How To Get Backstage Access To The Quiksilver Pro New York

As a New York City resident, when I think of my “backyard” I imagine the typical Star Wars enthusiasts playing with lightsabers in the park, or that now familiar guy who is always screaming on Lafayette St. in Soho. When you think you’ve seen it all, something new pops up. Like the rabbit sized rats that are now galloping near The Plaza Hotel and Central Park.

This city will give you both the prettiest positives and the notorious negatives. Out of the three years I have been lucky to frolic around this magic space, the best extraterrestrial landing will occur in September with the arrival of the Quiksilver Pro New York.

The thought of Kelly Slater ripping through the waters of Long Island is almost unfathomable. I have never attended a surfing competition, so I am stoked that seeing the professionals will be my first experience. This thrill level has lead to my compilation of the “Professional Surfing Competition Landing in Your Backyard” preparation plan:

Find Your “In”

I have a lot of college friends who happen to be in the acting and film scene. They tell me all of their secrets, like if there is a movie set outside, just follow the signs leading to the waiting area for the extras. Act like you are supposed to be there and, BAM! Next thing you know you’re in the same vicinity as Brad Pitt and your elbow will be in the next Christopher Nolan film! So, I applied these skills to the upcoming competition and came out with these stellar results:

1) I sent in my application for a press and photo pass. I would love to have coverage of this epic competition plastered on my resume and footage of Kelly Slater’s shiny bald head plastered all over this website. (I am still waiting on an answer, so please cross your fingers people!) If you are in the media or public relations field, apply for one!

2) Search on the internet for jobs offered during the upcoming competition. Professional surfing competitions see thousands of spectators, which means surf companies carrying special events will need more people working than the usual amount. Which equals plenty of jobs you can apply for that may get you talking to Joel Parkinson at the end of the day. You never know.

3) Tell everyone you know how excited you are for the competition! I have been blasting all over my Facebook how much I cannot wait for September. As a result, one of my dear friends forwarded me a very beyond exciting job opportunity for the Quiksilver Pro. So, the more people you tell, the more ears and eyes you have to search for that extra “in” for the festivities.

Know What is Free

The MGMT performance at the U.S. Open of Surfing looked hella fun. An act like that is worth paying for, but of course if an artist is performing for free you are definitely going to stay at the beach long after the live surfing has ceased. The Quiksilver Pro New York Music Festival has a stellar list of performers and the entire event is FREE. FREE FREE FREE! I am going to be at the beach for the most consecutive days I never imagined possible during an academic semester.

Find the Fun

Sunrise beach yoga sessions, DJs, beading, live bands, hang with team riders, and custom eyewear paint splatter projects! I’m not exactly sure what that last one even means, but it involves paint and is therefore awesome! All of this will be offered at the Roxy Beach House. A paint filled, professional surf love fest. Definitely, find the fun.

Quiksilver House, DC skate park and other goodies can be found on the event map. Always study the event map!

This is my plan. I hope it suits you well. If you are living in Tahiti right now, the Billabong Pro is coming up this weekend so jump on the plan. Apply the plan. Love the plan.

Until next time, (… you better go to the beach!)

Mia

This guest post was written by the indefatigable Miss Mia Legg, surf Queen of Manhatten. Tune in next Tuesday for the latest from ‘Realm of the Kooks.’