13 top Surfers have been chosen to represent the Channel Island’s at this year’s European Surfing Championships to be held in Bundoran, County Donegal, Ireland on 23rd September to the 2nd October.
The team was chosen by a points system over 4 competitions throughout the summer. Poor waves and generally weak conditions made the qualification process tough for the team hopefuls. However surfers got to drop their worst result in the 4 event selection format.
Team manager Roley McMichael says, “I'm very pleased with the team that has come from the long selection process. A brilliant mix of youth and experience in every category.”
Last year the event was held in Jersey when Ben Skinner took the longboard title. This year UK based Skinner will once again join the team. Veteran Mark Durbano will be a strong representative in this year’s masters division. In the women’s division local surfer Shelly McFarling has been awarded a ‘wildcard’ into the event.
Guernsey’s Tom Hill was also awarded a ‘wild card’ into the event. Tom’s fitness and ability in big waves makes his presence in the team an added bonus.
Christian Bolletta made the cut, however due to family commitments he is unable to travel with the team. Jersey’s Nathan Elms, will take his place after placing below Christian in the ratings.
Ben Chapman was a reserve last year but won a hotly contest spot in the senior men’s from last year’s favourite Sam George.
Alice Mcgregor, originally from South Africa, is a newcomer to the local women’s surfing scene. Her extensive experience makes her a favourite to win the overall title for Jersey.
The event will be held in County Donegal in the North West of Ireland. The main contest area will be held at Bundoran Reef, a challenging and renowned spot for surfers around the world.
Arlene Maltman, current JSC President, surfed in the 1984 European Championships in the same spot and thinks the venue will be a challenge, if the waves are big;
“Bundoran can be a hollow, fast and heavy left hander, but I am confident our chosen team will relish those conditions. We will have some very experienced surfers who have traveled and surfed hollow reefs in places like Hawaii and Indonesia. It could be a very exciting showdown with the best surfers in Europe,” she says.
The squad are training with accredited coach George Solh and Dan Harris both AIB Academy coaches.
The AIB Channel Island Team
Open
Alex Vibert
Nathan Elms
Matt Chapman
Tom Hill
Ladies
Shelley McFarling
Alice Mc Gregor
Longboard
Ben Skinner
Josh Le Marquand
Bodyboard
Clint Loake
Colin laurent
Senior Man
Ben Chapman
Master
Mark Durbano
Ladies Bodyboard
Charlotte Bayliss
Judge
George Sohl
Team Manager
Roley McMichael
For more visit: http://eurosurfbundoran.com/
