important ecological issues.

According to contest director Pat O’Connell, some of the most important aspects of running an environmentally

PLEASE TREAD LIGHTLY California State Parks South Sector Superintendent III Rich Haydon makes five recommendations of things to do and not to do while visiting Lowers.

Avoid entering the Wetlands. Not only do you have the potential to damage fragile environmental resources, one may also come across dangerous wildlife such as rattlesnakes.

Do Not Cross the Railroad Tracks. Aside from being highly dangerous crossing, trespassing on railroad property is illegal.

Do Not Leave a Personal Mark. Be certain to pick up trash. Do not vandalize signs or outhouses with

stickers or write on paved areas with surfing wax. Remember to revel in the park, ride the waves and pack up your trash in order to leave the beach a little better than the way you found it.

No Hang Ups. Don’t place wetsuits, towels or boards on any of the natural vegetation or on trashcans.

friendly contest in a sensitive state park area include the physical set-up, or footprint of the event, having an understanding of the area and taking great care to minimize negative human impact on the ocean, beach and park.

“The team is passionate about this and we have a great relationship with the California State Parks. We love having this event and really enjoy the time with all the people involved, so we want to make sure when were done, they all feel the same,” O’Connell said. “We couldn’t do anything without them. From California State Parks South Sector Superintendent Rich Haydon and Special Events Coordinator Lori Coble, to the lifeguards, the team is awesome … They have been so supportive these years and we want to make sure we are always doing better for them.”

And doing better for the state park means making the event better, but never bigger.

The contest site, as in years past, will have a recycling program, generators operating on bio-diesel, biodegradable and plant-based food service ware and, as part of the company’s H2O Initiative, a restored shipping container providing drinking water refills to avoid unnecessary plastic bottle waste.

As part of their H2O initiative, founded in 2008 with the mission to provide clean water to all in need, Hurley has continued to partner with Waves for Water and their Clean Water Couriers volunteer program, the Ecology Center in San Juan Capistrano, and to glean inspiration from humanitarian surfing icon Rob Machado.

“We just try to be mindful and make the best choices regarding the overall impact of the event,” Slater said.

For more information on the Hurley Pro’s environmental efforts, log on to www.wavesforwater.org, www.theecologycenter.org and www.thehurleypro.com. SC

Take the Opportunity to Understand Why Trestles is Such a Special Place. Pause for a moment, take in the beauty tranquility and sense of the place around you, then try to imagine your experience if the Trestles area of San Onofre State Beach were something other than a park.

www.sanclementetimes.com

HURLEY PRO SEPTEMBER 15–21, 2013 SAN ONOFRE STATE BEACH, LOWER TRESTLES

ATTENTION GROMS: SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL SURFERS AND WIN The San Clemente Times and Hurley have joined together to issue a social media autograph challenge to kids 14 and under.

Have someone snap a photo of you getting one of these local surfers to sign their autograph on this page, email it to editor@ sanclementetimes.com and receive a Hurley brand hat.

An extra special prize will awarded to those who send in photos of all three San Clemente surfers signing this page.

Participants will also be eligible for a chance at being featured in the print and

online editions of the newspaper.

Be sure to include your name, a parent’s name and phone number in your emails.

Don’t forget to get your parents’ permission before entering.

Winners will be notified, by email or phone, when prizes can be picked up at the SC Times office, 34932 Calle del Sol, Ste. B, in Capistrano Beach.

Photos courtesy of ASP and Hurley

Kolohe Andino AKA: Brother DOB: March 22, 1994 Height: 5’11” Weight: 163

Stance: Natural (Regular) Sponsors: Hurley, Nike, Red Bull, Target, Oakley, Mayhem Surfboards, Skullcandy, Astrodeck, Tweeds, Neff Training Ground: T Street Inspirations: Kelly Slater, Julian Wilson, Andy Irons

Ian Crane AKA: CranO DOB: Aug 5, 1993 Height: 6’0” Weight: 165

Stance: Goofy Sponsors: O’neill, Filtrate Eyewear, Lost Surfboards Training ground: T Street Inspirations: Friends

