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Cold Water Classic Begins Wednesday
Author: Transworld Surf
The ASP PRIME World Tour event will bring together some of the most progressive surfing talent in the world to put on a spectacular show in the natural amphitheater setting of Steamer Lane.
"As the final stop on The O'Neill Cold Water Classic Series tour 2011, Santa Cruz is really the epitome of all this series represents," says O'Neill Global Sports Marketing Director, Bernhard Ritzer. "It's a challenging surf break in the unique stadium style arena of Steamer Lane that both the surfers as well as all the crowds love to be a part of. And it all takes place in the hometown and birthplace of O'Neill," he said. "I am sure that with the likes of Jordy Smith, John John Florence, Julian Wilson and Gabriel Medina on these waves this year, we are bound to see some incredible surfing over the next few days."
In addition to the $250,000 prize purse for the event, an extra $50,000 is on offer for the O'Neill Cold Water Classic Series winner who will be crowned out here in California.
In the past two years of the O'Neill Cold Water Classic Series, the $50,000 prize money has been won by Australians-first Blake Thornton and then Shaun Cansdell. This year appears to be in keeping with the trend.
Following the O'Neill Cold Water Classic Series launch in New Zealand back in March where Australian Adam Melling claimed victory, the Series then travelled to its northernmost point in Thurso, Scotland in April, where fellow Australian Brent Dorrington was crowned not only champion but also a Scottish Lord.
Brent Dorrington now sits in front of the CWC Series rankings with Adam Melling just behind him. And with both at this final stop its bound to be a tight finish - but not an easy one. Also in Santa Cruz are ASP World Tour Top 37 surfers including Josh Kerr, Alejo Muniz, Fredrick Patacchia and Dusty Payne.
And that's not forgetting four of the most progressive and exciting surfers in the world right now: Jordy Smith, 19 year old John John Florence and recent World Tour France finalists Julian Wilson and 18 year old Gabriel Medina.
Watch the event live at: www.oneill.com/live
The event is supported by Philips O'Neill Headphones, Sierra Nevada, Dream Inn Hotel & Aquarius Restaurant.
Follow the event at: www.oneill.com/cwc
twitter.com/teamoneill
O'Neill, the original California surf, snow and lifestyle brand, was founded in 1952 when a young man named Jack O'Neill took his unstoppable passion for surfing and used it to beat Mother Nature at her own game. Pioneering the world's first neoprene surf wetsuit, Jack had successfully found a way to extend his surf sessions in the bone-chilling breaks of Northern California. He opened up the garage doors to his first surf shop soon after.
While many things have changed since those humble beginnings, Jack's initial vision of producing functional and innovative board riding products continues to lie at the core of everything the company does. O'Neill's set of core values - innovation in style and technology - has seen the brand devote itself wholeheartedly to the evolution of action sports. From the first neoprene surf wetsuit and board leash, to the world's first stitchless board shorts and range of groundbreaking wearable electronics, O'Neill's spirit of innovation will always drive the company forwards.
Today, O'Neill can be found the world over. In touch with its rich heritage and the universal appeal of board riding culture, O'Neill will always be committed to growing its reputation as one of the world's leading youth lifestyle brands based on a unique half-century of history as the First Name in the Water.
About Philips O'Neill Headphones
O'Neill and Philips started their collaboration back in 2010 to produce a unique range of durable headphones - based on both company's principles of quality, innovation and durability.
The Tested on Animals campaign with teamriders Mark Mathews, Jeremy Jones & Ane Enderud established the revolutionary Stretch model as the preferred choice of action sports enthusiasts and laid the foundation for the global success of the Philips O'Neill Headphones collection.
2011 sees the addition of Mobile Lab Trucks touring throughout Europe and the US, and new sponsorship of two O'Neill prime events - The Coldwater Classic Santa Cruz and O'Neill Evolution.
2011 also heralds the arrival of three new teamriders to test and ensure the continued durability of the headphones: young Canadian snowboard superstar Seb Toots, new surf generation leader Malia Manuel, and European wakeboard legend Cyril Cornaro. In addition, new additions to the collection like The Bend will strengthen the market position as the most durable headphones available.
CATEGORIZED: ASP World Tour, News