Arnon Dagan gets it on at Israel’s premium wavespot Bat Galim, host to a PWA qualifier event in February

PWA steps up for one of the best windsurfing spots in the Mediterranean

Wednesday December 21, 2005

Without a doubt one of Israel’s best wave spots is Bat Galim Beach, Haifa. Its geographical setup of mountains touching the beach creates superb conditions of 25 knots of side offshore to sideshore winds and up to three meter waves, making Bat Galim one of the greatest wavesailing venues in the Mediterranean.

For the past few years however, the existence of Bat Galim beach has been under threat from real-estate developers, planning to build a huge marina and destroying the reef in the process.

The PWA now joins the challenge of saving the beach by granting PWA qualifier status to the 2006 Storm Rider wave event, a wave contest organized by Red Bull since 2003.

Impressed by Bat Galim’s potential and the experience of Red Bull rider Arnon Dagan (ISR-1, Fanatic/ Neil Pryde), Red Bull has put Bat Galim on the international windsurfing map by organizing the first Storm Rider contest back in February 2003; a two week stand-by contest waiting for the biggest storm to hit the beach. Friday the 13th turned out to be that day, some labeling it as Bat Galim’s best day ever. Since then, PWA riders from the likes of Josh Angulo and Kevin Mevissen (H-79, JP/ Neil Pryde) have sailed the spot, proving Bat Galim’s status as a world class venue.

Acknowledging Bat Galim’s excellent potential, the PWA now joins the challenge of preserving this great beach. The Red Bull Storm Rider 2006 runs from February 1st – 7th.

Anyone requiring further information or entry forms should contact the organizers according to the details below.