Rabbit Bartholomew the reigning President of the ASP
World Tour of Surfing has decided to exit an industry
that is at a crossroads due to the current economic
conditions.
.
I've been following the Professional surfing industry
for about 13 years. During this time I've noticed
major peaks and valleys as far as the popularity
within the surfing culture.
.
The best times I've seen in the industry was
about 5 years ago when Vans had an Airshow
tour featuring some of the greatest aerialist
to ever push the envelope when it comes to doing
tricks in the water.
.
You had some of the raddest Kats doing
unbelievable tricks in the Ocean.
Surfers like Wardo,Gavin Beschen, and Eric
Mchenry. There was no toe-in from a wave runner.
These guys surfed down line as fast as
they could, pop off the lip
of the wave doing 360's and try landng
safely back into mother ocean.
Sometimes they completed the task,
and sometimes the ocean swallowed
them up like a can of old sardines.
Today thanks to Kelly Slater, the industry
is still thriving, however there are
far to few contest, and there has yet
to be a live surfing event featuring the
World Class athlete's.
.
Yes, you can see it live on webcast, but that's
totally different. Unfortunately the summer
X-games has even scratched surfing from it's
rotation of sports.
.
I'm perplexed how the female Pro's can manage
I'm perplexed how the female Pro's can manage
financially off of only 8 contest over a 12 month
period. The top prize is a combined 100,000.
dollars. Let's be real folks, Surfers are elite
individuals with exceptional skills in the water.
Yes, sponsorship money does help, but this is also
dwindling down.
.
The next President of the ASP Tour needs to be
The next President of the ASP Tour needs to be
proactive and make some power moves when it
comes to the state of the Tour. It's almost going
to have to be a complete reversal of the prior
philosophy. Something like how President
Obama has shifted gears verses Bush.
TV and sponsors will pay big money and top
dollars for a product that's entertaining,
attractive, and visually stimulating. Look at
how professional volleyball has expanded it's
viewership and increased the money purse for it's
athlete's. Mr.Leonard Armato is one of the
smartest men when it comes to running a
professional league. He's made Volleyball
mainstream and attractive to millions, by
getting live events on TV during the steamy
summer days in July and August.
.
Hopefully the next President of the ASP
surfing World Tour will take notice and make
surfing attractive again for the million of
fans,thousands of kids, hundreds of surfing
athletes, and hopefully a potential live TV
audience to see the Greatest surfing to ever
step into the Ocean, win another title.
KELLY SLATER
Let's make it happen. If you need some
consultation on how to make things happen,
holla at a brother.
1 comment:
I agree that this sport should have greater media exposure and the contestants should be rewarded with larger prize monies and all. I am 42 and could never imagine myself doing those things as I see in the pictures, probably because I am 6'5" and 260 pounds, but if this type of sport was available when I was younger "I'm catching air baby!"
Folks, let's get the commercial and corporate resources behind this exceptional phenomenon that has captivated the great talent of these young people. They deserve the benefit of an opportunity to expand thIS boldly creative, expressive, and limitless artform of a sport!
WE'RE AMERICANS DAMN IT!
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