Watch It Live: http://www.nikelowerspro.com/live/

It’s PRIME time! The highly anticipated ASP PRIME Nike Lowers Pro begins tomorrow, May 1, 2012 at Lower Trestles and with back-to-back south swells forecasted to deliver consistent waves throughout the entirety of the waiting period, this year’s Nike Lowers Pro has all of the ingredients for a historic event. With several ASP Top 34 surfers and the finest up-and-comers the world has to offer descending upon one of the world’s most high-performance waves, the Nike Lowers Pro is one event that usually witnesses surfing rise to the next level year after year. Tune in for all of the LIVE action this week!

NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE) announced today that Michael Egeck has been named as CEO of Hurley International, LLC. Egeck will begin his new role on October 3 and will report directly to Roger Wyett, President of NIKE, Inc. Affiliates.

“We look forward to welcoming Michael into the NIKE, Inc. family,” said Wyett. “With his wide-ranging experience, his knowledge and his passion for the industry we are confident he will lead Hurley into its next phase of growth. He joins a seasoned management team and will work closely with company founder Bob Hurley to continue to drive this iconic brand forward with consumers and athletes worldwide.”

Bob Hurley, Chairman and Founder of Hurley, added: “We are excited to have Mike join Hurley. He’s an inspirational leader with extensive experience, and that makes him a perfect complement to our team.”

Egeck, 52, brings nearly 30 years of experience to Hurley. His most recent assignment prior to coming to Hurley was as President of True Religion Brand Jeans. Prior to that, Egeck was at VF Corporation where he served as President of VF Contemporary Coalition and CEO for Seven for All Mankind. Egeck also served as President of the VF Outdoor and Action Sports Coalition, leading an extensive brand portfolio including Vans, Reef, Jansport, The North Face, Eastpak and Napapijri. In addition, Egeck also served as President of The North Face, Inc. and GM of Columbia Sportswear.

Huntington Beach, CA – The US Open of Surfing has a storied reputation for going big. This year will only add to that legacy as title sponsor Nike – along with presenting sponsors Hurley, Converse and Nike 6.0 – continue to elevate the event as the world’s largest youth culture and action sport festival. With more than 500,000 people in attendance along a 14-acre stretch of sand on the south side of Huntington Beach Pier, the Nike US Open of Surfing showcases the best in surf, skate, BMX, music, fashion and art.

“It’s hard to match the experience of the world’s best in sports, music and art coming together on the beach in one of action sports’ most iconic locations,” said Sandy Bodecker, VP Nike Action Sports. “Our commitment this year is to bring the energy from Huntington Beach to even more fans across the world.

The 2011 Nike US Open of Surfing will run from July 30 to August 7. All events are FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC or can be viewed live daily at www.usopenofsurfing.com. The event is owned and produced by IMG, the global leader in sports and entertainment.

Anchored by the world’s largest professional surfing competition, the $460,000 US Open is a pivotal point on the ASP World Tour for both the men and women. The Men’s side will feature a North America ASP Men’s Prime event with valuable points on the line right before the coveted ASP Top 32 cut-off. For the women, the US Open of Surfing will witness the final event of the 2011 ASP World Title Tour and crown a women’s world champion in Surf City this summer. “I’m really excited to be returning to Huntington Beach to try to defend my US Open title,” says Hawaii’s Carissa Moore. “It’s so fun to be competing in front of so many people!” In addition to the high-stakes Mens and Womens divisions, the US Open will feature a grade four men’s and women’s Pro Junior as well as the Pacifico Nose Riding Invitational – always a crowd favorite.

read more at usopenofsurfing.com