by Richard Uhlhorn
The Event:
It’s one of the most exciting action packed events of the year. On Labor Day weekend some of the best river surfers in the world will be in Chelan competing to compete for some of the $40,000 in cash prizes at the first biennial Gerry Lopez River Surf Invitational.
The History:
Over the past three years, Lakeside Surf has hosted an annual Continental Surf Cup featuring a European team against the best surfers from around the region. The highly successful Continental Surf Cup has been put on hold until next year to make way for the Gerry Lopez River Surf Invitational.
“It relieves some of the tension to be here,” said Robert Bordner. “The logistics of traveling here is challenging for the Europeans.” Obtaining team visas is one of the main challenges.
The Gerry Lopez event gives individual surfers from around the world to come and compete on one of the best standing river surf waves in the world.
The Venue:
Lakeside Surf has become one of the most enjoyable and stunning venues anywhere on the planet. Situated above Waterslides, Lakeside Surf offers both spectators and surfers an engaging experience. Spectators are always free and surfers, new and experienced have an exciting, adrenaline fueled rush of fast moving water 51 feet wide and up to six feet tall. The views from the location is also stunning offering a spectacular scene of Lake Chelan stretching out to the surrounding orchards and vineyards and mountains.
The Competition:
With $40,000 at stake, the Gerry Lopez River Surf Invitational will see a number of male and female surfers from around the world compete against each other in a variety of segments from tricks to open surfing competition.
Beginning on Wednesday, August 27, the Pros will have a practice session beginning at 12:45 p.m. and again beginning at 5:45 p.m.
On Thursday, August 28, The pros will again have some practice times, but actual competition begins with the Round 1 of the Open Amateur competition at 5:45 through7:15 p.m. Round 2 takes place on Friday, August 29 from 3 p.m to 4:30 p.m. with the finals from 7:15 to 8:45 p.m.
The top male and female surfers in the Open Amateur comp. will fill the final roster in the Gerry Lopez Invitational
Saturday’s Professional competition will begin with Heats # 1 followed by the Best Trick session and finishing up around 9:30 p.m. with the Best Trick & Grab session.
Sunday’s competition will begin at 2:30 p.m. with Standard Heat #2 followed by the Semi finals and Finals with an Awards show following.
The Competitors:
There are a number of local surfers on the list of professionals that fans will recognize and cheer for. High on that list is Cash Eygabroad who won this year’s Battle of the Butte competition with some incredible surfing. He’s joined in the pro ranks by Ben Benson who is a major challenger of Eygabroad’s. Liam O’Driscoll, Elijah Moody, Jared Eygabroad (Cash’s dad) and Logan Watson fill out some of the local surfers who will be challenging the surfers traveling to Chelan to try and claim some of that cash up for grabs.
On the ladies side, there is Cash Hoover who is from Hawaii, but is a well known Lakeside surfer. She is joined by Sierra White, Reese Bordner, Kale Funston and Madeline Cowan.
Sponsor Involvement:
Want your business to be front and center. Lakeside Surf has a number of options for you to consider. Join Rocket Apples, File Boats and other sponsors of this competition and be seen by hundred’s of spectators for as little as $200.00
For more information visit http://www.Lakesidesurf.com
All Things Lake Chelan 