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O’Neill Cold Water Classic Series 2009

The wilds of Tasmania ready to kick off

mercredi 18 mars 2009Redaction SSS [Source RP]

One of the most highly anticipated events to hit the world surfing stage, the O’Neill Cold Water Classic (CWC) is gathering momentum. With five ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS) events exploring spectacular surf Surf #Surf spots throughout remote corners of the world, the CWC series will start in the wilds of Tasmania, Australia on March 23rd before heading to South Africa, Scotland, Canada and Santa Cruz.

From March 23 – 29, 2009 the series will venture into the far northwest corner of Tasmania, Australia’s island state. The town of Marrawah is Tasmania’s most western settlement in an area known for its pounding Southern Ocean surf Surf #Surf , Aboriginal sites, extensive farmland and isolated beaches.

Green Point beach is one of Australia’s most renowned surfing beaches, but the event remains mobile to make the most of this coastline. This is the most Southern event within professional surfing.

As ambassador for the 6Star WQS event, newly signed O’Neill rider and celebrated big wave rider, Mark Mathews is looking forward to this first stop of the O’Neill Cold Water Classic Series.

“I’ve been exploring the Tasmanian coastline on and off for the past seven years,” he said. “It is one of the most beautiful and at the same time, rugged coastlines in the world. I’ve ridden the best wave of my life out there and also suffered the heaviest wipeout of my life. I’m proud to be an ambassador for the event as it’s one of the most amazing surf Surf #Surf destinations in the world.”

“I think the O’Neill Cold Water Classic series is going to be a breath of fresh air for the WQS” he said. “The rugged coastline and large swells in Tasmania will really test all the competitors involved and will make for a spectacular action-packed event.”

CWC SCOTLAND, Thurso

On April 29 until May 6, 2009, the CWC Series then heads up to the other end of the world - to Thurso, Scotland for the already popular 6star Prime WQS event. The most northerly town on the British mainland, Thurso offers a wealth of quality reef breaks for the mobile format of the contest to take full advantage of the Scottish Highland swell.

Local surfing legend, Andy Baine as well as Sam Lamiroy, a regular visitor to Scotland’s reef breaks, will be the two ambassadors for this event.

CWC SOUTH AFRICA, Cape Town

When the CWC Series hits South African waters for the third event on the series from June 20-24, 2009, it will be surfing phenomenon Jordy Smith who will be acting as ambassador for this 4 Star WQS event.

“The Western Cape area is a beautiful part of South Africa,” Jordy says. “There are lots of mountain ranges and so many different bays that offer a huge variety of surf spots. You can also have four seasons in one day. It can go from hot to cold so quickly.”

“My favourite wave is Misty Cliffs,” he says. “It’s one of the best high performance waves in the world. I’m looking forward to having an event of this quality in South Africa.”

CWC CANADA, Tofino

Vancouver Island has been confirmed for the Canadian stop of the series from October 25 – 31, 2009. “It is one of the most incredible places you could ever hope to hold a surfing competition,” says O’Neill Global Event manager, Bernhard Ritzer. “With the possibility of snow on the ground at that time of year, a huge variety of options when it comes to surf and lots of amazing wildlife we are delighted to be able to host what will be the first ever professional ASP event in Canada in such a prime location.” This is the coldest contest in professional surfing.

Based out of the town of Tofino, the 6 Star WQS event won’t fail to impress. With a world class beachbreak set up, a staggering diversity of wildlife from whales and sea lions to black bears and cougars, snow on the ground during the autumn and winter months, as well as a water temperature which drops to 8 degrees in the winter, this really is as wild as it gets. Tofino local and international competitive surfer, Noah Cohen is the event ambassador for Canada.

CWC CALIFORNIA, Santa Cruz

The Cold Water Classic series culminates at the iconic Cold Water Classic event in Santa Cruz from November 2-8, 2009. The 6 Star Prime competition at Steamer Lane with legendary Santa Cruz local, Jason ‘Ratboy’ Collins as ambassador will also see the crowning of the 2009 CWC Champion.

The Cold Water Classic Series will have its own dedicated CWC ranking list, with $50,000 prize money for the overall series winner. Each event will feature its own ambassador, a surfer with an intimate and local connection to each of the areas. In addition, all events will hold trials, providing local surfers in each location the opportunity to qualify into the main event.

ASP International CEO, Brodie Carr believes the introduction of the Cold Water Classic Series will have a significant and positive impact on the WQS ; “The O’Neill Cold Water Classic Series represents an exciting and unique addition to the ASP World Tour Calendar. The established events of Scotland and Santa Cruz are already hugely popular with the surfers and the addition of the high rated events in Canada, Tasmania and South Africa really broadens and supports not only this series, but the WQS as a whole.”

- Press info O’Neill / www.oneill.com/cwc/


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