By Andrea Swayne
GrindMedia, producers of the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) Prime Lowers Pro surf contest since 2004, announced on Tuesday that this year’s event has been officially postponed due to the lack of a title sponsor.
Event title sponsor, Nike, pulled out of surfing last year and officials were unable to secure replacement sponsorship on such short notice.
The 2013 ASP Prime Lowers Pro, originally scheduled for April 30 through May 4 at the San Onofre State Beach break of Lower Trestles, will return in May of 2014, according to a statement by GrindMedia.
“We are committed to operating the Lowers Pro at the Prime level to deliver the most value to the surfers competing, our audience, and brands supporting surfing,” said GrindMedia director of event operations and Lowers Pro event director Sean Nielsen in the statement.
“Due to the economic climate and timing of the transition of the former title sponsor, we have not secured a new partner in the title position to operate at the Prime level. The content emerging from the Lowers Pro rivals that of any World Tour event, and we look forward to delivering this experience to surf fans next year.”
Meg Bernardo, ASP North America executive director said that while it is unfortunate to lose such a high caliber venue from the schedule, she is confident that another premier contest will be back on the schedule for next season.—
