The three-day Carib Pilsner International Surf Festival will begin on Friday at the popular 'Beach Break' surfing haven in Sans Souci, Toco. Lewis is expecting an even more impressive showing from last year's 32 international surfers from seven different countries. The tournament, now in its second year, became the first international surf event outside the United States to be scheduled as part of the Western Atlantic Pro Surf Series. The festival is being advertised with packages from Florida and New York on prominent surfing website westernatlanticsurf.com
Venezuelan surf stars Rafael Pereira and Francisco Bellorin who placed first and second consecutively in last year's event will return to defend their titles while other distinguished surfing champions from Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, the United States and islands including Barbados, St. Lucia and Jamaica will travel to T&T within the next few days to register and compete for a part of the USD$10,000 prize purse.
Even an "air" challenge specialist Aaron Cormican will be taking a flight in from Florida to participate.
Masters and Longboard champion, T&T's Che Lovelace is among the local delegation to compete as is fan favourite Christopher Dennis. Dennis, who recently copped the Trials number one event in San Souci earning 1000 points in the Men's Open, is expected to woo the crowd and challenge for a top spot.
Three categories will be contested: 'Junior Pro', 'Legends' and 'Open Pro'. Another 'Night Surf' event will be on the cards for the after hours but will not be competed. Even those not taking part in the surfing activities have an opportunity to be rewarded with prize money as a bikini competition has been carded with the best model to walk the elevated Redbull runway taking away USD$1000. The "Best Action Shot", "Best Scenic Shot" and "Best Moment Shot" by any photographer will also be presented with USD$1000.
Popular rock bands Jointpop, Orange Sky and Skid" Nevely as well as local reggae vocalist Aaron Marquez are carded to provide entertainment on Saturday after the Champions League Final which Lewis acknowledges will be on the minds of the surfing enthusiasts who share a passion in football.
According to Lewis there will be no clash of events as the highly anticipated match will be broadcasted on a television set up at the "Beach Break" venue. The Ministry of Sport and the Tourism Development Company have given assistance to the Surfing Association while Carib Pilsner are title sponsors.
Competitors must submit registration and payments by Friday. A prize giving ceremony will conclude proceedings on Sunday.