Looks like Chelan is becoming a competitive surfing capital. Word comes that the Continental Surf Cup, the international river surfing competition that was held at Lakeside Surf last year, is coming back for at least the next five years. Team USA and Team Europe will converge on Labor Day weekend each of the next 5 years to battle for the Continental Surf Cup, $11,000 in prize money and a spot on the podium as one of the top river surfers in the world.
The unique surfing team event challenges surfers from each continent to battle for team and individual points during a variety of heats over two days of competition. Twenty-four surfers from the USA and Europe will showcase their talents in traditional, best trick, carvers only heats before the top surfers advance to the championship heats and fight for a spot on the podium as well as the final few team points. The top team gets the trophy and bragging rights as the continent with the greatest river surfers.
Before last year's inaugural competition, Slidewaters and Lakeside Surf owner Robert Bordner explained what was coming to Chelan last Labor Day:
And you can expect much the same this year and the next four years after that. The best news for spectators is that you can watch it all for free. The new giant LED screen will display live action, replays, and tournament scoring. After a standing room only event last year, additional seating, private space rentals and an enhanced livestream experience are being added to improve the spectator experience.
The Continental Surf Cup is set for September 3rd and 4th at Lakeside Surf.