North coast surfer triumphs in Chile
Thursday, 13 November 2008
North Coast surfer Alistair Mennie gets to grips with enormous waves at Punta de Lobos, Chile.
North Coast surfer Alistair Mennie firmly established himself as one of the world's best big wave surfers after a top ten finish at a contest in Chile which drew some of the biggest names in the sport.
The 26-year-old from Portrush and partner Andrew Cotton from Devon were the only Europeans invited to compete in World Cup Tow-In Surfing Championship event in Punta de Lobos.
They joined competitors from Brazil, Hawaii, South Africa, Chile, Australia, and California. Alastair and Andrew triumphed in the 50 foot waves achieving tenth overall in the competition.
Tow-in surfers use jet-skis to pull each other into waves too big and fast to paddle onto conventionally.
At last week's event windy conditions gave Al and Andrew just the edge they needed.
“Most countries around the globe that have surfers who ride big waves don't get the wind that we get and have to deal with so we are pretty experienced in less than perfect surfing conditions," said Alistair
“There were a number of false starts to the event because it was at times too windy this was not a problem for us as we are used to windy conditions we went out anyway and practiced."
Alistair described the result as "amazing" but believes he and Andrew can do even better at the next event in Oregon, USA.
“Although we ended up tenth, I believe that with a few alterations to our equipment and a bit of luck and there is no reason why we couldn't make the top four.
“We are both setting our sights on the Oregon competition now and are determined to improve our standing further.
“I'm sure many in this country probably never thought that Northern Ireland would have a team of big wave surfers competing at international level against nations such as Hawaii and South Africa but I'm delighted to say that we did and not only that but that we also managed to break into the top ten.
“This is an amazing result and I am very proud of what we have achieved.
“I believe there are great opportunities for Northern Ireland to develop its profile within the surfing community across the world and hopefully our success at Chile will help drive this forward.
Eric Akiskalian, President of the Association of Professional Tow Surfers said everyone in Northern Ireland could take pride in Al's performance.
"They had furthest to travel and at such short notice, but true to their passion for big wave surfing they made the commitment and travelled as soon as they could, they were true competitors and did their country proud. We will look after them here at the APT and look forward to their participation in future events where they will no doubt continue to represent Northern Ireland and England with great passion, determination and professionalism."
