Photo: Lleand
Brett Simpson gets a proper send off from HB
CheerleadersSurf City's highest-ranked professional surfer, Brett Simpson, received a proper send-off Friday evening as he embarked on his rookie year on the elite ASP World Tour. Just hours before he headed to the airport, Simpson attended the Go Brett Send-Off Party at Huntington Surf-N-Sport, where hundreds of friends, family and well-wishers showed their support. This is a dream come true, said Simpson, the 2009 US Open of Surfing Champion. I'll wear Huntington on my sleeve wherever I go on tour.

Simpson, who finished 10th on last year's ASP World Qualifying Series, received an Official Commendation from Huntington Beach Mayor Cathy Green for his competitive excellence and his dedication to the community and schools. "It is athletes like Brett who help make this city's next generation the best they can be," said Green.

In addition to the accolades from City Council, HB High School's cheerleading squad came down to give him a proper send-off cheer. " I think this is the first time an ASP World Tour surfer had a cheer made up for him," Brett joked. "I'm ready to do this city proud."

Judging from the night's premiere of Go Brett: The Movie, a short film documenting Simpson's record-breaking year in 2009, he's already done the city proud. Now, with a wave of support behind him, he'll be heading to the Gold Coast of Australia with all the momentum in the world. Go, Brett.

CHECK THE FULL GALLERY