Pismo Beach businesses catching a wave of visitors with return of professional surfing competition
PISMO BEACH, Calif - The return of a professional surfing competition this week is attracting some of the best surfers in the sport, and also is providing local businesses with a wave of visitors.
All week long, the SLO CAL Open at Pismo Beach has been held in the waters around the Pismo Pier.
Beginning on Monday, the competition has featured more than 150 surfers from around the continent that participate in the World Surf League (WSL).
"This is world class surfing," said Brian Robbins, WSL North America Tour Manager. "From the North America region last year, we have five rookies on the championship tour this year, so this this region, this contest specifically has created our future stars."
Competitors are vying for valuable WSL points, as well as prize money. The total cash purse is $70,000 combined for the men's and women's events.
Visit SLO CAL, San Luis Obispo County's official countywide destination marketing and management organization is the main sponsor of the event.
The organization reports the week-long competition is extremely helpful in boosting tourism to Pismo Beach and throughout the county.
"Our local businesses this year are saying that they're full and the community is feeling the love from this event," said Lisa Belsanti, Visit SLO CAL Public Relations and Communications Director. "Typically, January, we see a dip in occupancy and our businesses feel the dip as well, but everybody is super happy right now. They feel like their restaurants are full, and a couple of our hotels are saying that they're full as well."
In addition, with the event streamed live on the WSL online platform, PIsmo Beach is being showcased to a worldwide audience, potentially attracting future visitors to the city and region.
"Anyone around the world can log in every day from the first team to the last.,' said Robbins. "We're live and it definitely features the area. Surfers from around the world can see the waves, see the location. The drone angle from random photography is unbelievable. You really can't ask for anything more, and the broadcast is a great way to engage with the surfing, to follow your fans and yeah, it's fun."
The event is also held in partnership with Surfing For Hope, a local non-profit organization that it describes itself as a group aimed at inspiring and educating people challenged with cancer through the positive energy of surfing. Surfing For Hope also helps raise money for cancer patients, and connects them with the ocean while going through treatment.
"Coming off an insane week at the QS 1,000 and Longboard QS 1,000 at Morro Bay, we are really looking forward to the QS 3,000 and Pro Junior at Pismo Beach Pier," Surfing For Hope Associate Director Andy McKay said in a release. "We have had a nice run of swell in SLO County and hope it continues deep into January for our week long event. The 3,000 points on the line is huge for the surfers and the pressure is on for sure. This has to be the event the surfers are eyeing as their chance to really make a big mid-season move in the rankings race. Surfing For Hope is excited to provide this opportunity for the surfers and Pismo Beach is ready to welcome everyone."
The SLO CAL Open at Pismo Beach continues this weekend, with the final rounds of competition set for this Saturday and Sunday.
"Just expect a lot of good vibes and really good weather here this weekend and this fun event," said professional surfer Lucas Owston. "The waves are really good and the conditions are great and I'm really thankful for being able to surf here."
For more information on the SLO CAL Open at Pismo Beach, click here.
