Quik Pro Gold Coast 2011 Teaser

Quiksilver Pro Launches 2011 ASP World Tour: 'Coolie Kids' No More.

THE QUIKSILVER PRO presented by Land Rover will launch the 2011 ASP World Tour on the Gold Coast as well as mark the end of one of the region's greatest surfing eras.

'Coolie Kid', Dean Morrison (Coolangatta, Aus), 30, failed to re-qualify for the 2011 ASP World Tour. Hence, for the first time in the event's 11-year history, 'Deano' won't be joining fellow Gold Coast surfers Mick Fanning, 29, (Aus) and Joel Parkinson, 29 (Aus) in the Snapper Rock's line-up from February 26th to March 9th.

All three, are previous Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast champions - a feat Fanning and Parkinson achieved twice -- and were famously dubbed the 'Coolangatta Kids' as they launched onto the world surfing stage in the early 2000's with great success.

Two-time world champion Fanning, who recently slotted into some cyclonic Kirra barrels with Morrison, said 'Deano' will be missed in the Snapper Rocks line-up.

"It's going to be really weird. 'Deano' is such a prominent part of the Gold Coast especially down here in Coolangatta."

"Being a former winner of the event, it will be sad not to see him out there but he has got his different deals going on and he will probably be getting better waves than us anyway," added Fanning.

Parkinson who returned to competition at the end of the 2010 season, from a career threatening foot injury, to win the 2010 Hawaiian Triple Crown of Surfing agreed with Fanning.

"He's (Morrison) always been a fixture out here (Snapper Rocks) during the Quiksilver Pro, so I feel there's going to be something missing, especially being a local boy. He's one of the best."

When asked about the 'Coolangatta Kids' moniker Parkinson added.

"We'll always have that. But we out grew the kids stage, the last few years we've all matured. With Deano off the tour, it's only Mick (Mick Fanning) and I on tour now."

Parkinson is looking forward to commencing a full year of competition at the Quiksilver Pro presented by Land Rover.

"I have had such a big break through last year," said Parkinson.

"I only did five events in total. So I'm excited to have a whole year ahead of me and get on a good role and in a good rhythm and all those good things about competing,"

2003 Quiksilver Pro winner, Morrison is now looking forward to a stress free event.

"It's different to every other year. I'm usually trying to get ready for events.

"I have never really been able to have fun with my friends so I'll probably enjoy a few parties and cruise," said Morrison.

"Hopefully Mick and Joel do well."

"I'll be cheering those two guys on and Dusty Payne."

"I will head the cheer squad I guess," joked Morrison.

Morrison's career is fast heading in new directions with his upcoming movie 'A Dingo's Tale' to premier in March to coincide with the Quiksilver Pro.

The film is an insightful look into Dean's turbulent life and the journey that has taken from him from grommet and childhood prodigy up until today as one of the most loved surfers in the world.

"It's about my whole life and how I got involved in surfing," said Morrison.

"Just wanting to be a professional surfer ever since I was young and how driven I was and why I was so driven."

"It goes into a lot of depth. It's something I will be really proud of," continued Morrison.

"It feels really healing just to face it and talk about it and watch and see where I am at with things." he added.

Along the way, A Dingo's Tale will touch on the key people that have influenced Dean's life and witnessed first hand his rise to success - people like Wayne "Rabbit" Batholomew, the 1978 world champion and Dean's mentor from a very early age

The opening ASP Men's World Tour event will be staged in conjunction with the Roxy Pro presented by Land Rover on the Southern end of the Gold Coast, the opening event of the 2011 ASP Women's World Tour.

The Quiksilver and Roxy Pro's presented by Land Rover will be webcast live from various camera angles with post heat interviews with the world's elite surfers. Log onto www.quiksilverpro.com.au.

The Quiksilver Pro is presented by LAND ROVER and proudly supported by Events QLD, Corona, Olympus, Telstra, Nature Valley Muesli bars, Lipton Ice Tea, Red Bull, Power balance, Sharpie, Suncorp, GCCC (Gold Coast City Council), CSGC (connecting southern Gold Coast), Gold Coast Airport, Pages, Coastalwatch, RBSLSC (Rainbow Bay Surf Life Saving Club) and ASP Int.