Surfmonkey SUP Race 2010

Oceanside Pier, California — Taking place at the Oceanside Pier Amphitheater, the third annual Maui Jim Surf Monkey includes an array of events, including the 5k run on the strand, 1 mile open water swim, Top Banana Swim/Run Stage Race, King or Queen Monkey Swim/Run/Paddle Stage Race, and a Paddleboard/SUP race. This unique collection of events offers something for both beginners & professionals alike.

Surf Monkey brings out some of today’s top triathlon and Olympic stars. Greg Bennett (Champion/Olympian), Luke Bell (Ironman Champion), Michelle Jones (Ironman World Champion/Olympian), Kate Major (Ironman Champion) Katya Meyers, Fernanda Keller (Ironman Champion), and Olympic Gold Medal Swimmer Natalie Coughlin were all participants in last year’s event which doubled in size from the year prior.

In addition to the competition, there will be plenty of fun for family and friends.  You can meet the professionals, visit the Beachside Sports and Fitness Expo, or eat and drink while listening to live music with “Tower 7”.

All participants will receive a race t-shirt, assorted swag, and post-race refreshments. The winners will receive a one-of-a-kind trophy – a monkey on a surfboard, the official mascot of the event.  Online registration closes at midnight on July 27, 2010.  PDF registration forms are available by going to www.surfmonkeyrace.com.  Race day registration available at the Band Shell.

“Maui Jim is thrilled to be a part of such a fun event”, says Chris Abbruzzese, Maui Jim’s Vice President of Marketing. “Surf monkey really promotes an active lifestyle by offering an event for everyone. It’s a great fit for our brand.”

For further information or media inquiries on Maui Jim Surf Monkey, please contact Dan Van Dyck at (760) 436-3589, or visit the event website at www.surfmonkeyrace.com. Marketing and Expo opportunities are available.

ABOUT MAUI JIM

Maui Jim began as one man selling sunglasses on the beaches of Maui, Hawaii, back in the early 1980s.  Today, Maui Jim is the fastest-growing polarized sunglass maker in the world.  As local demand grew for sunglasses that provided advanced protection from the severe glare and UV rays of the Hawaiian sun – without distorting the beautiful colors of the Islands, the company developed proprietary technology – PolarizedPlus, which was later patented.

Maui Jim was “born” with an original line of seven sunglass styles.  At first, the sunglasses were exclusively sold in Maui, Hawaii.  In 1991, the company was purchased by Hester Enterprises, and in 1994, Hester enlisted RLI Vision Corporation of Peoria, Illinois, to be the mainland distributor of Maui Jim Sunglasses for the ophthalmic market.   Maui Jim, Inc. was established in December 1996, when Maui Jim Sunglasses acquired RLI Vision.  This provided the financial resources and infrastructure to accommodate the phenomenal sales growth of Maui Jim Sunglasses.   Today, the company sells more than 70 styles and 200 SKUs and is the fastest growing polarized sunglass maker in the world.

For further information on Maui Jim sunglasses, contact 888-Maui Jim, or visit the company online at www.mauijim.com.