The biggest names have been Ivan, Maria, Frances, Isabel and Ophelia. These are the tropical storms and hurricanes who graced the contest in years past. After 2003 opened to a giant nor’easter, swell from Tropical storm Isabel filled in for the finals. That set the tone for storms.

The Belmar Pro is held in September, specifically to take advantage of the height of the Atlantic Hurricane Season. The peak of the season is mid-September, right in the midst of the event. In addition to warm water and sunshine, the event has been known to offer some meaty brown barrels and groomed groundswell.

Last year, a sub-tropical system hit Belmar on the first day of the contest, almost claiming the scaffolding down to the depths of the sea. The next day was insane.

The 2010 season was touted to be a rager of a year. But thus far, wind sheer and other factors have kept spinners from forming. Now the water on the equator is near boiling, tropical waves are coming off Africa and we’re keeping our fingers crossed for a nice healthy hurricane swell by September 17th. ~ Jon Coen

CLICK HERE to view our Wave Info forecasting tools to keep an eye on what kind of waves will be in store for the event!