Hot Tuna announced it has signed an exclusive agreement with pro surfer Shea Lopez, a veteran of the World Championship Tour (WCT), one of the most successful athletes still competing, and brother of WCT standout Cory Lopez.

“Shea is without question one of the most well-liked and respected personalities in surfing today, a class act in and out of the water, and we’re honored to have him on our roster,” says Alain Mazer, Hot Tuna’s international marketing director. “He’s an incredible surfer in any conditions, he has tremendous insight and experience to add to the business, and he’s the perfect ambassador to lead our growing list of talent.”

Shea is a US Open of Surfing Champion (WQS 6-Star), a two-time US National Champion and four-time US East Coast Champion, and he was rated as high in the pro ranks as No.11 in the world in 2000 and 2002. In 2003, he suffered a knee injury in the late rounds of the WCT finale at Pipeline on Hawaii’s North Shore, but still finished No. 12 in the world and rebounded quickly in 2004 with a second consecutive Gold Medal performance in the ESPN X-Games.

“I’m ecstatic for the opportunity of being a part of the team at Hot Tuna,” says Shea. “Representing a company that has such deep roots in the surf industry is very much a priority to me. Hot Tuna has put together a strong group of people committed to a successful and a fun endeavour. I’m looking forward to helping grow the brand and catching plenty of good surf along the way.”

Shea joins recent Hot Tuna pro surfing additions Bron Huessenstamm and Toby Atkins.