Having been windless in Sylt, Germany, Josh Angulo admitted today that expectations are still high for the Irish Wave "At venues like Sylt you can expect to be sitting around the beach for some of the time, but it’s a different story in Ireland. We all expect it to go off here - I mean we’re out in the Atlantic here, and that’s where all the weather happens ! It sucks to see all these talented surfers just hanging around and waiting for things to start up. We belong on the water - but it can still happen this year."

So with all the waiting around, everyone has been closely monitoring the judges and the weather forecasters, who have come up with plenty of varying predictions for tomorrow. Head Judge Klaus Michel has been on standby throughout the week ; "The outlook for tomorrow seems a little better. We’re having our next skippers meeting tomorrow at 08.00 and the forecast says we should be looking at force 5 south-easterly winds and that would suit us fine. If that weather happens it’s gonna be a good day’s competition."

Of course the competitors continue to concentrate on the looming surf-action, and Karin Jaggi (Arrows, F2), who is currently number two on the rankings, remains confident that she can take The Irish Wave Grand Prix title ; "I think I have a lot of advantages when competing here in Ireland and I’m hoping for conditions just like last year. Gran Canaria, where Daida Ruano Moreno (North, Mistral) is unbeatable with home advantage, just doesn’t match the Irish conditions - they’re poles apart. Here it’s all about speed and waves - the wind doesn’t matter all that much to me".

In terms of predicting final results Karin was quick to name Francisco Goya (Arrows, Fanatic) as one of the main contenders. She said ; "A lot depends on wind direction - whether there will be a lot of jumping or riding. But I think Francisco is in with a good chance". The women’s competition, she thinks, will come down to herself and Daida Ruano Moreno (North, Mistral). "Daida is definitely my main concern, though overall I think I have the upper hand. I would also expect Colette Guadagnino (Neil Pryde, JP) to finish well. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see".

Bjorn Dunkerbeck (Neil Pryde, Proof) is perhaps one of the few competitors who is glad that the competition isn’t quite underway yet. "I guess the competition not starting right on time has given my foot that little extra time to heal, but it’s feeling good now. It’s been over a month since I was injured and now is my chance to prove I’m back on top form on the water."

So tonight it’s back to Spillane’s Bar for some good food, Guinness and entertainment courtesy of an ’Ultrasport Evening’ with Nik Baker (North Sails, Mistral) and Robbie Swift (Neil Pryde, JP). No doubt the weather and competition predictions will be flying, but it still looks like there’ll be a little more waiting to be done. Till tomorrow anyway…