SAS/QUIKSILVER SURFSHOW TOUR 2002

ABERYSTWYTH - 8th-9th May 2002

The SAS/Quiksilver Surfshow Tour arrives in Aberystwyth on the 8th May carrying some of the UK's best surfers plus World Masters Surfing Champion Gary Elkerton.

The Tourbus is a 10 day mission across the UK celebrating all that is special about our coast. 20 million people use the coastline of the UK every year and in many areas tourism and leisure play a key role in the economy and well being of local communities.

James Hendy of SAS said today -"Aberystwyth and the surrounding Welsh coastline is the playground for millions of recreational water users as well as being a stunning natural resource. Protecting this resource is what SAS are all about. When local surfers voiced their concerns to SAS that one of their prime breaks could be destroyed as a result of plans to dredge the local harbour, we thought we'd come along and check it out.
Underestimating the importance of surfing to the economy and quality of life in the area would be a serious mistake. Local businesses and the people who enjoy surfing at Aberystwyth could bear the consequences of this for years to come. SAS firmly believe that before considering any action that could jeopardise a surfing wave, the 'value' of that wave, both in social and economic terms, must be taken into account".

Daily schedules attached

8th May 2002
The day will begin at 8.30am with a press call and 'expression session' from the pro surfers on Aberystwyth main beach.

Educational talks form the rest of the day's activities - firstly giving a presentation at Aberystwyth University - then we move on to Penglais School were 350 children will find out about SAS, beach safety, sun safety, and competition surfing from the Tourbus crew.

The evening will see the surfers hold a fund-raiser at the Glengower Hotel - party goers will get to meet the Tourbus crew, watch the latest Quiksilver surf video and watch a hot band perform all in the name of one of the country's coolest environmental pressure groups.

9th May 2002 - Locals and pro's compete!
The Tag Team contest will involve teams of locals plus a Tourbus surfer competing against each other in a unique contest format. Not only does it include riding 3 waves in a race against the clock; but also means getting the best waves before your rivals and running the beach to tag your team mate. Not easy for anyone! And a fantastic photo opportunity for the press.

In the event of no surf, the surfers will take part in a paddle race of over a mile to raise funds for Aberystwyth University Surf Club and their fight to stop the possible destruction of their local break - the "Harbour Trap".

The 2002 SAS Tour is proudly sponsored by Quiksilver with support from NIVEA Sun and the British Surfing Association.

For more details on the SAS/Quiksilver Tourbus please contact James Hendy or Nicole Phillips at SAS HQ - 0845 458 3001 or email james@sas.org.uk

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