TOP INTERNATIONAL ATHLETES SET TO COMPETE AT THE BODY GLOVE SURFBOUT PRESENTED BY ADIO FOOTWEAR
Live Scoring and Streaming Video Available at www.bodyglovesb.asglive.com
San Clemente, Calif. - April 13, 2005 - A field of 240 professional surfers from around the world are scheduled to battle it out at the "Body Glove Surfbout Presented by Adio Footwear." The four-star Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Qualifying Series (WQS) contest will be held at Lower Trestles, San Clemente, California, April 26-30, 2005.
In the men's contest, 2001 World Champion CJ Hobgood, along with his twin brother Damien are scheduled to compete. Legendary and mysterious Tom Curren is in the race, along with Rob Machado, Taylor Knox and Kalani Robb. San Clemente local heros, Shane Beschen, Chris Ward, the Gudauskas brothers and Laguna Beach's Pat O'Connell are also in the mix with 200 plus other rising stars. In the women's contest, World Champion Sofia Mulanovich, along with top pros Rochelle Ballard, Megan Abubo, Melanie Bartels, 11-year-old standout Carissa Moore, and last year's winner and Carlsbad local Julia Christian will compete in the SG Lower's Pro in conjunction with the men's Body Glove Surfbout presented by Adio Footwear.
"The Body Glove Surfbout presented by Adio Footwear continues to build as an anchor event for the Surfing America Pro Tour. The contest has grown to a four-star this year and has attracted surfers from all over the world," says Mike Gerard of Surfing America Pro Tour. "Everyone loves to surf Lowers-and there is an incredibly long alternate list of athletes wanting to get in. The energy around the Body Glove Surfbout is indicative of the health of pro surfing in America and speaks well for its growth potential moving forward." Along with the $95,000 up for grabs, the contest is one of the most prestigious events in the mainland U.S., drawing some of the top surfers in the world to compete.
With its history beginning in the late 80's, the Body Glove Surfbout has played an integral role in the growth of the sport, through its large prize purses, its prime location at Lower Trestles, and its reputable list of competitors and their progressive riding styles. It was during the 1989 contest that local Christian Fletcher took the crowd and the win with his unprecedented aerial maneuvers. The very next year, Kelly Slater won the Surfbout title and made history with his very own aerial performance. Through the years, the Body Glove Surfbout has assisted in providing an arena and direction for the sport.
For the first time, this year's contest will be available to view online with streaming video and live scoring. Both will be available starting with the men's round of 64 and women's round of 32 at http://bodyglovesb.asglive.com.
In an effort to support surfing in America, Adio Footwear has signed on again this year as presenting sponsor, along with Arnette Eyewear, Giant Bikes, Hawaiian Tropic as well as Surfer, Surfing and SG. For the second year in a row, Fuel, the action sports television network will be on the beach shooting the contest. The footage will be developed into a 30-minute show as part of the California Trifecta surfing series the network is covering. Check www.fuel.tv in May for airdates and times.
