The Vans Pier Classic in Riverside by the Sea, aka Huntington Beach, aka a drinking town with a surfing problem, will kick off next week. Check back for some MORINformed interviews with some of the contenders.

Cypress, CA (March 18, 2009) - The 4th Annual Vans Pier Classic presented by Jack's Surfboards takes over the Huntington Beach pier Wednesday, March 25 through Sunday, March 29. The event, which will be the second stop of the ASP North American Tour and first event of the ASP North America Pro Junior Series, consists of a Men's WQS 2-Star Vans Pro and a Men's Grade 2 Ezekiel Pro Junior. The contest will feature many of the best young surfers in the world vying for title honors and part of the $35,000 up for grabs.

Those that can't make it out to the pier can catch live webcasts of the entire event at www.vans.com. Also look for plenty of photos and daily live up-dates.

Surfers confirmed to compete among the 230 men draw include 2008 Pier Classic champ Shaun Ward as well as Hank Gaskell, John John Florence, Andrew Doheny, Jason "Ratboy" Collins and Dylan Perillo.

Contest Schedule:

Wednesday, March 25
8:00a - 1:20p Vans Pro Men's Round 1
1:20p - 4:00p Vans Pro Men's Round 2

Thursday, March 26
8:00a - 10:40a Vans Pro Men's Rnd 2 Cont.
10:40a - 4:00p Vans Pro Men's Round 3

Friday, March 27
8:00a - 1:20p Vans Pro Men's Round 4
1:20p - 2:40p Ezekiel Pro JR Round 1
2:40p - 4:00p Ezekiel Pro JR Round 2

Saturday, March 28
8:00a - 9:20a Ezekiel Pro JR Rnd 2 Cont.
9:20a - 12:00p Vans Pro Men's Round 5
12:00p - 2:40p Ezekiel Pro JR Round 3
2:40p - 3:00p Ezekiel Pro JR Round 4

Sunday, March 29
8:00a - 9:20a Ezekiel Pro JR Rnd 4 Cont.
9:20a - 10:40a Ezekiel Pro JR Quarterfinals
10:40a - 12:00p Vans Pro Men' s Quarterfinals
12:00p - 12:50p Ezekiel Pro JR Semi-Finals
12:50p - 1:40p Vans Pro Men's Semi-Finals
1:40p - 2:10p Ezekiel Pro JR FINALS
2:10p - 2:40p Vans Pro Men's FINALS
3:00p - Awards Presentation