What about Shaun Tomson? Shaun is already acting as de-facto President of the ASP with his writing contributions and articulate support for professional surfing. Potter is a legend, but certainly not intelligent enough to be President. And Joey "Jesus Freak" Buran?!! Are you serious?! That guy is a tool. He'll have the whole top 45 praying to Yahweh instead of blasting the back out of waves. For your consideratiuon Mr. Bass...pull your head in.

What about Shaun Thompson?

Bruce Raymond is the only person in your list fit for that position... but his ties to Quik would create a political storm as brands navigate whether they adopt the new system on an event by event basis. I agree - Shaun Thompson will bring spirit without the Bugs rambling. Concise and with conviction. That is what the 09' tour needs.

Slates for prezzzy.

Shaun Tomson has rock solid surfing credentials, is well-educated, and has chops in the business world. Most pro surfers aren't very bright, and spend their merry youths avoiding school.

Unlike the unastute commenter above, Potter's intelligent enough. His commentary, for instance, tends to be a little better than Shaun's or even Bugs's, and, though a little short in the formal education department, so was Bugs.... Whether he is as self-educated a reader as Rabbit was is another question... as is whether that's pertinent. Credibility is probably what's most important, and he has more of it with the current generation than the others on that list. (Including the credibility to tell them that most of them are lacking in the carving-into-things department... I mean, was their any question that Owen and Jadsen were the only surfers in that recent pro junior footage that deserved to make the final?)

This comment goes to the person above who questioned Potz's "intelligence". I think what you meant to say is that he is not "articulate" enough, which may or may not be true. I doubt that you know him well enough to accurately assess his intelligence (which comes in many forms, i.e., artistic, mathematic, etc). It seems like you also suffer from the same problem from which Potz allegedly suffers -- an inability to properly articulate your thoughts.

tag it's P.T., you are it!

it is plain and simple. you need someone who kisses no ones ass and is a hard core retired pro surfer who has been around the block. someone who will stand up for the surfers and listen to them and make things right. it does not take a brain surgeon to do the job. just one hard ass tour vet.

Shaun Thompson is also my bet. Former Pipe Master and a World Champ. Also, he is a fine speaker. yes, Shaun Thompson can.

My vote is for Peter Townend. PT is easily the most qualified for this position, and his marketing and promotional abilities are also world class. Additionally, he has done more for the development of professional surfing as a whole than anyone on your well thought-out list—plus he too is a former world champ. Pottz is also well qualified, and deserving; I think he would surprise allot of people with the depth of his talents—a charismatic leader like Bono. The one name I don't really get at this point is Joey Buran. He hasn't really earned his way into this group. One year as the USA surf team coach does not make him eligible for this position. Also I am a bit wary of any potential "religious" bias entering the picture. IE: I think the Hobgoods have gotten some free rides in too many ways just because of their so-called religious affiliations. I say so-called because anyone who is immature enough in this day and age to say that their religious path is "the only way", needs to s

I second that comment on not letting buran run the tour, def. not the direction it needs to go. Shaun Tomson would get my vote for sure. Legend surfer and stand up guy.

Gents, Shaun dose have the most style and class of all his peers.... But I feel I would be the best choice as I have so much free time on my hands these days and have nothing pressing in the very near future aside from Surf travel...... I've been involved with Surfer Magazine since 1969 as a photographer writer & surf traveler.... What I'm wishing for is a chance to put my finger on the pulse of the International Surfing community and there obsession.... My favorite part of surfing is the people places and Drama of of the simple act that is in essence of The Surf Life ..... and always with mass amounts of Aloha.... Dan Devine / Hawaii

I vote Beschen. He will get rid of the lame ass judging criteria & the crooked judges who continue to over score people they want to win. The tour format is moldy! The same freaking guys every contest 1, 2, 3 & 4. With AI gone there needs to be drastic changes in place or Slater may have 10 by Fiji. Slater is the best (by far) but if it doesn't come down to pipe, who cares... Besides what other person besides Besch would publicly belittle the judges better than he?

My vote would go with Buran. He's articulate, committed, doesn't give a crap what others think, would do the right thing. Plus the bloke rips. It would be a sad day if someone didn't get chosen because they are religious. I don't know how you could be a surfer and not be. Open your eyes a bit more next time you paddle out. you've got someone to thank for those waves.

looks like Dan Devine can't spell does....not my vote

PT is far and away the best choice in my mind. he's a great speaker, he's highly respected and even loved by the larger surf culture as a whole, and although i've never met him, he seems like a fair man. maybe Slater could fill those shoes in the years to come, after he seals 10 and walks away from the tour for awhile, if that's his will. the only thing that scares me about Slater is his now legendary indecisiveness, but that's more so on a personal level, he could be very different when conducting official business. and the best part about Slater is his seemingly super-human ability to turn his will into reality, there would be no second-guessing him once he threw the hammer down.

John Shimooka. He will represent the surfer's fairly, as well as the organization because he has been on both sides of the gamut as a former CT surfer as well as a high profile marketing dude. He speaks well and has roots planted all over the world, either through ethnicity of having resided there - Hawaii, Oz, Cali, Japan etc... I vote Da Shmoo.

Religious is OK. In fact, desirable. But narrow-mindedness is a negative. An example of that is the Hobgood public statement that Christ is the only way. One of the most ridiculous concepts ever offered up by man. As if all of the other, far older religions don't mean anything? I mean please, get an education! Grow up. I had a couple of pro surfers I know w/in the industry tell me I was their enemy because I was into Yoga! So I am wary of the Evangelical sector with that mindset, and I think it needs to be addressed. Otherwise there will be biased results. Beyond that, Buran bailed on the pro circuit, so I favor someone who has paid their dues in the ASP, and have been successful. PT is rad. He has it all. But I also agree that Shaun is a phenomenal choice. We are fortunate to have so many great choices. Bugs was an unexpected choice and look at his legacy. Totally dignified, and levelheaded leadership. And most important, he had so much respect and enthusiasm for the surfers.

