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Longboard Comp 2009 Results Posted Tuesday, September 22 2009 by cliodhna

West Coast Surf Club (WCSC) Longboard Classic
Last weekend, 19th and 20th September 2009, saw the West Coast Surf Club Longboard Classic event being held again in Lahinch. Now in its sixth year, this unique event attracted some of the best surfers from all over the country, with all provinces represented. The first set of heats were in the water by 09h30 on Saturday morning and it was quickly evident that the standard of surfing had increased over previous years. Heats were run through the day with more that 50 entrants taking part.
The experienced panel of judges assisting in the event was headed up by international judge Pascal Devine and as in previous years, the focus was on both progressive and traditional style surfing manoeuvres such as cutbacks, floaters, nose riding and cross stepping.
Once again, the weather was on side with contestable surfing conditions all day, the sun even came out for the afternoon! A lunch for all competitors and organisers was held in O’Looneys which helped re-energise all. Following a further series of heats in the afternoon, it was decided to halt the competition as the tide was filling in fast, with the remaining second round heats and finals held over until Sunday. This allowed everyone a chance to enjoy the great weather for the evening. The surf club had arranged a party in this years host venue, Danny Macs on Main Street in Lahinch, which was well attended on Saturday night.
As Sunday morning rolled around, it was obvious that the weather and conditions had deteriorated, however as the finals approached, the level of surfing on display increased. Following closely contested quarter and semi final rounds, four surfers took to the water for the final in the early afternoon. All the judges agreed that the final was one of the closest in recent years with the following result;
  • 1 John McCurry - Causeway Coast Surf Club
  • 2. John Coady - North Sligo Surf Club
  • 3. Fergus Halpin - East Coast Surf Club
  • 4. Damien Conway - West Coast Surf Club
  • Event director, Cliodhna Fawl and WCSC Chairman Dave Flynn presented the prizes to the winners, with the winner John McCurry receiving custom-shaped Cequential longboard from local shaper Ian Johnson together with the unique trophy. Damien Conway was also presented with a special wooden trophy in recognition of being this year’s best local entrant. Other prize winners on the day included local surfer Ollie Flaherty for the highest wave score of the competition, Ross Coyne for the youngest competitor and Maria Marrinan and Lorna Walsh for the highest placed females. A special award was made to Saul Harvey who provided standby rescue services throughout the weekend, which thankfully were not needed.
    Following the prize giving ceremony held on the sunny Sunday afternoon on the prom, WCSC Chairman Dave Flynn went on to say "Without our sponsors we would not be in a position to continue to run this event each year. Equally, the commitment and dedication of the organizers as well as the surfers participating all combine to produce an event that is fun, relaxed, well organized, properly resourced and above all, a display of some of the best longboarding skills this country has to offer." He then invited all entrants to return again next year for the 7th WCSC Longboard Classic.
    About West Coast Surf Club (WCSC) The West Coast Surf Club was founded in 1970 and is one of the earliest and longest running surf clubs in Ireland. It is part of the Irish Surfing Association (ISA) and hosts on average four competitions annually. The focus of the WCSC lies in their junior members with sponsorship and support for European and International competitors being available. In addition fun events are being organized for surfers to share their experiences and enjoy surfing and socializing together. For further details please contact Cliodhna Fawl 086-3366023 or Dave Flynn 087 629 2335, or visit www.westcoastsurfclub.com. The West Coast Surf Club would like to thank all of our sponsors:  Accurist Marketing  Alder  Bens Surf Clinic  BIC Sports  Billabong  Cequential Surfboards  Cornerstone Bar  Danny Macs  Enzos  Flanagans Bar  Gravis  Green Room  ISA/ Dennys  Joes Cafe  Kennys Pub  Lahinch Hostel  Lahinch Surf School  Lahinch Surf Shop  Morrison Gallery  Ocean Scene  OLooneys Bar  Ronell Eyewear  The Atlantic Hotel  The Shamrock Inn  West Coast Lodge  White Water Surf Company