Another new destination for the NI Surf Kayak Squad with the major hurdle of traveling en-mass avec kayaks: – Would the boats arrive? Would they be damaged? Would everyone remember their passports? Well in answer the boats all arrived with one small injury to a cockpit rim and yes everyone made it as well. Having arrived in Porto Airport with 15 kayaks it was time to abandon some of the squad to hire some cars without letting them see the cargo. This done it was Dessie, Grainne and myself who would hit the road first proud of our initial head start. However route finding, lack of horse power and food stops lead us to be one of the last to arrive at the hotel (partly because I was looking for the wrong one) save only Erica's car who took the scenic route. With the beach only yards from hotel's front door it wasn't long before boats were unwrapped and on their way to their first surf. Heavy dumping waves with countless peaks along miles of strand lead to a mixture of fun and beatings almost in equal proportion for some. With the waves growing in size and power to the right of the beach it was possible to break yourself in fairly gently and move right as nerves would allow. Sunday evening saw everyone gathered in the meeting room downstairs in the hotel for the competition registration and briefing. World Cup round one would be first off the starting block with the first heat the following afternoon and the only delays being to allow for the Basque paddlers to arrive. Homes day one started bright and early on Tuesday morning with a mixed bag of weather and variable surf conditions but NI finished the day in 1st place by one point with England in 2nd. Wednesday completion day for round one of the World Cup Finals with rankings from this round being used to decide the following day’s heats, with Shooter finishing an impressive second and Erica and myself trailing slightly in forth. However the men and junior side was more positive with Dessie and Jonny in 1st places and Chris in 2nd. Dinner in the hotel with three courses obligatory and many more for some was very affordable at 15 euro and so handy that most only managed to eat in the town on two occasions. With two meals a day (buffet breakfast a lengthy affair also) and some upset insides the team began to look somewhat leaner thank (goodness for the profiteroles). The competition side of things wound up on the Thursday and Friday for the Homes and World Cup respectively. England pipped us at the post once again in the Home Internationals pulling clear at the end of day two with a 2 point lead but overall a success as new members were introduced to the trials of competition and development continues towards next years World Championships. The real success was for Chris Hobson who won the Junior World Cup trophy beating David Speller (Jersey), Jonny Bingham finished 2nd to Dave Johnston (USA). Thanks everyone for a very enjoyable week looking forward to next years league and World Championships. Chloe Hamilton

Better weather today after a night of heavy rain. If costa rica had it in endurance raining portugal certainly has the sprint showers sorted. Started the world cup with the womens heats and only 4 first round heats took place as a measure to allow for the late arrival of the Basque Team. Good waves, light winds and sunshine lead to close competition (results to follow later).

More soon Chloe

hi all. two good days so far. super waves lots of speed and power. surf has been up to 8ft on the face on the sets. everyone is loving it.

homes to start on tuesday. world cup starts at 2pm tomorow. havent had the video rolling yet as it hasnt stopped raining. will get as much captured as possible should be good for next years dvd.

dessie

click on image for slideshow

Everybody made it here eventually, no bother finding the the pub though... Looks like there is a great turn out for the Homes (80 competitors?). Wales have nearly a full team, as well as Jersey, England and probably more that we haven't seen yet. So there could be some strong competition. Competitors registration and briefing at 4PM today so will know more then. Chloe