Emphasizing its commitment to surfing, Boost Mobile has signed on as the ASP's exclusive wireless partner and will host the competition for the sixth consecutive year. Hurley will make its return to Foster's ASP World Tour involvement as presenting sponsor of the event, where the Top 45 professional surfers in the world and three wildcards set their sights on the 2007 ASP World Title at one of the most "rippable" waves on the tour.
For the first time in Boost Mobile Pro history, the California State Parks have granted the event a seven-day competition window giving competition directors the ability to decide on a day-to-day basis whether the surf conditions are adequate for the five-day competition. California State Parks, which administers the surf-break only, allows three events per year at this unique location. The two other Lower Trestles events remain at five days only.
"The Boost Mobile Pro generates significant economic benefit for South Orange County communities as well as the local State Park District," said Rich Rozzelle, District Superintendent for California State Parks, Orange Coast District. "The two additional waiting days have been granted to increase potential for the exhibition to occur in better quality surf, thereby also maximizing recreational enjoyment value to the hundreds of thousands of viewers who monitor the event live via webcast."
"Relationship management is a key ingredient that makes a good event GREAT," said Chris Ernst, senior events & sponsorships manager, Boost Mobile. "With the return of Hurley as presenting sponsor, State Parks extending the event window to 7 days, and a webcast that is beyond comparison, we believe we have created a recipe for greatness for the world's best surfers to showcase their skills at Lower Trestles."
"Hurley's first year as presenting sponsor of the Boost Mobile Pro exceeded all of our expectations," said Paul Gomez, senior vice president of global branding, Hurley. "This year's event will further raise the bar as the premier surf event for athletes and spectators around the world. We're especially excited to run the second annual Hurley 'Keys to the Continent,' in which the best surfers in the world compete in a team format for the chance to bring the 'Keys' home for their country. Let's see if Australia can hold their title!"
Kevin Meehan, vice president of marketing for Hurley, added that he had to miss the finals last year because he was in Orlando for the Surf Expo show.
"Thankfully, there was a live satellite feed at the show so it was like being on the beach at Trestles. We're planning to host satellite viewing parties around the globe again this year, so everyone can share in the excitement of this great event."
Pat O'Connell, surf marketing manager for Hurley and former Foster's ASP World Tour competitor, knows firsthand how important this event is, both for surfers and the industry overall.
"We are super excited to be a part of such an awesome event. At this point of the tour, the title race is in full swing and Trestles is the prefect place for the showdown. Trestles is known to be one of the most amazing waves in the world, and the surfers all know how important it is to do well on U.S. soil. The pressure's on!"
The Boost Mobile Pro can be seen live via webcast at www.boostmobilepro.com.
Competition hours will run from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the four days selected. The public may surf at Lower Trestles before and after the event. The surrounding surf breaks in the Trestles area remain open to public surfing throughout the event.
For more information, visit www.aspworldtour.com; www.boostmobile.com; and www.hurley.com.
