Press Release:
– Gerry Lopez, Martin Potter, Greg Long, and the Gudauskas Brothers Added to Surf Summit 13 Lineup –
ALISO VIEJO, CALIF. & WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, N.C. (April 20, 2010) – The Surf Industry Manufacturers Association (SIMA) and Board Retailers Association (BRA) are proud to announce an all-star lineup of pro athletes and surf legends to speak at Surf Summit 13.
Gerry Lopez will be opening the conference with a keynote address moderated by Randy Rarick, and Martin Potter, Greg Long, Pat Gudauskas and Tanner Gudauskas will be drawing the event to a close as the featured speakers during the Closing Ceremonies.
“We are more than thrilled about our newest addition of Gerry, Pottz, Greg, and the Gudauskas brothers as speakers for Surf Summit 13 down in Cabo,” said Doug Palladini, SIMA President and VP of Marketing of Vans. “What could be more inspiring than to hear directly from the athletes that are the passion and drive behind our businesses?”
Mr. Pipeline himself, Gerry Lopez, will be on hand in Cabo to deliver the first night keynote address. Contest guru, Randy Rarick, will take the stage with Lopez to lead Lopez in a conversation style presentation.
Friends since they were 12-years-old, Lopez and Rarick’s talk will focus on Gerry’s perspective of key points in surfing over the fast 40 years. Attendees will get a glimpse into the world of the man who made the tube the ultimate prize in the sport of surfing and his views on the sport from the onset of competition to the shortboard revolution to the shaping innovation post-Clark Foam.
Surf Summit 13’s Closing Ceremonies will bring a week of business learning back to what drives our industry: the sport of surfing.
Attendees will enjoy dinner on the beach, celebrating some of the modern heroes of our sport. Former world champion and one of the most aggressive free-surfers ever, Martin Potter, will emcee this special night.
Pottz will interview and talk story with some of the world’s hottest current surfers – including reigning Eddie champ and multiple XXL Big Wave winner Greg Long, youth movement phenoms and WCT rookies Pat and Tanner Gudauskas, and more to be announced – offering an intimate look into what makes these amazing athletes tick. You won’t want to miss this special night of honoring the men and women who inspire us all!
The thirteenth annual Surf Summit will be held May 12 – 13, 2010 in Los Cabos, Mexico. Surf Summit presented by SIMA and BRA attracts more than 250 attendees consisting of the key players from the main surf brands and retail shops each year.
The goal of the conference is to address important issues facing the surf industry, learn, share ideas, network and help shape the future of the surf industry. Registration for the event is now closed.
About SIMA
The Surf Industry Manufacturers Association (SIMA) is the official working trade association of more than 300 surf industry suppliers. Founded in 1989, SIMA is a non-profit organization that serves to promote awareness of the surf industry and participation in the sport of surfing through public relations efforts and a variety of services, educational programs and research.
In addition, SIMA actively supports oceanic environmental efforts through its 501(c)(3) charitable environmental foundation, the SIMA Environmental Fund. In the past 21 years, SIMA’s Environmental Fund has raised more than $4.9 million for environmental groups seeking to protect the world’s oceans, beaches and waves.
The SIMA Humanitarian Fund, also a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation, was established in 2006 to award grants to various surf or boardsport related social and humanitarian non-profit organizations whose efforts are focused on improving the quality of life, health and/or welfare of people. For more information on SIMA, please visit www.sima.com. Follow us at Twitter.com/SIMA_SURF.
ABOUT BRA
The Board Retailers Association (BRA) is a non-profit trade association representing 550 action sport retailers in the surf, skate, snow, wake, kite and wind industry with almost 3,000 storefronts across the country.
East and West Coast retailers formed the Board Retailers Association in February 2003. Under the direction of BRA’s Chairman and Board of Directors, the association serves as the preeminent voice, for independent retailers on a grassroots level with manufacturers, trade show representatives, and other associations.
The Board Retailers Association also works to provide educational resources and exclusive discounts and savings from vendors on the day-to-day costs of business. BRA Retail Members receive industry research and statistics, financial forms and worksheets, legal advice and sourcing solutions. Retail Members have exclusive access to archived retail articles, industry links, news sources and event planners. For a complete explanation and description of Retail Member benefits, visit www.boardretailers.org.
