2002 PWA Irish Wave Grand Prix Day 3
The PWA Irish Wave Grand Prix, which is presented by Bord Fáilte, carried on in style today as everybody headed down to the competition’s alternative venue. Dumps beach attracted large crowds of locals, holidaymakers and loyal enthusiasts as the sun again came out to shine.
Surfers were out on the beach in force – but not the windsurfing kind! Good windsurfing conditions have again appeared elusive as race officials now tip Tuesday and Wednesday as the days to watch. It is thought that wind levels will begin to pick up throughout tomorrow, as Ireland’s unprecedented Indian summer appears to have finally reached its peak.
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Of course, the celebrity status of the sport’s highest achievers was given yet another boost today as people lined up to get event T-shirts and posters autographed by their windsurfing heroes. Daida Ruano Moreno (North, Mistral), Nik Baker (North Sails, Mistral) and Vidar Jensen (North Sails) were among those who took part in the signing. There was a definite carnival atmosphere as music boomed from the beach while stalls selling food, PWA memorabilia and surfing goods did a roaring trade.
Competition hopeful Rob Jones (J.P. Australia, Neil Pryde), who will be competing under sail number K-00, also had his share of time in the spotlight today, as he took part in one of the many beach-interviews to entertain the crowd. Rob turned up in Ireland about seven years ago on a field trip, and just never went home. “I literally arrived here on a visit, and just never got on the bus back home. Without a doubt, Ireland offers the best windsurfing conditions in the world and so this is definitely where I want to stay for now. I think if I wanted to be on the circuit full-time I would have already done it by now.”
Francisco Goya (Arrows, Fanatic) is playing host to the troops tonight. He’s doing an “O’Neill Evening” at Jimmy Fitzgerald’s bar in Castlegregory. Should be interesting…
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