22 September 2010, Kata Beach – Phuket: The 2nd annual Quiksilver Thailand Surf Competition was officially opened today in a morning program that included several children’s dances, a prayer to the gods of the sea, speeches by government officials, and the final registration of the competitors that will be surfing for cash, prizes, and prestige over the next 4 days in the beautiful blue-green waters of scenic Kata Beach in Phuket, Thailand.
Sunny skies greeting the organizing crew and the attendees on the white sands of Kata Beach this morning at 8 am as the opening program got started. Surfers were already in the water getting a taste of the 2-3 foot waves as the local kids took to the stage to perform.
A short break followed for a prayer to the gods of the sea, asking for a blessed event with good waves and safety for all.
Next the Mayor of the Karon Municipality Mr. Tawee Thongcham stepped up to the podium to welcome everyone and thanked them for coming, and then announced the agenda that would follow over the next four days. (see www.quiksilverthailand.com)
In addition to the professionally run international surfing competition, spectators and participants will also be treated to concerts, parties, cultural shows, awareness presentations, surf instruction clinics, and a whole lot of fun on the beach.
Then it was time for Vice Governor of Phuket Mr. Niwit Aroonrat to make his official opening speech. First he welcomed all the participants, organizers and spectators, and then thanked the sponsors saying, “Thanks to all the sponsors, and especially Quiksilver, for creating this event, as it brings us many benefits. I’m especially pleased to see how it involves our local surfers, giving them the opportunity to participate in a competition with surfers from other countries.”
“We are very happy to support this type of program for another reason as well, because it creates more tourism interest in what is considered out low season. So thank you all and we are looking forward to a great five days of exciting activity here at Kata Beach,” he added in closing.
The competitive surfing action will kick off tomorrow morning at 8 am with the first round of the Men’s Open Shortboard division.
77 surfers from 10 countries (Australia, England, Hungary, Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, and the USA) will be surfing in three divisions of competition; the Men’s Open Shortboard, Women’s Open Shortboard, and Longboard Open.
A total prize purse of over 240,000 THB (approx $7,500 USD) is up for grabs. The Men’s Open winner will receive 50,000 THB (approx $1,500 USD), the Women’s Open winner 30,000 THB (approx $940 USD), and the Longboard winner 30,000 THB (approx $940 USD). First to fourth places in each division will receive cash, trophies and prize packs from Quiksilver and other sponsors.
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