Even before writing about surfing, I was a surf junkie. Indeed, that’s probably the reason why writing about surfing was so appealing to me in the first place. Part of being a surf junkie, for better or worse, is hopelessly paying attention to what’s going on with the world championship tour, getting down on heat analyzers, and maintaining an awareness of where the top competitive surfers in the world are headed next – a lot of tropical locations, and even the ones that aren’t still boast relatively temperate climates. And none are really off the beaten path. Mostly well-known world class waves.
But for over a decade now, Nixon has been running an annual gathering and contest in sometimes less hospitable, but always more uncommon locales (including Iceland, Russia, and China to name a few). It’s like the Ripcurl Search contests (weren’t those awesome?), but better. Not only is the contest exciting for the surfing, in the case of the cold water locations, it’s incredible to see what athletes can do in a 6mm hooded suit with gloves and booties. I empathize with them, I lived through two New York winters, surfing in the snow. I also enjoy seeing that side of surfing because it’s relatable. How many surfers in the world don thicker suits, booties, and hoods to pursue their passion?
This year’s contest was held in Ireland in late May. Aerialist and Nixon team rider Chippa Wilson went home with the top prize, and from the looks of it, his surfing was on point. It speaks volumes about a contest when a renowned freesurfer decides to throw on a jersey and compete. Good on ya, Nixon.
Check out more from Nixon Europe on Vimeo.