Day 1 – Fourty-Eight of the world’s most radical wave riders registered their intent to battle it out at the brutal north sea break of Klitmoller today, whilst a whole host of media gurus opened up the event via a plethora of online communication channels for the world to see.

Light winds allowed for plenty of time to rig and register on day one in Denmark creating a relaxing vibe on the beach as the world’s most insane sailors prepared their tools for the week ahead. This atmosphere is almost certain to be replaced by one of furious testosterone fuelled competition though when the epic forecast reaches fruition.

The full fleet of sailors includes almost all of the top twenty ranked riders in the world with the current wave tour leader, Victor Fernandez (Fanatic, North, MFC) preparing to defend his position at the top against tour heroes such as 2009 Pozo champion Philip Koster (Starboard, NeilPryde, Dakine). Three times world champion Kauli Seadi (JP, NeilPryde, MFC). Triple loop daredevil Ricardo Campello (JP, NeilPryde). 2009 Sylt champion Alex Mussolini (Tabou, Vandal). Canarian rippers, Dario Ojeda (Tabou, Simmer, Dakine, MFC) and Dany Bruch (Patrik, Severne). And, British wave superstar Robby Swift (JP, NeilPryde) to name just a few!

The Sand Man Speaks

With this being the PWA’s virgin visit to Klitmoller we took the opportunity to talk to former world tour competitor come event mastermind, Robert Sand about hosting this outstanding contest.

PWA: What’s been your role in bringing the PWA world tour to Klitmoller?

RS: “I can’t actually take credit for the initial idea of holding an event here, but I have been employed to keep the ball rolling and be the front man for the competition. For me personally I think it’s fantastic that we’re able to host a PWA wave contest here in Klitmoller, and I feel privileged to be a part of it.”

PWA: After working so hard for the past year to make this event happen, how do you feel now that you’ve got everyone here ready to hit the water and battle it out?

RS: “I’m amping to see everyone hit the water, and I’m also very excited about watching the show unfold in our waves here. I know how good it can be, and with the forecast we have, I’m sure it’s going to be an amazing show, so I just can’t wait to see the best riders from all over the world performing their moves this week.”

PWA: What are you looking forward to the most?

RS: “The whole thing is actually really special for me because a lot of these guys are my friends, so it’s actually enjoyable to just welcome them here to my home spot where I grew up windsurfing. I’m also very proud to be a part of the event as a sponsor with my clothing brand, PLASMA as well. And, to be the ambassador for both the sailors and the local people of Klitmoller where I’m trying to bridge the gap between the two. So, all in all it’s a very satisfying event for me.”

PWA: What conditions can we expect with the current forecast?

RS: “Well, the last forecast I checked looked very promising. It looks like we’ll get some very strong winds, and a decent sized swell with it, so I expect the guys will be competing on their smaller sails and boards. The direction forecast will be predominantly westerly which means we’ll get cross-onshore port tack sailing.”

PWA: Who do you think’ll be the man to watch, and who’ll be the Danish dark horse?

RS: “First of all, we have a really strong field of competitors here many of whom will be extremely focussed on doing well with the ultimate goal of winning. People like Victor who’s been here before and arrived a couple of weeks ago in order to prepare will be hard to beat. As will Klaas Voget (Fanatic, Simmer, MFC) who comes here all the time to train, and knows the spot very well. In terms of a dark horse I would probably have to say Kenneth Danielsen (RRD, Simmer, MFC, Mystic). He knows the reef, and the waves here better than anyone else. Plus, he’s proved that he’s in good shape at the moment having defeated Philip Koster, and Klass Voget earlier in the year at the Supreme Big Days competition, so I think he’ll have a good chance to do well here.”

Live Mash Up

The competition will be streamed live, so you can check it out wherever you are in the world as and when it happens. Watch the action as it unfolds in real time by following this link HERE. Not only will you be able to view live broadcasts, but you’ll also be able to get the inside scoop on the event via the three tweet amigos who will be tweeting, taking pictures, and uploading video clips throughout the day. You can also interact with those at the event by posting your own comments on the live site!

Keep In The Groove

For more information on all the entrants, and to keep up to date with every piece of the action, click on www.pwaworldtour.com

Here you can use our:

• Live ticker service for heat-by-heat bulletins

• Check live elimination ladders

• View results

• Read daily news summaries

• Browse awesome action photo galleries

There’s also a dedicated event website which can be found at www.worldcup.coldhawaii.eu

Or for more information, please contact the PWA office via [email protected]