CATCH A WAVE
Inaugural surfing competition set for Donkin
Donkin surf competition set for early October.
More than half a century after the Beach Boys introduced the world to surf culture, a growing community of wave enthusiasts has surfaced in Cape Breton.
The island’s best locations may lack palm trees, miles of sand and the overcrowded beaches associated with southern California and Hawaii, but the mighty Atlantic Ocean provides more than enough swell to keep local surfers amped about catching a wave.
And while the rest of the population laments the end of summer, Cape Breton surfers are looking forward to a bit of nasty wave-inducing weather.
“November and February are probably the best times of the year for surfing around here — that’s when we can get the best waves,” said Ryan Mansfield, owner of Sydney River’s Ollie Around skate, snow and surf shop.
For Mansfield, surfing is more than a casual activity — it’s a passion.
It’s also a love he wants to share with others, so he came up with the idea for a surf competition.
And, furthermore, he’s breaking the unwritten surfers code of keeping your favourite spots secret.
“We do have hidden spots that you kind of like to be secret, but we’re sharing them in an effort to grow the sport,” said Mansfield.
The inaugural Schooner Cliffs Surf Classic is scheduled to take place sometime in the first two weeks of October. The exact dates will be determined by the ocean itself at a time “when the waves are just right.”
The competition, presented by Ollie Around and the Cape Breton Regional Municipality’s recreation department, offers a $2,000 grand prize, while runner-up prizes are courtesy of sponsors Billabong, Sexwax, Xcel and FCS. It’s also supported by Kameron Collieries, whose Donkin Mine is located adjacent to the competition’s venue at one of Cape Breton’s most easterly points.
According to CBRM recreation program co-ordinator Charlotte MacDonald, the venue is ideal for the competition.
“This side of the island has many areas that are hidden gems,” she said. “And we’re really looking forward to seeing as many people as possible at the event, which has a great area for viewing so everybody is invited.”
Registration for the event is now open but participants don’t have to cough up the $25 entry fee until surf’s up on the day of the competition that will be held near the intersection of Donkin Highway and Long Island Road.