Costa Mesa, CA. – The Volcom Fiji Pro went off in fine form in early June. The event saw some of the most impressive waves ever ridden at the world famous Cloudbreak and surfers and competitors from around the globe were on hand to experience what many are calling one of the best surf contests ever.
Adding to the accolades was the designation, by nonprofit organization Sustainable Surf, of the event as a Deep Blue Surfing Event™ thanks to the commitments to sustainability that Volcom and Tavarua Island Resort, in partnership with the Center for Surf Research at San Diego State University, had in place throughout the contest period. It was an Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP)/industry first, and the team at Volcom was more than excited about the results.
“We were so stoked on what came about from our Sustainability program for the Volcom Fiji Pro,” said Derek Sabori, Sr. Director, Sustainability. “We wanted to have a lasting impression, and I think we’ve done that through the surfing we saw take place and the sustainability initiatives we delivered. An all around A+ experience for us.”
By partnering with Sustainable Surf to incorporate the new event greening guidelines put out by the ASP earlier this year, the Volcom Fiji Pro was named the organization’s first Deep Blue Surfing Event. In addition to the many highlights related to reducing waste and strengthening the local communities, the total carbon footprint of the event is being offset through the Carbonfund.org Foundation. Both Volcom and the ASP hope this will serve as a catalyst.
“Our job was simple really, just getting all the flight info for athletes, ASP staff and judges, media, etc. over to the guys at Sustainable Surf so that they could crunch the carbon footprint. We were glad to help and are happy to see these types of sustainability efforts being taken at the WCT and other ASP events.” Matt Wilson ASP International Event Director
Volcom also helped launch and promote “Surf Credits,” an online tool aimed at promoting sustainable surf tourism offering free Fiji Pro merchandise to the early adopters, and reminding fans that Tavarua Island Resort was offering a free trip for two to purchasers during the month of June; the winner is being announced next week. Volcom and friends also delivered and installed 150 clean water drinking filters (with Tavarua Island Resort and Give Clean Water) and will be donating a portion of the sales of all Volcom Fiji Pro merchandise to the medical assistance organization Loloma Foundation.
Michael Stewart, Co-founder of Sustainable Surf summed it up nicely by saying, “The level of Volcom’s efforts to improve the environmental and social performance of the Fiji event was matched by the amazing waves they also received. I’m taking that as a sure sign that the surf gods were also stoked.”
Please visit http://sustainablesurf.org/volcom-fiji-pro/ to see all the details, and stay up to date on all Volcom’s sustainability programs at www.volcom.com/newfuture.
About Volcom, Inc.
Volcom is a modern global lifestyle brand that embodies the creative spirit of youth culture. The company was founded on the principles of liberation, innovation and experimentation, and this is uniquely expressed in premium quality clothing, accessories, sunglasses, goggles and related products under the Volcom and Electric brand names. For more information, please visit www.volcom.com and www.electricvisual.com. Volcom is a wholly owned subsidiary of PPR S.A., www.ppr.com.
Contacts: Volcom, Inc. Volcom, Inc.
Derek Sabori Brad Dougherty
(949) 646-2175 (949) 646-2175