DynoComm Sports, the surfing industry¹s premiere TV production company since 1982, acquired the Professional Surfing Tour of America (PSTA) on November 13, announced Alan Gibby, president of DynoComm. As a result, starting in 2001, all PSTA events will be Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) sanctioned, giving U.S. surfers increased opportunities for World Qualify Series (WQS) points.
‘With so much unrecognized domestic talent, we will drive an organized effort to showcase surfing across the U.S., giving surfers a stepping stone to go from the amateur to the World Tour level. In meeting with several key Surf Industry executives over the past two days it is obvious that the surfing world is primed and ready for this type of package,’ noted Gibby. ‘Because DynoComm has more than two decades of focusing on this industry, working closely with the companies and covering hundreds of events, we are the perfect group to raise domestic pro surfing back to a prominent position,’ he continued.
Events on the PSTA have not been WQS rated, therefore surfers who wanted to advance their careers mostly had to travel around the world in search of qualifying points for the ASP Tour. Starting in 2001, the PSTA will offer more prize money and a one-star rating, with some individual events possibly upgrading. This gives PSTA events ASP sanctioning and WQS points, giving surfers the choice to surf at home. The PSTA will also provide a viable stand-alone domestic tour with its own points system and regional champions.
Said Meg Bernardo, administrative director of newly formed Surfing America, ‘I¹m very excited that DynoComm has gotten behind the PSTA. They have years of experience in the sport, and have continually supported surfing. This opportunity has been lacking, and DynoComm¹s efforts with the Tour will help boost surfing in the U.S., and enables kids to stay here and surf competitively, whether they are focused domestically or on a spot on the ASP World Tour.’
The PSTA will finish its 2000 Tour and second successful season on November 18 and 19 with the PSTA Championships in Morro Bay, CA. The 2001 season will start in June. Said Gibby, ‘The tour has been consistent, and has provided a good opportunity to showcase local and emerging talent, however, we have big plans to take it to another level.’
Backed by 20 years of television connections with worldwide TV networks, DynoComm will expand television coverage in the U.S., and plans to syndicate programs worldwide to networks that collectively reach more than 250 million homes in 110 countries. Gibby also envisions increased coverage across the board from media.
‘We¹d like the tour to have an open and inclusive feel, which will invite strong coverage from surf magazines, video producers, lifestyle TV programs, web sites and other electronic media outlets,’ he explained.
Jeff Grell current executive director for the Tour, will become events director, running most event logistics. ‘I¹m really excited about these new developments,’ said Grell. ‘The timing is great all the right pieces are coming together at a similar point in time for surfing in the U.S. It will allow the tour to grow and be successful, creating a lot of opportunities for the athletes, the event sponsors and staff.
Dori Payne, former general manager of the ASP from 1984 through 1998, will play a key role in tour administration. Said Payne, ‘This is exactly what we needed for surfing in America it¹s the perfect arena for surfers in the U.S. to advance their careers.’
DynoComm has produced over 1,200 extreme sports related TV programs since 1982. The Emmy Award winning company has covered ASP Tour Events for over 17 years, are owners of ESPN¹s X Surf Series and helped bring the Bud Surf Tour (PSAA) into prominence by producing the TV programming for Prime Network. DynoComm is located in San Clemente, CA.
For more information contact:
Craig Southwick
(949) 361-2063
Horizon Communications
(805) 773-1000.