Surfing America, the National Governing Body for surfing in the USA, announced that Pacific Sunwear has renewed its title sponsorship of the USA Surf Team for 2009, marking a fourth year of support.


“Surfing America is extremely pleased, and deeply honored, to have PacSun’s continued support in 2009,” said executive director Mike Gerard. “Words cannot express what PacSun’s involvement has brought to the USA Surf Team program.  We look forward to continuing our close partnership and expanding the horizon of opportunity for young athletes across the nation.”


PacSun backs up their financial support of the program with nationwide advertising campaigns featuring PacSun USA Surf Team athletes.


“Raising the visibility of the sport of surfing in the United States ultimately benefits the industry as a whole,” said Stacie Perry, PacSun Action Sports Marketing Manager. “PacSun is committed to supporting the next generation of surfing’s elite athletes. The accolades the PacSun USA Surf Team has amassed over the past three years has been phenomenal. The program is more than an avenue to get ads and exposure, it’s an opportunity to be an ambassador for the United States and most importantly, a place to adequately prepare young athletes for international competition and a career in surfing.”


PacSun’s sponsorship provides much needed financial support to the non-profit organization, according to a statement. Along with a year-round USA Surf Team training program, Surfing America also hosts the annual SIMA Surfing America USA Championships, the PacSun Battle of the Brands.


“PacSun has proven to be an exceptional partner for Surfing America, the USA Surf Team and the industry as a whole,” remarked Bob Graff of Graffy, Inc. “All of us are stoked that PacSun is committed to continue their relationship and help the groms visualize and attain their dreams.”


Coach Joey Buran has been consistently training the 2009 squad for the Quiksilver ISA World Junior Surfing Championships this March in Ecuador. Buran and the Surfing America selection committee welcomed four new additions to the squad based on mid-season competitive flare-ups. Christian Arballo, Chandler Parr, Catherine Clark and Kanoa Igarashi round out the strongest roster in recent years.


“The better the USA Surf Team performs on the world stage, the more visible the sport becomes-and PacSun is helping to make it all happen in a really big way,” Gerard remarked. “Both the sport and industry of surfing are very fortunate to have such a dynamic, committed, and effective partner in PacSun.”