This article is from page 41 of the 2009-09-01 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 41 JPG
DETAIL of the sixth annual Long- board Classic event in Lahinch, which takes place later this month, have been announced. The surf com- petition, which is organised each year by the West Coast Surf Club (WCSC), has become one of the seminal events in the Irish surfing calendar in recent years.
The WCSC Longboard Classic is
the only event of its kind in Ireland and attracts hundreds of surfers to Ireland’s surf capital each year. Last year’s event – which was blessed with good weather and perfect surfing conditions – saw a record number of local entrants, with the overall prize going to Lahinch surfer Stephen Kel- store
The 2009 competition, which will tale place on September 19 and 20 – and organised by Cliodhna Fawl,
Noel Cronin, Alan Black and David Collins – is already in full swing, as they are expecting a large entry this year.
“As in previous years, we are de- lighted to have a custom-shaped Cequential triple-stringer longboard from our local shaper Ian Johnson for our first prize,’ said organiser Chodhna Fawl.
“Please watch the WCSC website for announcements of second, third and fourth prizes.
“Subject to weather and swell con- ditions, we anticipated that Septem- ber 19 will see the initial heats and quarter finals run off, with the sem1- final and finals possibly stretching into September 20. An experienced panel of judges following ISA stand- ards are assisting in the event headed up by international judge Pascal De- at lone
In the previous years the compett- tion has featured winners from the Kerry region, and all eyes will be on the local surfers this year to see if they can hold off the challenge from
the Kingdom once again.
“We’ve always been greatly im- pressed with the level of interest and support we’ve attracted since the in- augural event in 2003,” said WCSC Chairman, Dave Flynn.
“Without all of our sponsors this event would not have become the success it 1s. Equally, the commit- ment and dedication of the organis- ers as well as the surfers participat- ing all combine to produce an event that is fun, relaxed, well organised, properly resourced and above all, a display of some of the best long- boarding skills this country has to 0) 5 (oe
The deadline for applications 1s this Sunday, September 6, and any- one interested in taking part should download an entry form from west- coastsurfclub.com or send their ap- plications by post to Lahinch Surf Shop, Old Promenade, Lahinch.
A non-refundable entry fee of €15 is required on application, as is cur- rent Irish Surfing Association mem- bership.