PLA 2010 season in full swing, thanks sponsors for making first event happen

March 9, 2010- The Professional Longboard Association kicked off its 2010 season two weeks ago, and couldn’t have asked for a more exciting event, as surfers and PLA staff were flooded with Tsunami warnings, and higher than usual tides and waves caused by the earthquake in Chile.

The first two rounds of OB Pro was smooth and on schedule, but as the day wore on and the women started to compete, the Tsunami weather kicked in and put a hold on the contest for about thirty min. Luckily the clouds opened up and the contest was able to resume. The second day, started off just like the first day ended, as the contest saw high tides and big waves that closed the pier, and kept PLA staff and surfers off the beach for the better part of the day. With large waves, and confident surfers the PLA was able to run a successful event through all the natural weather conditions.

Tony Silvagni, was able to hold the likes of three time World Champion Colin McPhillips, France import Remi Aruzo, and Hawaiian Zack Howard, for his very first PLA victory.

“I’ve made so many finals and it feels amazing to finally win an ASP LQS event,” Silvagni said. “It’s always been my goal to start the year out on top and it’s great to finally accomplish my goals.”

The women on the other hand, were unfortunately unable to finish the competition, due to poor conditions, and decided to finish the event with all four finalists taking even points and money.

The PLA now sets its sights on Costa Rica, as the next competition is set for April 8-11 in Puntarenas Costa Rica. The event will be an LQS event set at a 3- star rating.

“We are excited to have our first contest this year out of the way and completed, especially with the conditions we were dealt. I couldn’t have asked for any better way to start the year, moving forward the PLA is excited to take our first contest internationally to Costa Rica. They have been great hosts to longboard events in the past, and know they will do anything they can to help us run a successful event,” said Jeff Stoner, PLA’s Executive Director.

“The PLA also thanks its current sponsors who are supporting us, without them this season and this opportunity for the surfers would not be possible. We are lucky to have great companies like Maui Jim Sunglasses, Soleo Sunscreen, Kicker Audio, Sequoia Solar, Wind an Sea Surfboards, Power Balance and Hyperflex Wetsuits helping us out this year and helping continue the dream of developing a surf series for the longboard professionals.”