Surfing the waves in Long Beach is a time-honored tradition for Long Islanders. And with the first major professional surfing tournament on the East Coast getting underway this weekend in the popular seaside city, MTA Long Island Rail Road is the best way to get there.

The Quiksilver Pro New York tournament will feature some of the world’s best surfers attracted by the largest prize purse (a total of $1 million) ¬ever offered by the Association for Surfing Professionals, the sport’s governing body. Surfing legends, including 10-time World Champion Kelly Slater, will be among the competitors. And be sure to cheer on Long Beach’s own native son, Balaram Stack., who hopes to have an advantage on his home surf.

Trials begin Sunday, September 4. No doubt, the competition will be stiff and the hope is for good waves. What is certain is that the LIRR package deal will save you money, time and aggravation because there is no parking at the event. The LIRR’s package ticket is available right now and includes round-trip rail, beach admission and a voucher for a coupon book good for a 20% discount on Quiksilver event merchandise and special deals at the stores of participating Long Beach merchants.

Weather-permitting, the real competition gets going on Labor Day, September 5 and may run through Thursday, September 15 depending on the number of good surf days. Quiksilver will announce each day at 6 AM if the competition is on for that day. Events are usually run between 8:30 AM and 5:30 PM and you can keep up with the latest surfing information or sign up for text or email alerts at www.QuiksilverPro.com.

From Long Beach Station, it’s just a six minute walk to the Quiksilver competition sites.

The City of Long Beach has a beach admission charge through Labor Day ($12 at the beach). If you plan to watch the surfing trials on Sunday, September 4 or Labor Day, Monday, September 5, purchase the LIRR Quiksilver Pro NY Package with Beach Pass to save money. LIRR customers who do not will have to pay $12 for beach entry on Sunday and Monday - no exceptions.

The LIRR Quiksilver Pro NY Package tickets are available at LIRR ticket offices and from the gray, blue or green “Tickets” machines (not available from red Daily Ticket machines or on-board trains). At machines, press “Deals & Getaways” button and then “Quiksilver Pro NY”.

Children ages 5-11 ride for $1.50 roundtrip with the LIRR Family Plan (up to four children per adult). Fare is $1 each way on-board trains.
Children under five ride free. The City of Long Beach does not charge beach admission for children under 12 years of age

Limits on Number of Surfboard Customers May Carry on Trains:

If you plan on surfing yourself that day, please remember that the LIRR will allow only two surfboards per car on a first-come, first-served basis.

Alcohol Ban

The MTA Police have banned the use or possession of alcoholic beverages on Long Beach trains on tournament weekends. The City of Long Beach has banned alcoholic beverages on the beach and boardwalk.

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