Ed Sinclair reports from a chilled-out registration day at the BWA Pura Vida Cornwall Wave Classic…
It was a glorious start to the 2011 Pura Vida Cornwall Wave Classic in Gwithian as the sun shone down on UK’s fiercest waveriders as they registered for the fourth and final battle on the UK Wave Tour.
There is a ferocious storm on its way so everything is in place for a classic weekend of hard-core Gwithian competition. Ben Proffitt currently holds the lead on the pro fleet having won two of the events so far this season, however with big-wave rider Phil Horrocks hot on his tail he is going to have to bring his A-game to take the title. Slightly further down the ranks and charging for their podium positions, freestyler turned wave demon Andy ‘Bubble’ Chambers will be throwing his sharpest turns to stay ahead of Adam Lewis and James Cox.
Over in the women’s fleet, super-aggressive Sarah Bibby will looking to take her third win of the season and the 2011 women’s wave title, by defeating Kariina Pirhonen and Debbie Kennedy. Big things are expected from the men’s amateur fleet as Aleksy Gayda, Lewis Merrony and Alfie Hart take to the sea to slash and burn their way through each heat. The master’s fleet made up of the more experienced competitors currently sees Mark Lloyd with his claws on the top spot, however he is going to have to hold on tight to defeat his opponents.
The contest in the youth fleet is just as hot with Tom Bennett currently leading the pack with two wins under his belt, however Liam Ellis and David Taylor will also be ready to take on the huge waves in a bid to hold onto their podium positions.
There is an epic forecast on the cards for the weekend so we expect some serious action; the pro fleet will be gathering at the Sandsifter café for the skippers meeting at 8am with a first possible start to competition at 9am. The beach will be assessed prior to the skippers to decide the competition area. Whilst registration is still open for the amateur, master, women’s and youth fleet this evening between 8-10pm at the Sandsifter café.
Make sure you follow all the action here on www.boards.co.uk, on Twitter @cornwallwave11 and check out all the amazing shots from Globalshots at www.globalshots.co.uk.
The Cornwall Wave Classic is sponsored by Franklin & Marshall, hosted by Pura Vida Boardriders and the BWA, with support from No Limitz Masts, RB sails and Sandsifter, with thanks to the National Trust and Duchy of Cornwall.
Here’s the pic gallery – photos by Globalshots & Simon Crowther
