PHUKET: OFFICIALS are expecting 250 surfers to ride the waves at Kata on Phuket for this year's Quiksilver Thailand Surf Competition 2011.
The dates for the competition have been set from September 21-24, with surfers from Australia, Hawai, Taiwan, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Maldives and the US expected to join locals in catching Phuket waves.
The International Surfing Association announced its annual scholarship winners last week - and local grom (junior) surfer Panu Wisetsombat was among the winners.
Each year the ISA selects 25 young surfers from around the globe based on surfing and academic achievement and financial need.
With the help of Surfing Thailand's Chanin Aiyarak, Panu successfully submitted his application and handwritten essay and was chosen one of this year's proud winners of a $1000 scholarship.
''In addition to being a great kid and a good student,'' Surfing Thailand says, ''Panu has become an excellent surfer after just three years of enjoying the sport, taking home first place at the 2010 Rip Curl Grom Search event at Nai Harn Beach, Phuket.''
''I feel really great to have received this honor,'' says an excited Panu, ''and I want to thank Surfing Thailand and everyone else who helped me apply.
''I promise to keep improving my surfing and studies as best as I can.''
The September event on Phuket will include a Women's Division, a Long Board Division and a Short Board Division.
The dates for the competition have been set from September 21-24, with surfers from Australia, Hawai, Taiwan, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Maldives and the US expected to join locals in catching Phuket waves.
The International Surfing Association announced its annual scholarship winners last week - and local grom (junior) surfer Panu Wisetsombat was among the winners.
Each year the ISA selects 25 young surfers from around the globe based on surfing and academic achievement and financial need.
With the help of Surfing Thailand's Chanin Aiyarak, Panu successfully submitted his application and handwritten essay and was chosen one of this year's proud winners of a $1000 scholarship.
''In addition to being a great kid and a good student,'' Surfing Thailand says, ''Panu has become an excellent surfer after just three years of enjoying the sport, taking home first place at the 2010 Rip Curl Grom Search event at Nai Harn Beach, Phuket.''
''I feel really great to have received this honor,'' says an excited Panu, ''and I want to thank Surfing Thailand and everyone else who helped me apply.
''I promise to keep improving my surfing and studies as best as I can.''
The September event on Phuket will include a Women's Division, a Long Board Division and a Short Board Division.
