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SURFERMAG.COM ONLINE EXCLUSIVE

Ed D’Ascoli:I would call it a local – international event. We were here before the Triple Crown was called the Triple Crown and we were here before the ASP. We just keep doing what we’re doing. We’re in the ASP box now, as far as the rules and things, but we always try and keep true to the original idea we had when we started the contest in 1984: To give the opportunity to younger surfers here in Hawaii to mix it up with older, more experienced guys — guys currently competing on the WQS and WCT tours would have a tough time beating.

Most of us do, but for those who may not know, how would you describe Sunset?

Ed D’Ascoli:Sunset, as a wave, is a big area so to surf out there you have to be in top paddling shape. You also have to have your equipment prepared because you’re going to break boards. You’re also going to need a caddy to chase boards. Sunset is a challenge. You have to be in peak condition. If you have to surf three or four heats in a day, the older guys will start struggling. Meanwhile, the younger guys may not have their boards prepared and ready. It’s a contest you need to plan for.

Ed, you been doing this since 1984. Is the Xcel Pro a labor of love or just a competitive surfing property that is good for business?

Ed D’Ascoli:For a number of years it was a labor of love. Now, it’s a little bit of both. Granted we’re a wetsuit company, but we’re a surf company, too. If you look at it purely as business, Sunset is not exactly what we do best as we’re a full suit company. But I believe in supporting the sport. It’s tough to get contests and sponsors in Hawaii, so we support things that are good for the sport. If we do that, in the long run, it’ll be good for our business.

From your 23-year run with the Xcel Pro, do have you had a favorite memory?

Ed D’Ascoli:I enjoyed the two-day contests better than the three-day contests. Back when we did the two-days contests, we always knew we were going to get two good days of surf. And, I don’t know why, but back in the 1980s it seemed like we got bigger surf. Back when we did the two-day contests, we’d have to wake up at dawn, and by 6:00 to 6:30, we’d have to make the call on whether we were going to run the contest or not. If we decided to run with it, it would be a mad dash to get the scaffolding up. But to answer your question I’ll never forget the year we went down to check the conditions and said, “it’s too big”. The guys set for the first heat said, ‘No, do it! We’ll paddle out!” We checked with the Water Patrol, who we had complete confidence in, came back and said, ‘Okay, we’ll leave it up to you guys.” So the guys paddled out and a half an hour later they all paddled back in with their eyes popped out. It was 15-foot-plus and it was too big. That was a memory!

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