Verizon Belmar Surf Pro's

BELMAR — A lack of waves forced organizers to postpone the start of the Verizon Belmar Surf Pro's qualifying heats until 8 a.m. today.

It's touted as New Jersey's premiere surfing event, drawing some of the world's best surfers to the 16th Avenue beachfront through the weekend to take aim at the largest cash prize ever offered at the Belmar event, according to organizers.

There is a $15,000 pro shortboard purse, a $3,000 pro longboard purse and $1,500 pro women's purse.

The field for the pro shortboard is expected to consist of 128 competitors. First prize for the event is $5,000. The balance of the prize money will be allocated using the standard ASP format. No more than 48 amateurs will be allowed to enter the pro event against some of the best surfers in the world, according to organizers.

The pro longboard event, new to Belmar this year, will consist of no more than 24 contestants, competing in the standard pro format. First prize in that event is $1,000.

Also new this year is a pro women's event in which no more than 16 contestants will be allowed, competing in the standard pro format. The prize money will be awarded to the top six places, according to organizers.

Events are to last until 9 p.m. today; continue from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. However, the schedule remains at the mercy of the weather and surfing conditions in Belmar.