Second annual Hainan Classic just a week away from kicking off
International Surfing Association (ISA) and Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) are all set return to China next week for the Hainan Wanning Riyue Bay International Surfing Festival, which made its debut in the region last year.
Comprising of two events, the ISA China Cup and the ASP 4-StarHainan Classic, the hype surrounding the upcoming festival is not without merit. There will be a huge prize purse of US$95,000 along with coveted ASP World Tour rating points on offer at the upcoming ASP-sanctioned event.
After the success of the previous edition of Hainan Wanning Riyue Bay International Surfing Festival and Hainan Classic in particular, a number of well-known surfers are packing their bags to travel to Asia for the upcoming event.
Among the competitors travelling to China next week will be Hawaii’s Sunny Garcia, 2000 ASP World Champion and a well-respected name in the sport.
Coming to China is bound to make anyone feel excited because of the rich culture and friendly people in the region. Garcia feels no differently, especially since his roots are from the very country that he is about to travel to for the first time in his life.
“This is my first trip to China and I’m very excited,” Garcia said. “I’ve always wanted to come to China since both my great-grandfather Wing Wong and great-great-grandfather Ting-Sing Hoke are from China. I’m just looking to enjoy being in China and doing good in the contest.”
The Hawaiian surfer will not be the only one who will be stepping on the Chinese soil for the first time. Last year’s ASP Australasia Pro Junior Series champion Wade Carmichael from Australia is also really looking forward to his trip to the “Land of Dragons and Emperors” and tame the wild waves and determined competitors at the Hainan Classic to walk away with the rewards on offer.
“I’m pretty excited to be going to China next week,” Carmichael said. “Later in the year I’m going to go to Europe, there’s a lot of comps back-to-back which will be good.”
Both the Chinese surfers and surfing fans in the region will be hoping for a thrilling contest, while at the same time praying to see the representatives of the host country emerge triumphant.
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