Photos Mike “Nellie” Nelson & Tom Dugan

The unsOund Surf Shop Hosts Prestigious Surf Competition in Long Beach

Historic East Coast contest returns with 10 grand cash purse for surfers

Long Beach, NY – The New York surf community is abuzz with excitement as the highly anticipated unsOund Pro Surf Competition returns to Long Beach from Sept. 13-15. Hosted by the iconic unsOund Surf Shop, this event will showcase top surfers from across the country.

How good can it get in September for the 2024 unsOund Pro ? How about this damn good. Long Beach positively bombing in all its hurricane season glory circa September 2017. Photo: Mike Nelson @fulll_nelsonphoto

This September, surfers of all skill levels are invited to compete in various categories, including the coveted Men’s and Women’s Pro divisions with a $10K purse, as well as Junior Boys and .Girls Pro, Longboard, and a Locals Only division.

Longtime Long Island local resident, Travis Beckman is one of the best surfers to ever come out of New York and is always a threat to win. Photo: Mike Nelson @fullnelson_photo

The unsOund Surf Shop, a long-standing pillar of the local surf community, proudly hosts this event. Since its establishment in the late ’90s, unsOund Surf and its namesake contest have always adhered to their original vision: uniting surfers from all walks of life in one of the most diverse surf towns in the country to foster camaraderie and celebrate the sport.

Killian Garland came out from cali to bag the 2014 Pro and was rewarded greatly with 5K in prize money, good times and a champagne shower. But what we really want to know is who da guy in the white, 20th anniversary ESM t-shirt taking photos? ( hint- he co-founded Eastern Surf Magazine  / www.easternsurf.com and is an East Coast Surfing Hall Of Fame member ). Photo : Mike Nelson @fullnelson_photo

While the vision has remained constant, the contest has evolved significantly. It now boasts affiliations with the World Surfing League, Nike, Oakley, and the iconic Quiksilver Pro NY, a highlight of the World Championship Tour, solidifying its status as a legendary East Coast event.

Virginia Beacher turned Floridian, WQS warrior Mike “Dunny” Dunphy ripping the bag out of it at the 2014 Unsound Pro. Mike Nelson @fullnelson_photo

Former unsOund Pro champion Asher Nolan of Florida shared his excitement: “I’m thrilled to be heading back to Long Beach for the unsOund Pro. I’ve had two memorable wins there in the past. Now, I’ve transitioned into a new role in surfing competition as a judge. We’ll have a great panel to ensure quality judging that the surfers deserve.

Two time unsOund winner, Asher Nolan hoisting high his well deserved 2005 Pro check worth a tidy $2,500 K. That’ll buy you. A few slices at Gino’s and one hell of a night out on the town in the Big City. Photo: Mike Nelson @fullnelson_photo

Local Legend and Pipeline Champion ,Balaram Stack said “The unsOund Pro has been such an important part of competition in New York from the start. Always looking forward to see what “ the waves will produce that time of year and see everyone put their skills to the test.

The New York and Long Island surf communities favorite son – and 2023 Pipe Masters champ, Balaram Stack will be an odd’s on favorite to win the event again. Especially of conditions look like this. Photo: Mike Nelson @fullnelson_photo

Just a short train ride from the heart of New York City, Long Beach offers a picturesque location with ideal seasonal weather and a history of consistent swells in September, making it the perfect backdrop for this spectacular competition. In addition to the thrilling surf action, the event will offer various attractions for attendees, including beachside vendors in the festival village and live .music at The Inn and The Cabana.

A short train ride from the five boroughs of The Big Apple always ensures a packed house for the unSound Pro. SRO crowd during the 2015 event. Photo: Mike Nelson @fullnelson_photo

Local businesses are rallying behind the event, recognizing its positive impact on the community. The unsOund Pro is expected to attract a significant number of visitors to Long Beach, boosting .the local economy and showcasing the city as a premier surf destination.

Almond eye at Long Beach. Don’t let the urban landscape fool you, this is one hell of a surf stoked town / area and is a really fun place to hang out and have an event of this magnitude. Photo: Mike Nelson @fullnelson_photo

Registration for the unsOund Pro is now open, and surfers are encouraged to sign up early to secure their spot in this highly anticipated event with limited availability. Go to liveheats.com to sign up. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a budding enthusiast, this is an opportunity you won’t want to miss.

Hawiian former World Tour pro, Dusty Payne skying it during the 2005 contest. Photo: Mike Nelson @fullnelson_photo

For more information about the competition, including registration details and the event schedule, email [email protected], visit unsOundsurf.com or contact their friendly staff .unsOund Surf has been serving the core surf community of Nassau County since 1998.

unsOund Pro early morning boardwalk strollers at Long Beach. Photo : Tom Dugan @tomduganphotos