Tofino, Canada – September 10, 2010 - The O’Neill Cold Water Classic Canada is returning to Vancouver Island for 2010, following an emotional first year in which Toifno local, Peter Devries took out Canada’s inaugural professional surf competition in his hometown.
“There is no better place to win a big event than at home in Tofino,” said Peter Devries. “I had so much support on the beach and to have my family and friends there was amazing.”
If ever one event on the five-event O’Neill Cold Water Classic Series best epitomized the series’ philosophy of exploration and adventure, this is it.
With bears on the land, whales in the sea and a spectacular old-growth pine forest backdrop, this 6 Star ASP (Association of Surfing Professionals) has pushed the boundaries to find new and challenging waves in which to host a competition of this level.
“This is going to be my first time to Canada,” said former World Tour surfer, Shaun Cansdell. “I’ve heard there are bears and lots of wildlife to see – which will be cool. And I’ve been looking forward to go surf some new waves.”
This year the mobile event takes on a new level with the Pacific Rim National Park reserve offering yet another break for the event to explore along the Vancouver Island coastline.
“To me this is one of the most beautiful surf locations on the planet,” said Peter Devries. “Combine that with the variety in weather and wave conditions we see in October and you've got an event unlike any other.”
This year will see Peter once again surfing his home break, along with over 140 others making the trek through the wilderness of western Canada to one of the most stunning – and of course freezing cold - events in professional surfing.
“I’ve already won the event so I don’t have anything to prove so there’s no pressure,” said the defending CWC Canada champion. “I want to go into it with the same mentality as last year and just have fun.”
He will be up against an international field of talent including the young Hawaiian, John John Florence, Nat Young, Cory Lopez and Dion Atikinson.
Also there will be South African, Royden Bryson, and Australians Stuart Kennedy, Shaun Cansdell and Dion Atkinson. All four surfers are in line for the O’Neill Cold Water Classic Series win – which comes with a $50,000 cheque - following the final event in Santa Cruz, California.
“I’ve been thinking about the series a bit and how good it would be to win it and the 50K,” said Shaun Cansdell. “I think I am sitting in the top 5 at the moment so I would have to do something pretty special in the next few events. But I will give it my 100% best.”
MISHKA LIVE CONCERT!
j.k. livin Artist, Mishka will be performing live in Tofino during the Cold Water Classic. Mishka recently joined the O’Neill team as the ECO’Neill collection ambassador, and will be holding two concerts at the O’Neill CWC series this year in both Tofino and Santa Cruz for the final event on the 2010 series.
O’NEILL COLD WATER CLASSIC SERIES RANKINGS (following three events)
1.Royden Bryson (ZAF) 4844
2.Stuart Kennedy (AUS) 4800
3.Shaun Cansdell (AUS) 3903
4.Dion Atkinson (AUS) 3406
5.Greg Emslie (ZAF) 3000
