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Headworx Welsh Open set for next weekend
by George Mojo
16/09/2006:// The fifth leg of the 2006 BPSA Tour heads west next weekend for the Headworx Welsh Open - The Riders' Choice.
The only professional surfing event in Wales produced some of the best surf on the tour last year and is sure not to disappoint this time round. Wales' best beach break - Freshwater West, Pembrokeshire - will again play host to the UK's top surfers on 23rd and 24th September as they battle for the £3000 prize purse.
Located on one of the most remote and beautiful beaches in the country, the Freshwater wave is fast and hollow, breaking over reef and sand that picks up any swell available and works on all tides. The stunning scenery adds to the appeal for competitors and spectators.
Headworx, one of the biggest investors in British surfing, are once again stepping up to the mark by supporting a full programme of divisions including the Men's Open, Ladies Open, Pro Junior, Longboard and, for the first time this year, U16 boys, U16 girls and U12's.
Freerange Sports Optics are supporting the Style Move of the Day, which is for the Best Cutback and rewards the winner competitor £250.
The entry list for the Headworx BPSA Welsh Open already reads like a 'who's who' of British surfing. Reigning British champion, current BPSA Tour leader and Headworx rider Reubin Pearce is sure to set a high standard of surfing in the first round.
Close competition will come from British Championships winner Alan Stokes, last year's winner Mark Harris and former 3x British Junior Champion Johnny Fryer. Other big names such as Sam Lamiroy, Matt Capel and Micah Lester will be eager to earn tour points.
In the Pro Junior division, Headworx' very own Matt Capel who finished Runner-up in 2005 , will be aiming to go one better this time around as he chases Cain Kilcullen for the Junior delete tour title.
Meanwhile in the Ladies Open, 2005 Headworx Welsh Open winner and overall BPSA Tour Champion Nicole Morgan will be the lady to beat but the local contingent of Beth Mason, Gwen Spurlock and Kari Knutson-Rees will be certain to make a strong challenge.
Wales' strong longboard talent will also be on show with Elliot Dudley, Dan Harris and Chris Griffiths set to challenge last year's tour winner Lee Ryan for Wales' only pro longboard title.
"Its great to be returning to Pembrokeshire" explained Headworx' marketing manager, Ben Byfield, "Headworx has always enjoyed a strong brand presence in Wales and Fresh West certainly fits the bill for our annual 'Riders Choice' event.
The tour surfers love the clean water conditions, beautiful scenery and remote location which really comes to life in September with superb swell conditions. It's the perfect place for such a high profile contest."
Elsewhere at the event, Foster's will be bringing their mobile bar unit and barbeque to feed and 'water' the competitors and event staff. Tour sponsors Relentless will also be boosting energy levels with their energy drinks.
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