ABOUT 300 people celebrated the conclusion of the Phuket Quiksilver Thailand Surf Series 2009 in the traditional fashion tonight . . . with a beach party.
And fashion was a key, with Bangkok models displaying beach wear. A band helped the party at the Kata Beach Resort and Spa to swing.
But for balance and curls, it was Phuket's waves that came out tops with the board riders.
There to accept awards last night were surfers from the US, Japan, Indonesia, South Africa and Thailand, with Phuket's young and talented 11-year-old Annissa Flynn among the recipients.
The series was hailed as a great new development by the island's surfing community. This year's titles at Kalim, Kamala and Kata set new standards for events.
Given the rave reviews that Phuket gets for hospitality, more competitors are expected to visit next year as the series grows and surfing wins more fans.
The waves may not match the monsters in some other parts of the world but they are consistent enough during the monsoon season to make Phuket a great place for people to learn to surf.
Before you know it, most people will be able to tell their short boards from their long boards.
Phuket Storm Blackouts, But Surfers Power On
Photo Album The lights went out in parts of Phuket City more than once as squalls triggered power failures. But there was plenty of energy coming in waves at the Kata surf titles.
Phuket Storm Blackouts, But Surfers Power On
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'Alternative' Phuket Fest Dispels Time-Share Myths
Don't Be Unfair to Phuket Expats, Thais Are Told
Latest Backing for more overseas investment on Phuket has come from the powerful Thai military with a rear admiral who also has tourism connections revealing statistics on cash sources.
Don't Be Unfair to Phuket Expats, Thais Are Told
Poachers Lose as Phuket Gains Reef Watchdogs
Photo Album Property projects on Phuket's small islands need to be controlled to prevent destruction of coral reefs and undersea environments, marine biologists say.
Poachers Lose as Phuket Gains Reef Watchdogs
Illegal Burmese Arrested, Phuket Deadline Passes
Latest Arrests on Phuket are accompanied by a crackdown on Burmese schools in Ranong as a registration system for illegal workers appears to have failed to deliver.
Illegal Burmese Arrested, Phuket Deadline Passes
Phuket Investment Drops But Bounce Predicted
Phuket Economy Investment on Phuket dipped by almost one third in the first half of the year but the second half looks more promising, latest figures reveal.
Phuket Investment Drops But Bounce Predicted
Great Holiday Job for Couples in Thailand
Latest Back in May Phuketwan suggested the Australian 'best job in the world' campaign would be great for Phuket and now Thailand's tourism chiefs have taken up the idea.
Great Holiday Job for Couples in Thailand
Here's Who Owns Patong's Beachfront
Latest The drums of paranoia are being beaten by a media that fails to do proper research. Here's a list of who owns the resorts along Patong's beach road, according to the local authority.
Here's Who Owns Patong's Beachfront
And fashion was a key, with Bangkok models displaying beach wear. A band helped the party at the Kata Beach Resort and Spa to swing.
But for balance and curls, it was Phuket's waves that came out tops with the board riders.
There to accept awards last night were surfers from the US, Japan, Indonesia, South Africa and Thailand, with Phuket's young and talented 11-year-old Annissa Flynn among the recipients.
The series was hailed as a great new development by the island's surfing community. This year's titles at Kalim, Kamala and Kata set new standards for events.
Given the rave reviews that Phuket gets for hospitality, more competitors are expected to visit next year as the series grows and surfing wins more fans.
The waves may not match the monsters in some other parts of the world but they are consistent enough during the monsoon season to make Phuket a great place for people to learn to surf.
Before you know it, most people will be able to tell their short boards from their long boards.
Phuket Storm Blackouts, But Surfers Power On
Photo Album The lights went out in parts of Phuket City more than once as squalls triggered power failures. But there was plenty of energy coming in waves at the Kata surf titles.
Phuket Storm Blackouts, But Surfers Power On
'Alternative' Phuket Fest Dispels Time-Share Myths
Latest Will time share touts pester visitors to Asia's first alternative ownership conference on Phuket? Somehow we doubt it. But time share's image still needs a boost.
'Alternative' Phuket Fest Dispels Time-Share Myths
Don't Be Unfair to Phuket Expats, Thais Are Told
Latest Backing for more overseas investment on Phuket has come from the powerful Thai military with a rear admiral who also has tourism connections revealing statistics on cash sources.
Don't Be Unfair to Phuket Expats, Thais Are Told
Poachers Lose as Phuket Gains Reef Watchdogs
Photo Album Property projects on Phuket's small islands need to be controlled to prevent destruction of coral reefs and undersea environments, marine biologists say.
Poachers Lose as Phuket Gains Reef Watchdogs
Illegal Burmese Arrested, Phuket Deadline Passes
Latest Arrests on Phuket are accompanied by a crackdown on Burmese schools in Ranong as a registration system for illegal workers appears to have failed to deliver.
Illegal Burmese Arrested, Phuket Deadline Passes
Phuket Investment Drops But Bounce Predicted
Phuket Economy Investment on Phuket dipped by almost one third in the first half of the year but the second half looks more promising, latest figures reveal.
Phuket Investment Drops But Bounce Predicted
Great Holiday Job for Couples in Thailand
Latest Back in May Phuketwan suggested the Australian 'best job in the world' campaign would be great for Phuket and now Thailand's tourism chiefs have taken up the idea.
Great Holiday Job for Couples in Thailand
Here's Who Owns Patong's Beachfront
Latest The drums of paranoia are being beaten by a media that fails to do proper research. Here's a list of who owns the resorts along Patong's beach road, according to the local authority.
Here's Who Owns Patong's Beachfront
