OCEANSIDE — The Supergirl Pro surf competition is set to hit the shore of Oceanside Pier beach the weekend of July 24.
The top 108 professional female surfers will be competing for significant prize money, and earning points toward the World Championship Tour.
This is the ninth year of the annual all-women competition. Rick Bratman, event founder, director and CEO of ASA Entertainment Group, said during the first year many people didn’t realize the contest’s potential.
“Ten years ago, when I was contemplating doing this series, some people said ‘you’re out of your mind,’” Bratman said. “There has been a huge evolution in the respect level for women surfers, and the bigger, better, badder things they’re doing in the ocean.”
The surf contest drew 67,000 spectators last year, and is hailed as the largest female surfing competition in the world.
“My company has been doing 175 events a year, for 25 years, there’s no event like this,” Bratman said. “It’s truly unique.
“It’s the only WSL six-star women’s event in the nation, it’s such an elite field.”
There will be continuous competition over three days to pack in top female surfers, who range in age from 11 to 34.
Elite surfers to hit the waves this year include Alana Blanchard, Courtney Conlogue, Coco Ho, Malia Manuel and Lakey Peterson.
Bratman said female pros carve up the waves with style and grace, and bring kindness and appreciation to competition.
“It’s the best surfing in the world,” Bratman said.
July 24 will narrow the field from 108 to 48 semifinalists.
“On Friday dreams are made,” Bratman said. “Of the 17 girls from the World Championship Tour, 15 of the 17 came through Supergirl,” Bratman said.
The following day will cut the number of top surfers from 48 to 16. Final competition will take place on July 26 and crown the Supergirl Pro winner.
There will also be a celebrity surfing contest between “big name” actors and musicians to raise money for charity on Sunday.
Throughout the three-day event professional surfers will hold autograph sessions with fans, and a contest village will be held at the Pier Amphitheater.
The village features female pro skateboarders, surf films, yoga sessions, a hair-styling station, free give-aways, a beer garden, food trucks, comedians and live music.
“It is all about women and healthy living,” Bratman said. “There’s not another surfing event in the world that focuses purely on women.”
Local heartthrob Cody Lovaas headlines Saturday’s performances, and Kari Kimmel headlines Sunday.
Bratman said the contest inspires surfing hopefuls and fans.
Supergirl Pro runs July 24 to July 26, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. The event is free to attend. For more information go to supergirlpro.com.
