PWA IRISH WAVE GRAND PRIX
3rd October
World Class Competitors sign Up to Catch First Waves
The glorious County Kerry sunshine proved a perfect setting for the opening
of the PWA Irish Wave Grand Prix, Presented by Bord Fáilte. Competitors
spent the day settling in and registering for the coming weeks competition the
climax of the wave season on the World Tour. Seven more days of competition
will decide who will become PWA Wave World Champion for the year and who will
split the prize money of 65,000 Euro.
This year 68 professional windsurfers from 15 countries have descended upon
Brandon Bay to strut their stuff. Included in the elite fleet is the 12-time
World Champion and current defending Champion Bjorn Dunkerbeck (NeilPryde, Proof)
of Andorra and current championship leader Californian Kevin Pritchard (Gaastra,
BIC). Local favourites include brothers Timo and Fin Mullen (Arrows, F2), current
Irish Wave Surfing Champion Oisin Van Gelderen (NeilPryde, JP) and Peter Nunan.
Among others being tipped as ones to watch are Aussie competitors Ti Bodycoat
(Starboard) and Luke Walmsley (Starboard) who are both making a big impression
on this, their first ever tour.
It¹s looking very tight at the top of the World Tour tables with Kevin
holding a fragile lead. And Bjorn¹s challenge may have suffered a setback
with his late arrival in Ireland after all the other competitors. It¹s
not the lateness of his arrival that threatens his prospects but the reasonŠ.
The PWA rumour mill has it that Bjorn is suffering from a puncture wound to
one of his feet it appears Bjorn shot himself in the foot with a spear gunŠ.
Doubtless we¹ll be able to confirm exactly what happened over the coming
daysŠ.
The opening night was held at the renowned Spillane¹s Bar with a fine
spread and plenty of the black stuff. Peter Hart was on hand to announce the
first round draw to an eager crowd and the forecast for tomorrow is mixed but
the local ³experts² predict there¹ll be competition by 11am.
21 Year Old Levi Sever (North, F2) described the mood in Ireland as one of
the best on the circuit ³This is great. The welcome we get in Ireland is
the best and the conditions here can be awesome, everyone¹s just ready
to go. We¹re all looking forward to getting out on those waves.²
The Irish Wave Grand Prix is presented by Bord Fáilte and organized by
Proteus Sports Limited. Sponsors include Jamie Knox Watersports, SPAR, Stena
Line Ferries, Red Bull, Fitzgerald’s, Spillane’s Restaurant and Bar, Jimmy Fitzgerald’s
and Kerry County Council. Official Magazine is Boards Magazine.
Š/..
Anyone interested in finding out more about this spectacular event will find
further details and the event schedule at www.pwaworldtour.com.
