February looks set to be a great month of surf contests as the 2011 schedule gets underway. Men's and Women's ASP World, Prime and Star events are lined up to keep us inspired and entertained.
For those of us who aren't visiting the competitions, or completely distracted by a surf holiday, here are the best surf contests and their web-links, so you don't miss a thing.
Men's
- World Tour
Event: Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast
Location: Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Dates: 26 Feb - 9 Mar
Prize money: USD $425,000
Last year's winner: Taj Burrow
Website: www.quiksilverpro.com.au
ASP's world championship kicks off at the infamous Snapper rocks at the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast. Watch out for last year's winner Taj Burrow as he takes on a blazing injury free Joel Parkinson, and the now x10 world champion Kelly Slater.
- Prime
Event: Hang Loose Pro
Location: Fernando de Noronha, Brazil
Dates: 15- 20 Feb
Prize money: USD $250,000
Last year's winner: CJ Hobgood
Website: www.hangloose.com.br
Although not so well known over in Europe, the Hang Loose Pro is Brazil is worth checking out. Consistently good waves and all the up and coming names, the event is set to be important for surfers looking to gain some much needed WQS points.
- Star
Event: Breaka Burleigh Pro 4*
Location: Burleigh Heads,Queensland, Australia
Dates: 16- 20 Feb
Prize money: USD $85,000
Last year's winner: Taj Burrow
Website: www.breakaburleighsurfpro.com.au
Last year it was all about Taj Burrow at Burleigh Heads. Make sure you watch this contest for a good indication of who is going to do well at the Quiky Pro at the end of the month.
Women's
- World Tour
Event: Roxy Pro
Location: Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Dates: 26 Feb - 9 Mar
Prize money: USD $110,000
Last year's winner: Stephanie Gilmore
Website: www.roxypro.com.au
The women's world tour is kicked off at Snapper Rocks along side the men's tournament. Quiksilver will be keen to get behind the freshly endorsed defending champion Stephanie Gilmore, who has just moved from Rip Curl to Quiksilver.