Corona Dairyland Surf Classic

Sheboygan, Wisconsin
30 August - 1 September 2008

Corona Dairyland Classic rocks Sheboygan, Wisconsin

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 2 September, 2008 : - - Chicago -- On the first day of Labor Day weekend (August 30, 2008) the largest gathering of freshwater surfers in the world flocked to Sheboygan, Wisconsin – “The Malibu of the Midwest” – for the 20th Anniversary of the Corona Dairlyand Surf Classic.  

Sheboygan is considered the premiere location on Lake Michigan for freshwater surfing, as its central positioning makes it an ideal spot for wind-generated waves in the fall and winter.

This year's Corona Dairyland Surf Classic was the most successful event to date. Hundreds of surfers and spectators attended the event, which began in 1988 with only 20 or so local attendees.  Surfers and spectators from Australia, Canada, Hawaii, California and all over the Midwest attended the event.

Beach-beer brand Corona has continued to support the Dairyland, with the sponsorship now in its fourth year. As part of the sponsorship, Corona awarded a 6-foot surfboard to Pro-Division Paddling contest winner Joe Matulis of Midland, Michigan.

Matulis' brother, Chris Matulis took second place. The Matulis brothers also won the Corona Dairyland Surf Classic in 2005 and 2006.  Female competitors were also on the rise this year, with Karyn Strong of Dana Point, California, placing fourth overall. 

New this year, Dairyland organizers added a stand-up paddle (SUP) surfing competition.  A hard-core workout, professional surfers originally used SUP for off-season training. With stand-up paddle, surfers stand on large boards and maneuver through water using a large paddle, and the sport is gaining popularity throughout the U.S. as it can be done both in waves and still water. 

Corona also awarded a stand up paddle board to SUP competition winner, John Rose from Lanikai, Hawaii. Sheboygan boasts 22 different breaks on its five-mile coastline and is considered the best place for freshwater surfing in the world.  The waves, which can be chest-to-shoulder high, are created by wind rather than tide. Winds must be 20-25 mph from the S/SE or N/NE to create waves large enough to surf.

The Surf Classic was founded by twin brothers Larry and Lee Williams, 40-year veterans of freshwater surfing and lifelong residents of Sheboygan.  Both Williams brothers were featured on the surf documentaries Step into Liquid and Unsalted, and may even be in the inspiration for the Wisconsin surf character “Chicken Joe” in the 2007 animated film Surf’s Up.

Crown Imports LLC is a joint venture that imports, distributes and markets the Modelo portfolio and other fine beer brands across the entire U.S.  The Modelo portfolio includes Corona Extra, the #1 imported beer in the U.S. and #6 beer overall, Corona Light, Modelo Especial, Negra Modelo and Pacifico beer brands.  Crown also imports the St. Pauli Girl and Tsingtao beer brands in the U.S. 

www.visitsheboygan.com/dairyland/.   

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