Quiksilver Pro New York: event wipeout?

After months of planning, fanfare and anticipation, the Quiksilver Pro New York — one of the largest surfing competitions in history that could crown Long Beach with the distinct title of host to the first-of-its kind event on the East Coast — may be on the brink of a wipeout in the city.

Amid talk that the festival and competition may be canceled, a number of locals are calling on city officials to keep the contest in Long Beach. On Facebook, many said they are turning out to City Hall tomorrow at 9 a.m. for a “peaceful” rally against any decision to ultimately cancel the event.

A day after Hurricane Irene damaged the beach, City Manager Charles Theofan said on Monday that at present, the festival meant to compliment the contest may be canceled.

The Quiksilver Pro New York is to be the sixth of 11 events on this year’s ASP world tour, with 34 of the world’s best surfers — including 10 time ASP world champion Kelly Slater and local pro surfer Balaram Stack — vying for an unprecedented $1 million prize purse, with the winner pocketing $300,000.

The event is supposed to be nothing less than a sports, music, art and fashion festival, with more than 40 bands performing over the Sept. 1-15 festival and competition, including high profile acts such as Interpol, the Flaming Lips and Taking Back Sunday. Theofan said on Monday that he and other city officials made attempts to keep the surfing competition in town, if not the festival.

An official statement from the city was expected to be released to the Herald.

Talk of the event’s cancellation sparked the ire of many in the local surf community and residents who were anticipating not only the surf competition, but a major music and action sports festival in Long Beach, one that Theofan and other city officials said would benefit local businesses and the economy.