Top Tier International Pros expected for 2015 MAKKA Pro
The Jamaica Surfing Association’s “2015 Makka Pro” surfing contest is on track for its 9th staging at the now world famous “Makka” surfing beach in Southaven, Yallahs, Saint Thomas on the 25th and 26th of July. The annual affair has become one of the main surfing calendar events in the Caribbean and is attracting participants from the Caribbean region as well as the USA, Central and South America.
2014 Junior and Open division Champion Elishama Beckford, will have his hands full trying to defend his titles this year as entry enquiries have been coming in from top international surfers including T&T’s Jason Apparicio, Chris Dennis and Luc Barcant, Barbados’ Louis St John and, Americans Jensen Calloway and Eric Geiselman as well as a group of top US under 21 surfers all intent on lifting the over half a million dollars in cash prizes on offer in Yallahs. Shama will not be alone to try and thwart the invaders however as top local stars including last year’s open division runner up Icah Wilmot and 2014 junior division runner up Ivah Wilmot along with Garren Pryce, Ackeam Phillips, Akeem Taylor and Luke Williams will also be there doing their best to ensure that the cash remains on the island. All the local surfers are excited to host the region’s best and want to perform credibly in front of their home crowd.
This year is slated to be really competitive. Jamaica’s surfers have been training hard and having both junior and open titles to defend, are ready to do battle for their islands honor. On the other hand, the caliber of the international arrivals is top tier and all will be focused on showing the locals that the prize is theirs for the taking! The overseas competitors are booking to arrive early to “acclimatize” themselves to the surf at Makka in their bid for the crowns on offer but the locals will have home court advantage and in surfing that is no minor plus! When the “court” is a section of ocean with waves heaving and crashing over reefs and boulders, being “at home” out in the water is much more than just a slight advantage.
“We have everything on line for a wonderful contest.” Mr. Wilmot concluded, “Our team is working hard with the Southaven Citizens Association to realize the successful 9th staging and everything else is in the hands of the Almighty. All we pray for is that we have a safe event and of course for Makka to deliver 2 days of epic waves as the icing on the cake!”
