We are all about the be glued to our computers watching the Quiksilver Pro and Roxy Pro Gold Coast, which are about to start in Coolangatta, Australia.  The contests are the opening events for the ASP's dream tour 2011.  However, we are going to need a few more events to keep motivated during the last few weeks of winter.  To help us all get in the mood for surfing, bright sunny beaches and our next surf holiday, here is the March round up.
 
  • Men's:
 


Event: Burton Toyota Pro 4*
Location: Merewether, Newcastle, Australia
Dates: 15 - 20 March
Prize money: $85,000
Last year's winner: Glenn Hall (IRE/AUS)
Website: www.surfest.com
 
25 years and counting, the Burton Toyota Pro is part of the surf festival that happens annually in Newcastle, Australia. Watch out for top 10 surfers Taj Burrow, Bede Durbidge and Ace Buchan as they battle it out in the waves.
 


Event: Vans Pier Classic presented by Jack's Surfboards 4*
Location: Huntington Beach, California, USA
Dates: 23 - 27 March
Prize money: $85,000
Last year's winner: Dylan Goodale (HAW)
 
The Van's Pier Classic is your Californian opening event for the west coast of the USA.  The contest has been injected with some much needed prize money, moving it from a 2* to a 4* this year.
 


Event: O'Neill Coldwater Classic New Zealand 6*
Location: Gisbourne, New Zealand
Dates: 23 - 29 March
Prize money: $145,000
Last year's winner: Event didn't exist
 
In the chilly waters off the coast of Gisbourne, New Zealand, O'Neill are going to hold their first Coldwater Classics contest. It will be the first time that the event is held in New Zealand, so it should be exciting to see what the north island surf breaks have to offer.
 
  • Women's:
 


Event: Legendary Pacific Coast Pro 6*
Location: Merewether, Newcastle, Australia
Dates: 15 - 19 March
Prize money: $35,000
Last year's winner: Kirby Wright (AUS)
 
The women's contest was saved only this month from possibly being dropped altogether.  Thankfully some much needed sponsorship has been set up by the Commonwealth Bank, who also sponsors the Beachley Classic each year.  Things are looking good now, with 12 of the top 17 female surfers in the world confirming that they will compete.