| Bundoran welcomes the best European surfers |
| Thursday, 11 August 2011 14:44 |
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Bundoran, the surfing capital of Ireland, will welcome the 2011 Eurosurf, from September 23rd to October 2nd. The best European surfers are expected to ride world famous "Peak" and "Tullan" surfbreaks. Sixteen teams from all over Europe, including Morocco and Israel, will compete for the prestigious title bringing a welcome boost to the local economy at the tail end of the traditional summer season. "We are delighted to secure the European Surfing Championships for Bundoran this September with the support of Fáilte Ireland. Surfing has become a huge industry in Bundoran extending the tourist season to all year round", says Dara O’Malley Daly, contest director. "We are looking forward to staging the event for the first time since 1997 and welcoming all the competing nations and showcasing some of the best surfable waves you’ll find anywhere in Europe". The European Surfing Championships alternate each year between the senior event “Eurosurf” (odd years) and the Junior event “Eurojunior” (even years). The separation into a junior event and senior event happened in 1992. The Euro’s were first held in 1970 in Jersey. 2011 will be Irelands fourth time to host Eurosurf, and third time in Bundoran. The previous Eurosurf events held in Ireland were 1972, in Spanish Point, Co. Clare which was won by England, 1985 in Bundoran, Co. Donegal won by France, 1997 in Bundoran, Co. Donegal won by Portugal. Until recently there had been a trend that the winners in Ireland retained the senior title until the Eurosurf returned to Ireland. England held the title from 1970 to 1985, then France held it from 1985 to 1997 when Portugal won the senior title for the first time. They then lost the title to Spain in 2003, who proceeded to relinquish it once more to Portugal in 2005. Portugal retained the title in 2007 before losing it to France two years ago in Jersey. |
