The iconic reef at Middles beach on the North West coast of the island will see intense competition again next month when the top surfers from the Caribbean gather on October 7-9.
Middles holds an historic place in surfing history, as it was the site of the 2010 former ASP World Tour, now the WSL, when Kelly Slater surfed to win his 10th World Title. The giant swells that are pushed southward by cold fronts and tropical storms are the annual attraction that has lured International surfers to Puerto Rico for over fifty years. The shallow reef at Middles is known for producing the hollow waves that often make the competition there a “tube riding contest”.
This will be the 30th edition of the Corona Extra Pro Surf Circuit, and it will add up the point’s race to crown the 2016-2017 O'Neill Series Champions for both the men and women competitors. The competition season is supported by APSPR (Association of Professional Surfers of Puerto Rico) and consists of three events. Each has over $37,000 in prize money, with $25,000 allocated for the men and $12,000 for the women’s. The Men’s winner will take home a first place check for $10,000. The Women’s champion will receive $5,000”. A field of 60 or more contestants is expected that will include competitors from US, Caribbean Islands, Central and South America. Last year defending champs of this event are Brian Toth (PR) and Nikki Viesiens (US).
Evan Thompson (FL) and Chelsea Roett (BRB) won the last event at Domes in March. At that time, the Corona Extra Pro Surfing Circuit O’neill Series also crowned circuit champions Asher Nolan (FL) and Alexis Engstrom (PR).
The current ratings leaders for the Men are: Asher Nolan (US), Brian Toth (PR) Rafael Pereira (VNZ) Cody Thompson (US) and Gabriel Escudero (PR). Nolan, Toth and Escudero are all previous winners of APSPR events.
“I'm really looking forward to the event”, said Nolan, who lives in Jacksonville, Florida. “Middles is one of my favorite waves in PR. These events are always very difficult, with the Puerto Ricans all wanting to win at their home break...and then you have some of the best Americans coming down as well to compete for the prize purse. It's really great of Corona and O'Neill to put on these events for the surfers. There is always a great atmosphere with the huge turnout of the vocal fans on the beach. People really enjoy themselves In Puerto Rico”.
On the ladies side the current point’s leaders are: Alexis Engstrom (PR), Emily Ruppert (US), Idalis Alvarado (PR), Bernice Cardona (PR), Ninotchka Acevedo (PR). Engstrom and Alvarado are both previous winners of APSPR events.
The APSPR was founded in 2001 by Werner Vega, surfboard shaper and owner of Hang Loose Surf Shop, in Isabela. “Since we began fifteen years ago, Corona Extra has been the biggest supporter of Puerto Rican pro surfers” said Mr. Vega. This will be the 30th edition of the Corona Extra Pro Surf Circuit. The continued support of Corona Extra shows a huge commitment to the sport and it’s athletes”
For entries:
(Registration online) Competitors can register and pay the entry fees on our website: www.apspr.net. You can also download the entry form from our website, mail it with payment to APSPR and pay with money order or cash. Personal checks are not accepted. All entries should be received with payment no later than Wednesday September 28, 2016. Past Wednesday September 28, 2016 a late entry fee of $35.00 will be charged. Entry deadline is Saturday, October 1, 2016. Entries will not be accepted after Saturday October 1, 2016.
Thanks to all our generous sponsors of the 30th Edition of the Corona Extra Pro Circuit O’neill Series:
Corona Extra, O’neill, AT&T, Jose Cuervo, Wapa, El Nuevo Día, n-punto, Alfa Rock, Rad TV, Wener Vega Surfboards, Hang Loose Surf Shop, Pitorro.