Wow, those who hate on Buran just because of his religious beliefs need to take a long, hard look in the mirror, and then write "bigot" on their foreheads.

I'd vote Shaun Thompson although he must be getting on a bit by now. Reckon Luke Egan would be pretty good as well.

Shaun, Pottz, PT and how about Kanga thrown into the mix as well ? Amazingly great choices all and the ASP is extremely lucky to have such a dearth of qualified candidates to consider but, if you have each aforementioned individual craft their lifetime, hall of fame caliber resumes for ASP prez starting with their years as grom phenoms, you can bet that first ever professional world tour champion Peter Townend's would win in a walk. Also, and as mentioned by others, PT's respect with the current pro's, great personality, keen intelligence and knowledge of our sport and it's history from top to bottom, a business acumen and saaavy with connections that spans way beyond the surf industry clearly marks him as the numero uno man to tap for the position. And pro surfing would be lucky to have him! East coast raid, mate !

MR. surely! and he could shape a mean trophy. [luke egan has the credentials too].]

Mike Parsons would be a great choice!

Yeah, well i am an "anti-bigot" bigot then, if that's what it takes to come out and say that bigotry exists, and if that is part of certain Christian (or otherwise) sects, than I am wary of that kind of biased mindset. True religion is respectful of everyone, equally. I want that kind of leadership in the ASP. And it works racially too: the Brazilians, Tahitians, and Moroccons should get scored the same as the Americans, Aussies, and South africans. If Buran is on that page fine, but in my mind he still isn't as qualified as Townend, Tomson, or Potter. It made a big difference to have a former World Champ waving the flag. The credibility factor is huge in our sport, and especially amongst the pros. It helps to have someone who really knows what it takes to be making decisions that affect these guys and girls. They are a special group who have earned their way to the top. I hope we get someone who respects every single one of them.

How come so many people can't spell Shaun's name right. Bunch of dumb surfers

I don't see or hear anyone talking smack about shaun, P.T., Snipps, Potts, and any un mentioned ? Why the target on Joey's back . It sounds too familiar to me! Anyway evryone's entitled to their opiinion ! Right? I've met most of the them and my vote would go to P.T. or Shaun. I wouldn't call someone outta the pack because he is Christ like. Check yourself bra .

Vote Shaun !!

Derek Hynd!!

Did you just call Joey Buran Christ like? Are you out of your mind? Maybe you're the one that needs to go "check yourself bra". You kook. Joey is getting attacked because in terms of thatn list, he is grossly unqualified. Joey will never be President of the ASP. Time to wake up. Shaun Tomson is far and away the best choice, however Mark Richards would also be excellent. Those two get my vote.

Vote for PT From Surfline Words cannot describe the incredible contribution PT has made to Surfing America, the USA Surf Team, and to the sport of surfing as a whole," said Mike Gerard, Surfing America's Executive Director. "PT founded Surfing America in the late nineties, built it up to achieve ISA's NGB recognition in 2004, and immediately thereafter lead the USA Surf Team program to success. Surfing America would never be where it is today without his leadership and we are extremely grateful for all he has done. We look forward to PT's continued involvement as Past President and a member of Surfing America's Advisory Board." Townend, the 1976 IPS World Champion, has been a primary catalyst for organizing competitive surfing in the United States as well as founding Surfing America in 1997 as the then acting President of SIMA.. He also was monumental in the rise of the NSSA during the 1980s and was the on-air color analyst for the Bud Pro Surf Tour. He spent ten years in pub

I disagree, Joey is getting attacked because he is a Christian. I also agrre that he isn't the most qualified for the position. Shaun should be the man. p.s. For those of you criticizing christians as bigots because we believe what Jesus said when he mentioned he was the only path to god: If you follow the beliefs of any other major religion, you will soon find the common thread that they all claim to be the only path to god/enlightenment/etc. (Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, Shintoism, etc. all mutually exclude each other). Back to the point, the ASP needs to have someone with the competitive experience, strong personality, history, and eloquence of a Shaun Tomson. And as far as I know, I don't think he is linked with any of the major surf companies too heavily right now, which would be good for all.

Matt Kechele!

ASP needs a person inteligent and with capacity to improve.Also must be a a person with vision and not only a guy that had put his name in the board of the sport. Kelly is the only guy in the world of professional surf able to direct and comand the future of the sport. So it seems that we have to wait one year to see that! Pottz or Occy aren´t for shure the guys to do that!! Sorry my English.My main language is Portuguese. Peace!

I don't care who it is just as long as it isn't a friggin septic... Dooma Hardman for Prez!

Layne Beachley...Wes Laine...Luke Egan...

Let the People Vote...........

Shaun Tomson has my vote. I've worked closely with Shaun in several of his business ventures. He is not only a great businessman but a true icon to our sport. He has helped to make professional surfing what it is today. He'll go out on the edge to do what it takes to make things happen. He would be a true leader for the ASP. Tom Brown casts his vote to Shaun Tomson.

We don't need a president,though Rabbit is a great man.The sport of Kings should be run in conjuction with the co operation of the major surfing countries,with a rep from each affiliated asp,and they then pick a president.This leaves any problems with competition,rules,by laws and or competitors in several hands and not a vested interest by one country.One member in this group should be a woman surfer,represented by either seasoned pros like Layne Beachley,Lisa Anderson or Pam Burridge,as all of these women have shown business and orgaisational skills. If everything else fails, to really stir up the competition Christian Fletcher for president,if nothing else he would have totally new and innovative ideas. Surf and stay healthy all.