Wayne Rabbit Bartholomew to Step Down as ASP President

Coolangatta, Australia (January 30, 2009):

Wayne “Rabbit” Bartholomew has announced that he will be stepping down as ASP President as of March 30, 2009. Bartholomew burst onto the scene in the 1970's and was a dominant force during the early days of competitive surfing. He won a world title in 1978 and was at the top of the pack throughout his time on tour. He has held the post of ASP President for the last 10 years after many years of serving on the ASP Board and in other capacities for ASP.

“After deep consideration, I have decided not to seek a fifth term as ASP President,” said Bartholomew. “I depart from ASP with nothing but positive feelings. After 36 years in the engine room of the sport, the timing of this decision is of the utmost importance to me. I feel the time is right. I leave at the height of my effectiveness perhaps I could say the height of my popularity in the surfing world.”