There comes a day in most pro surfer's lives when they have to come down from their high, join the rest of the world, and get a real job. Some get the shorter end of the stick and have to sweat it out as bartenders or construction workers. Some go for the quick fix and begin to sell drugs, and or other partake in other types of crime, which inevitably ends up with them behind bars. Some never stray from the ocean and become lifeguards and surf instructors. While some just choose random paths and transform into anything from realtors to car salesman.

Then there's the lucky few, who did enough for their sponsors, and made the right connections to get good job in the industry, which after the recession are few and far between. That's exactly what happened to long time Hawaii pro Pancho Sullivan, who's been one of the good guys of pro surfing for over a decade, and longtime sponsor Rip Curl has rewarded him. Sullivan has been made the new Rip Curl Hawaii Sales and Marketing Rep.

Here's the press release from Rip Curl:

Costa Mesa, CA (July 8, 2010): Former ASP World #7 and decorated Hawaiian power surfer, Pancho Sullivan, has recently been appointed Rip Curl Hawaii Sales and Marketing Representative.

With 15 years at the helm representing Rip Curl within the Search program, as well as on the ASP World Tour (finishing #7 in 2007), Pancho's strong work ethic, enigmatic personality, and credibility in and out of the water make him a great candidate to oversee the Rip Curl brand in the Islands.

"Rip Curl has been an amazing support base for me over the past 15 years of my surfing career, and I look forward to the next phase of my relationship with them," stated Pancho. "The Rip Curl brand is very strong and it's a company which is very deep in history and true to its roots as a core surfing company. It has always been at the forefront of innovative surf technology and every one in the company is passionate about making the best products possible."

Rip Curl USA CEO and President, Kelly Gibson, shares the same sentiment and enthusiasm on Pancho's transition. "Pancho has been an amazing ambassador and asset to Rip Curl for many years in and out of Hawaii," Gibson stated. "We look forward to working with Pancho to take the Rip Curl brand to a new level in Hawaii in his next exciting chapter with the company."