Brevard County’s longest running surfing tournament is taking place this weekend, despite almost being cancelled.

  • Lack of funding, sponsor support almost canceled Easter Pro-Am Surf Contest
  • Professional, amateur surfers, surfing dogs and even helicopter egg drop planned

The Easter Pro-Am Surf Contest is set for Saturday and Sunday at Lori Wilson Park in Cocoa Beach.

“It’s the second longest running surf competition in the world,” said Crystal Cooper, who is now organizing the event.

The previous organizers said a lack of funding and sponsor support forced them to cancel the surf fest.

“A lot of people were kind of left like ‘what do we do now?’ You know it’s what we’ve always done. Me included actually,” said Cooper.

The Brevard County Tourism Development Council enlisted Cooper to take over the surfing contest with just a month or so to go before Easter.

“It’s a ton of hard work and with limited resources this year, but I promised her I’ll work towards success and in the future I think the TDC will be more than happy to grant special event funding to keep it going,” said Eric Garvey, the executive director of the Space Coast Office of Tourism.

Besides the competition with professional and amateur surfers, surfing dogs and a helicopter egg drop are also planned.

“It’s a lot of fun, but because of time, because we got it late, we’re pressured for time, but overall it’s going really well,” said Cooper.

For more information, go here.