Tony Silvagni styles his way to first place in 2010. Photo: Danny Stockdale
The Longboard Pro has never been simply a sideshow in Belmar. With it’s celebrated history on logs, the folks of Belmar have a wholesome respect for the cross-step. And this year, it will even be more exciting, as Monster Energy has signed on to sponsor the 2011 Longboard Pro. “Last year, the waves were so big and people were going nuts on the beach,” says Belmar’s own Brian Dalton, who took second place in front of his hometown crowd, “I think people really liked seeing us out there in challenging conditions.”
This year, the Monster Energry Longboard Pro boasts a $3,000 purse with $1,500 going to first place. That kind of cash is sure to attract even more longboard talent or even sway a few pro shortboard shredders. “That will make it tougher for the locals,” says Dalton, “but a little Belmar knowledge will help.” Dalton is prepared to surf against Tony Silvagni ultimately defended his title in 2010 and should be back to electrify the beach again this September.
Brian Dalton stalls for the sandy shower last year. Photo: Danny Stockdale.
Silvagni won the Longboard division at the Billabong ISA World Surfing Games earlier this summer to become a legit East Coast superstar. The Monster Energy Longboard Pro will go down in conjunction with the rest of the Belmar Pro, September 15-18.