Stance: Natural (Regular) Patrick Sponsors: Vans, Channel Gudauskas Islands Surfboards, Oakley, AKA: Patty Cakes, Pat, Gudang DOB: November 20, 1985 Height: 6’0” Weight: 160

Jack’s Surf Shop, Skullcandy Training Ground: Lower Trestles and T Street Inspirations: Tim Dowell, Benner Cummings and Family

Rob Machado Expression Session Raises Funds for Preservation For the first time ever, five spots in an expression session with Rob Machado, in an empty Lowers lineup, were auctioned off to the highest bidders with proceeds to benefit the San Onofre Foundation’s efforts to preserve the San Onofre/Trestles area.

“I’m honored to be a part of this event and part of this historic expression session,” said Machado. “The San Onofre Foundation has been instrumental in keeping Trestles pristine, and I can’t wait to high-five my fellow expression session surfers and help preserve one of the best waves in the world.”

Log on to www.thehurleypro.com for the list of winning bidders.

Photo courtesy of the Hurley Pro www.sanclementetimes.com

HURLEY PRO SEPTEMBER 15–21, 2013 SAN ONOFRE STATE BEACH, LOWER TRESTLES

Hurley Pro: Boosting the Local Economy

BY JIM SHILANDER

The Hurley Pro, by bringing competitors and surfing fans from all over the world, also serves as an economic boost to San Clemente.

Pat O’Connell, the contest’s director, estimates 20,000 spectators will once again crowd San Onofre State Beach, Lower Trestles, for the event. And all of them bring dollars to spend, a shot in the arm to city businesses—especially surf shops, restaurants and hotels—said City Manager Pall Gudgeirsson.

Chad Nelsen, environmental director for the Surfrider Foundation, authored a doctoral dissertation in 2012 for UCLA’s Environmental Science and Engineering program that focused on using the economics of surfing to guide management and preservation of coastal tourism and recreation.

His study calculated the value of Trestles to San Clemente and found a financial benefit on an annual basis of between $8 million and $13 million per year. Although Nelsen’s calculation did not specifically include the Hurley Pro week, anecdotally, he always saw big crowds at the beaches during the event,

Photo courtesy of the Hurley Pro

and believes that the week-long competition probably results in an even greater than average benefit.

The calculation, however, did take into account that more than 80 percent of the surfers at the break come from outside the city, and, along with their boards, those surfers and spectators bring their dollars and credit cards to the city’s restaurants, gas stations and other retailers in the city.

“It’s clear to me it’s a pretty big deal in bringing people to San Clemente, in terms

of bringing people from all around Southern California,” Nelsen said.

Nelsen estimated spending from each visitor to the beaches at somewhere between $25 and $40 per visit, not including the state park’s special event parking fee, $20.

Lisa Francesconi, the general manager of the San Clemente Inn, the hotel located nearest to the state park, said the most important thing for her about the event is that it brings people to the area who respect

what the city is about, in terms of love for the ocean and ocean recreation.

“It brings people who’ll respect the area,” she said. “The side benefit, of course, is that it gives a boost for those of us with hotels and restaurants.”

Many of the surfers stay for up to two weeks before the event, representing the most direct benefit to her business, she said.

Vicki Patterson, wife of noted surfboard shaper Timmy Patterson and co-owner of T. Patterson Surf Shop, said for her business, the Hurley Pro definitely has a major impact, especially since it comes after the unofficial end of summer.

“A surf shop is like an ice cream shop,” Patterson said. “When it’s sunny, people come out, but when it’s raining…”

Patterson said the contest usually provides a nice boost to the shop just after the summer’s seasonal sales usually fall off.

“We love it,” Patterson said. “We pretty much drop off after Labor Day, when the summer ends, when everyone goes back to school. The Hurley Pro provides a nice increase at the end of the month, right after things slow down.”

Patterson said having the event annually also provides the shop with the knowledge the income will be replicated each year. And, aside from that, she said, there is the bonus of bringing in the greater surf community from all around Southern California and beyond to the city.

“It’s also great have all the pros come into the shop,” she said. SC