Volcom and ASP Hawaii are excited to announce Volcom’s first ever ASP-sanctioned professional surfing event: the $120,000 Volcom Pipeline Pro, a 5-star World Qualifying Series event, will open the 2010 professional surfing season on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii. The event will be held on the three best days of surfing during the January 23 through February 5 period.

The news comes as a major boost for Hawaii’s aspiring pro surfers. Ironically, the birthplace of surfing has suffered in recent years with the weakest of all domestic tours despite offering the world’s premier elite pro surfing series that ends on the North Shore in December each year.

“We are so excited for this opportunity,” said Brad Dougherty, Volcom Surf Brand Director. “It really is the next step for the surf division of Volcom. Ever since we secured the houses at Pipeline I knew the time would come to do a major contest out front.

“I am looking forward to hosting an event that will help the Hawaiians achieve their competitive goals.”

Strong qualifying events here at home and the opportunity to win money to travel on the world tour, means more Hawaii surfers have the opportunity to qualify to compete in their own backyard come year-end.

Dave Riddle, Volcom surf team manager in Hawaii is thrilled with the opportunity the Volcom Pipeline Pro represents for his athletes.

"It’s going to be great for Hawaii’s WQS surfers," says Riddle. "To compete on the World Qualifying Series as a Hawaii surfer costs between $40,000 to $60,000 dollars per guy. Without the opportunity to compete in events like this, if you’re not highly sponsored then you’re not going to be able to do it. It’s brutal."

"I’m really excited to see the event in our backyard."

The $120,000 Volcom Pipeline Pro offers a first place purse of $16,000 as well as valuable ratings points that will give Hawaii surfers a foothold in the pursuit for World Tour qualification and a spot in the 2010 Vans Triple Crown of Surfing.