SAN CLEMENTE, Calif. – All previous allusions of competitive, high-performance surfing are about to be shattered when the world’s best surfers descend upon California’s premier wave, San Onofre State Beach - Lower Trestles. The 2010 Hurley Pro is the only ASP World Tour event on mainland U.S. shores and is where the best of the best fight for the world title and prove that surfing is one of the most competitive world sports featuring some of the finest, most talented athletes on the planet. On September 12, the elite in professional surfing will join the world’s most “rippable” wave, armed with a new World Tour seeding format and the most progressive judging criteria in ASP history.

This is the first event that the ASP World Tour will narrow its field to 32 surfers instead of 44 -- the first major change to the ASP format since 1992. In the current world title race, South African Jordy Smith is leading, but nine-time world champ Kelly Slater is in the hunt for what would be an unprecedented, and once considered unfathomable, 10th world title. As in years past, the Hurley Pro typically serves as the turning point in the world title race. Win here, and athletes are propelled into the final stretch with tremendous momentum. Mick Fanning did just that in 2009 when he came from behind to take the Hurley Pro title and then, three months later, his second world title. The 32 man field will be joined by 4 wildcards (Rob Machado, Kolohe Andino, with 2 spots still to be determined.) Additional news on competitors in the field will be announced shortly.

All of the dramatic action will be captured with state-of-the-art live webcasts that give surfing fans and all sports enthusiasts a birds-eye view of the competition. Multiple camera angles and water cams will deliver competition heats along with exclusive behind-the-scenes moments. In addition, the Hurley Pro will have an official App for iPhone and iPad, bringing the live event to the palm of your hand...... -hurley.com

www.hurley.com/hurleypro/

Does anyone have any experience with AA and can you validate this?  I've traveled other airlines and found that they were relaxed on the policy of boards per bag and other airlines that didn't actually check inside the bag to see how many boards were in there.

Lastly, I know that some opt to send the boards to their destination location prior to their trip.  Any success with this and can you suggest a carrier (i.e. UPS, FEDEX or other?)

Thank you!