"We have been speaking with the ASP and members of our organization for months to make sure we fully understand the issues around drug testing. It was only last week that the letter was agreed to by our board and sent to the ASP in time for their SF board meeting ... Apparently, we were on the same page," he said.

There were few details about what was approved or rules and policy-enforcement.

But Palladini asserted that "SIMA believes enforcement in and of itself is not a complete solution. Therefore, we intend to participate in the education of rookies on the frontend and in creating a 'safety net' for athletes who need help on the backend."

When asked about claims that surfing has a reputation of being affiliated with drug culture and whether the new policy was a reaction to the passing of three-time world champ Andy Irons -- whose Nov. 2, 2010 death was determined to be caused by drug usage and heart disease, Palladini contended, "No. Reacting to any one event, no matter how tragic, is not the answer. The answer was for our organization, as the surf industry's trade association, to take a responsible position on drug testing of our professional athletes."

He continued, "We don't care if it's ready or not. It's the right thing to do and past time to do it. Surfers have a choice to make: compete at the highest levels of our sport, clean from drugs, or don't compete. I have a hard time believing anyone serious about competitive surfing would choose the latter, but I applaud the pro surfers on the ASP Board who voted for and support the drug testing initiative."