HONOLULU - (October 27, 2014) -- Organizers have called a lay day today for the HIC PRO at Sunset Beach due to small surf in the 1- to 3-foot range. The HIC PRO is the Official Qualifier for the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing and will be looking for three full days of competition in contestable waves to crown a champion.
"The consistent surf we've been enjoying on the North Shore in the weeks leading up to the HIC PRO has tapered off," said Surfing Director Marty Thomas, of this-morning's conditions. "We now have small scale North trade wind swell to start the waiting period. However, there is a decent 4- to 6-foot-plus NW swell forming, expected to arrive Thursday and hold through the weekend." Organizers will continue to assess the surf each morning.
The HIC Pro - October 27 through November 10 - is a 4-star rated event that features a field of 112 surfers and offers a total prize purse of $85,000. More than 50 per cent of the field is comprised of Hawaii surfers (58), as well as athletes from Australia (16), USA Mainland (24), Japan (6), Tahiti (2), France (1) and South America (1), plus 4 wild cards.
The HIC Pro is an important event for aspiring professionals to gain ratings points before the end of the year, as well as to fine-tune equipment and performances for the Hawaiian winter surf season.
North Shore's own Fred Patacchia is the #1 seed for the event. Behind him is a truly inspired young field of aspirants who are climbing the ranks with an eye on becoming part of Hawaii's "new order" of professionals. Among them: Kaito Kino (20); Kaulana Apo (16); Kalani David (16); and Kaimana Jaquias (21). Of course, Sunset wouldn't be Sunset without a handful of seasoned competitors. Among them look for Joel Centeio (31); Evan Valiere (30); Jamie O'Brien (31); Fred Patacchia (32); and Pancho Sullivan (41).
The HIC PRO will be televised LIVE on Oceanic SURF Channel 250 & 1250HD in Hawaii, and shown on delayed basis nationally in the US on TWC SportsNet & its affiliate distributors DirecTV, Cox Communications, Charter Communications, Bright House Networks, Verizon FiOS, and AT&T U-Verse. Check your local listings for dates & times.
About HIC - Hawaiian Island Creations: Hawaii's biggest and best selection of surf gear - since 1971 HIC has provided Hawaii with quality surfboards, skateboards, clothing and accessories - by surfers, for surfers. Locally owned and operated, the HIC retail chain includes thirteen stores across Oahu, Maui and the Big Island, plus two in Japan. Through a commitment to quality, service and aloha spirit, the brand has built a reputation as an icon of Hawaiian surfing recognized throughout the world. Enjoy the ride! Official HIC PRO event gear: Available at www.hicsurf.com/
About Vans: Vans®, a VF Corporation (NYSE: VFC) brand, is the original action sports footwear and apparel brand. Vans collections include authentic footwear, apparel, accessories and snowboard boots that are sold globally in more than 170 countries through a network of subsidiaries, distributors and international offices. VF Outdoor, Inc. owns and operates more than 415 stores of the Vans brand in the United States and internationally, each offering a range of Vans footwear and apparel while communicating the brand's rich heritage. The Vans brand promotes the action sports lifestyle, youth culture and creative self-expression through the support of musicians, artists and athletes on boards and bikes all over the globe and through progressive events such as the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing®, the Vans Downtown Showdown, the Vans Pool Party, the Vans Warped Tour® and surfing's most prestigious contest, the Vans US Open of Surfing.