Portrush Open Surf Contest is a Monster success

The contest, which had been previously postponed due to disappointing weather, proved to be well worth the wait and has been hailed a huge success by hosts Causeway Coast Surf Club, CCSC and Coleraine Borough Council.

The surf contest kicked off early on Saturday morning and attracted some of Ireland’s top surfer competing in eight different disciplines from Men’s and Women’s open to bodyboarding and stand up paddly surfing. Despite the autumnal tempreatures, large numbers of spectators braved the chill to enjoy the thrilling surfing action as well as some family entertainment on dry land.

Organisers had created a real party atmosphere on the West strand with VW camper vans, banners, flags, music and live comentary as well as a surf art and photo exhibition, featuring the work of Kieran Scullion and Stephen Scullion.

An additional event, “Dub Surf”, was held on the Sunday, which saw classic VW van and beetle rally rolling into town, bringing with it some welcomed sunshine. Enthusiasts and fans alike enjoyed the afternoon picnicing and barbequing on the beach surrounded by the classic vehicles. With local surfers enjoying the last few waves of the weekend, Portrush seemed to have an almost Californian feel in the setting sun.

Causeway Coast Surf Club Chairman, Gerard McAuley said: “What a fabulous surfing weekend for all who came to Portrush. Finally after postponing this event twice earlier in the year, we’ve done it!

“Coleraine Borough Council and all our sponsors have been instrumental in the staging and success of this event.”

Results:

Men's Open - 1st Cillian Ryan; 2nd Gearoid McDaid; 3rd Aaron Reid; 4th Ronan Oertzen.

Women's Open - 1st Ione Byrne; 2nd Elaine Rice; 3rd Amy May Garvey; 4th Tahlia Britton.

Longboard - 1st John McCurry; 2nd Stevie Burns; 3rd Donal O'Reilly; 4th Amy May Garvey.

Bodyboard - 1st Martin Kelly; 2nd Bosco McAuley; 3rd Alan Conway.

Masters - 1st Stevie Burns; 2nd Chris Lyttle; 3rd John Bustard.

SUP - 1st John McCurry; 2nd Oliver Boyd; 3rd John Bustard; 4th Carl Russell.