Surfers head for Phuket
Okay, so you're unlikely to be shooting the tube in Phuket (this shot was taken in Oahu) but there are plenty of challenging waves.
For those who like their exercise wet, mid-June sees the inaugural Thailand Surf Series, from June 12 to 14 in the sea off Kalim Beach. Up to now, Thailand has not been exactly first choice for surfers – Bali holds that crown in Asia – but competitions have been held for several years, with proponents stressing that although Phuket doesn’t have the spectacular waves, there’s still plenty of skill required to get it right.
The series has the backing of Quiksilver, and followed a visit to Phuket by Bali-based Aussie pro surfer Jake “the Snake” Paterson, winner of such events as the 1996 and 2002 WQS Tour, the 1998 Pipeline Masters, and at Jeffrey’s Bay South Africa in 2000 and 2001. In 2003 he won the Rip Curl Cup at Sunset Beach.
There will be two more rounds, the “King of the Jungle” round in mid-August at Kamala Beach and the “Island Crown” round in early September at Kata Beach. The events are open to all. See www.thaisurfseries.com for more information.
For details, see the website here or contact the organiser.
