#kitesurf – The first event Kitesruf pro event will take place for the first time ever in Ireland at Achill Island, Co Mayo later this month. It will see international competitors take on the famous west coast wind and waves and world-renowned surf conditions. The Aer Lingus Kite Surf Pro is part of the prestigious Kite Surf Pro (KSP) tour and runs from 19-28 October.
Representing Ireland in the event will be Ryan Coote and Keith McGeown (male riders) and Jade O'Connor (female rider), who will take on the top 33 international kitesurfers in what is expected to be a breathtaking battle for the coveted world championship title and the €15,000 prize money up for grabs.
Ireland was hand selected as one of the tour stops as a result of its exposed Atlantic seaboard on the west coast, as well as its warm welcome by locals. The media exposure for Ireland's west coast is massive – KSP is broadcast around the world to 80+million viewers and can also be viewed live during the 10-day event.
The tour couldn't come at a better time, with the injection of tourism funds, but it will offer so much more than that: the sheer energy, the hundreds of colourful kites out at sea and the beach-side entertainment that will accompany this adrenalin-fuelled event is sure to lift the mood for locals and others living on the west coast for many months to come.
The championship is organised by Freeride Ireland and PureMagic Watersports.
The 2012 KSP tour schedule reads as follows:
June 1 to 10 — Cascais, Portugal
September 7 to 16 — Le Morne, Mauritius
October 19 to 28 — Mayo, West Coast, Ireland
November 29 to December 8 — Maui, Hawaii, USA
