Sunday Nov 17, 2024
Sunday Nov 17, 2024
Tuesday, 11 March 2014 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Apart from showcasing a slew of slick moves and spectacular blowouts, Red Bull Ride My Wave will bring together the eclectic elements of Sri Lanka’s broad surf culture. Staying in sync with the country’s first surfing season, the opening leg of the contest will run from 13-15 March at three locations along the south coast.
The battle royal will then pick up again from 5-7 August, with the surfers from the south journeying to three spots along the east coast to fight it out for ultimate bragging rights.
Each team will consist of 10 surfers with ‘home’ competitors selecting their preferred opponent from the ‘away’ team in two 10-minute rounds. After each surfer is challenged by a different competitor on the opposing team, the side with the most points at the end of the two rounds will be declared the overall winner.
The event will also encourage and promote precocious local talent in the sport by shining a spotlight on ambitious young surf stars from these two regions. To achieve this, the competition’s regulations compel each team to field at least two surfers who are under the age of 16.
“I think the competition is good for everyone because it gives an opportunity for the younger boys as well. They will get a chance they have not had before. Also for the rest of us it is a good experience because we haven’t had this kind of a team competition before,” Veteran surfer Asanka said.
“All competitions help us develop and the young boys will especially benefit through the separate young guns training session during the event. When we were young we did not have these kinds of opportunities.”
With its long line-up of gifted and gutsy sea-gliding artists, Red Bull Ride My Wave will undoubtedly provide a rich flow of creativity. And on a stage as big as this one, it is an absolute given that all of them will stretch themselves to the outer limits of their imagination and ability to piece together performances that that will clinch them big scores and bigger coast cred.
Overall, Red Bull Ride My Wave will represent another significant stride for the country in the world of surfing, a sport whose reputation continues to grow exponentially in Sri Lanka. With both rounds of Red Bull Ride My Wave taking place during Sri Lanka’s peak surf seasons, the crowds at the event are sure to be as large and vocal as they are knowledgeable. For more information on Red Bull Ride My Wave visit www.redbull.com/ridemywave.
Schedule: Red Bull Ride my Wave
12 March: Opening ceremony
13 March: 1st round, Matara,
6 a.m.-11 a.m.
14 March: 2nd round, Ahangama,
6 a.m.-11 a.m.
15 March: 3rd round, Midigama,
6 a.m.-11 a.m.
