Caithness surfers need to raise money to compete at World Games
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SURFERS from Caithness who have been selected to represent their country need to raise at least £4500 to compete against the best in the world
Thurso surfers Shoana Blackadder, Mark Boyd, Scott Main, Phoebe Strachan along with Dunnet surfer Chris Clarke have been selected to compete at the World Surfing Games in France in May.
Scotland last competed in the WSG in Nicaragua in 2015, with a lack of funding causing them to miss out on last year’s championships in Costa Rica.
Boyd said Scottish surfing has made some big waves on the international scene in the last few years and said it is vital they are able to find the wherewithal to take part in the Biarritz event to help the sport in the far north progress.
The 30-year-old said: “The team were unable to attend the 2016 games due to a lack of funding, therefore we really hope to be able to support the team and get them there this time to represent Scotland.
“With the recent announcement that surfing is to be an Olympic Sport, this year’s WSG is likely to have its highest profile ever.
“The Scottish Surfing Federation (SSF) hopes to have a team there but needs help to cover the costs of getting there to fly the flag for Scotland.”
The team has to cover competition entry fees of £1000, accommodation of £2000 and air fares of £1500 plus all the other associated expenses.
To help them reach their target, SSF has launched a Crowdfunder appeal and are offering rewards to anyone who pledges a donation to the campaign. SSF is also looking for sponsorship from companies.
If they meet their target, any unused funds will be rolled over to cover the costs of the Scotland team travelling to EuroSurf 2017 in Norway in September.
To find out how you can support the team visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/scotland-surfing-team-isa-world-games-2017
