After three days of comprehensive Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) Executive Board meetings, voting members emerged enthusiastic late last night with a unanimously revised 2001 schedule supported by surfers, events, regional and International ASP officials. The tour will commence in Australia next April at Bells Beach, weave its way around the globe to the most idyllic of surfing locations, then reach its season finale in early December at Sunset Beach, Hawaii – one of the world’s premier big wave locations.

Professional surfers realized their ‘Dream Tour’ as one embodying all the existing prime venues around the world, including Tavarua (Fiji) for the women, G-Land (Ind) for the men, Teahupoo (Tah) for both divisions, as well as Jeffreys Bay (SAfr) and Mundaka (Spn). Finishing in Hawaii was a crucial component agreed by all parties, with Rip Curl upgrading their current World Qualifying Series (WQS) event to WCT status. Following the season ender, the Pipe Masters will become a ‘Champion of Champions’ specialty at the famed Banzai Pipeline.

A focal point of the entire schedule was to establish strong regional WQS legs, with Australasia, Europe, and South America all boasting concurrent events. ASP Asia, North America, and Africa are also offering key tournaments with a pledge to further develop their tours with global balance being the collective vision.

Also announced was the ASP World Longboard Tour, featuring events in Spain, Portugal and Brazil – the tour climaxing with the Oxbow World Champs at the fabled Jeffreys Bay (SAfr) in August. The Quiksilver World Masters will head to Ireland in 2001, hosting the legends of the sport.

A more detailed press release will be forthcoming, outlining highlights and new initiatives from the world governing body.

For further information contact:

Jesse Faen
Media Director, ASP Int’l
email:jesse@aspworldtour.com
http://www.aspworldtour.com/

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