Quiksilver Pro N.Y. begins with merchandise frenzy, Pro Tour excitement

Amid the bustle of Quiksilver’s merchandising tent, as indie rock music reverberated throughout the store and customers crowded inside the massive structure that stretches along the boardwalk across from the Allegria hotel, Anton Russouw, 27, peered out of the large window panes and quietly observed the waves on Saturday afternoon.

“Next time I come, I’m definitely bringing my board,” said Russouw, a surfer from South Africa visiting New York, who came to Long Beach to catch the start of the Quiksilver Pro N.Y. competition. “I didn’t think about bringing it over to New York, but I’m kind of regretting it now.”

Russouw was one of hundreds who turned out in droves to check out the grand opening of Quiksilver’s massive merchandise space - and possibly meet some of the pro surfers - which teemed with everything from surf boards and wet suits to t-shirts and board shorts along its Quiksilver, DC and Roxy lines.

“I wasn’t expecting this much - if Quiksilver wants to put it up I’ll come here and check it out,” said Jordan Vega, a local surfer.

A day before the Quiksilver Trials, sponsored by Unsound, kick off on Sunday morning, Quiksilver’s presence was palpable throughout Long Beach on Saturday. Sponsors constructed booths on the beach, the Allegria, where many of the pro competitors are staying, was bustling with live reggae music, and surfers posed for photos outside. In addition to the merchandise site, the company held a number of events throughout the day, including Roxy Beach House activities, an interactive photo booth, giveaways and music by DJ Hannah Rad.

Russouw said that he was impressed with Long Beach’s surf culture, and the vibe that Quiksilver’s presence was adding to it.

“This is a pretty cool place - it’s my first time here actually,” he said. “I can’t really compare the waves in South Africa to what I’ve seen today, but in South Africa we have good waves, some of the best in the world.