Push to return surf event to Long Beach

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand is calling for Quiksilver to bring its pro surfing competition back to Long Beach.

Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) urged Quiksilver chief executive Robert McKnight in a letter sent Wednesday to re-evaluate the decision and include Long Beach as a stop on the 2012 ASP World Title Series.

"I am deeply disappointed," Gillibrand wrote. "I hope that together we can work to put this event back on the schedule, offering Quiksilver an ideal location for the competition and opening up additional economic opportunities for the greater Long Island region."

The Association of Surfing Professionals and Quiksilver -- which sponsors part of the pro surfing tour, manages competitions and associated festivals, and coordinates with host cities -- announced last month the Quiksilver Pro New York contest would not return to Long Beach this year despite being scheduled for Sept. 2-14. The $1-million competition would have been one of 11 world title contests, along with those in Fiji, Hawaii, Brazil and elsewhere.

"We are looking forward to having a conversation with Quiksilver about coming back either this year or in the very near future," Long Beach's new city manager, Jack Schnirman, said Wednesday.

Last summer's event, which began Sept. 4, drew thousands. It was scheduled to run nearly two weeks, with four days of pro competition. But damage from Tropical Storm Irene days earlier forced cancellation of the festival and concerts.

"Hopefully, she can influence them to reconsider," said David Lipka, manager of Sutton Place Great American Bar & Grille, adding the competition drew customers who otherwise would never have gone there.

"We would definitely be looking forward to having Quiksilver here again."Quiksilver spokeswoman Catlin Rawling said McKnight has not received Gillibrand's letter and that the company stands by its announcement last month. "We support any and all efforts to bring Quiksilver and their signature event back," said Mike Witte, general manager of the Allegria Hotel in Long Beach, which served as the contest's host hotel.