In a press release which you can read below, Quik has confirmed that despite Hurricane Irene's damage to the Long Beach NY area, the Quiksilver Pro, stop number 6 of 11, will begin as scheduled next monday September 4th. The coinciding music festival including a performance by Wayne Coyne and the fabulous Flaming Lips, and skate events including a vert comp with Quik rider Tony Hawk have been cancelled. Your can go here to check out the cool things that aren't happening anymore.

This was a close call for surfers like Kai Otton, Adam Melling, and Freddy P, as they are just outside the bubble for qualification, and this event is their last chance to climb into the top 32. Had the hurricane caused a full cancellation they would be shit out of luck. 

No word yet on wether or not these changes of plan will stop Dane Reynolds and Bobby Martinez from showing up. Both opted out of J-bay and Tahiti, but have committed to this event due to sponsor obligations. Bobby now rides for an MMA clothing company based in NYC and Dane rides for Quik, who is throwing the shabang-abang.

from the ASP:

LONG BEACH, New York / USA (Tuesday, August 30, 2011) - An important update from Long Beach -- Quiksilver is working closely with the City of Long Beach to preserve the heart of the ASP World Tour surf contest scheduled to start on Sunday, September 4 in light of the impact of Hurricane Irene and concerns for the Long Beach community, which suffered significant damage from the storm. The Quiksilver Pro is scheduled to start its 11-day "holding period" on Monday, September 5. The Quiksilver Pro Trials presented by Unsound Surf will run on Sunday, September 4.

The situation has been changing daily, and we recognize that City resources are focused on hurricane restoration and clean up as first priority. In that context, we have been informed by the City that the festival and music components of the event are no longer achievable.

The Quiksilver Pro NY is first and foremost about the surf contest and Long Beach has an incredible surfing tradition and spirit. We are committed to holding the ASP tour event at Long Beach so that together we can promote the sport by bringing together the best surfers in the world to this terrific community.

For updates throughout the competition, visit: www.quiksilverpro.com.