World Surf Kayak Championships Report: Santa Cruz Portugal July 31 – August 1

USA East reports our final results from the 2009 World Surf Kayak Championship in Santa Cruz, Portugal.  We will be taking home three medals.

Finals were held on a wet morning, Saturday, August 1st. - Photo: Effort.tv

Russ Buskirk of Folly Beach SC took 3rd place, bronze medal, in Grand Masters (50 and over) short boat (hp).  A very devoted surf kayaker, Russ has been paddling and surfing very well this year and proudly earned this position.

Russ Buskirk with game face before his Grand Masters HP Finals heat. Russ placed 3rd. His secret is the mustache. - Photo: Effort.tv

Lindsay Usher from the Outer Banks NC has placed 3rd taking the bronze medal for the US East in the Women’s Long Boat (ic) Class.  A bit of a bummer for her personally considering that she dominated her competition leading all the way up to finals.  Nonetheless, the team and country are very proud of her.

Tom May of New Smyrna Beach FL placed 4th in Grand Masters (50 and over) short boat (hp).  Tom “May” get an aluminum medal or perhaps wood, we’re not sure.  Actually we don’t know if they give medals for 4th.  Regardless, Tom surfed very well throughout the contest and gave the US East Team access to his invaluable surf wisdom.  40 years of surfing pays off.

Tom May and Lindsay Usher from the US East before their final heats. They placed 4th and 3rd in their respective classes, Grand Masters HP and Women's Long Boat (ic). - Photo: Effort.tv

Full event results may be seen at http://kayaksurf.net/news.html

To summarize this event, boundaries were broken, the ante was upped, the sport was perhaps even “pushed forward.”  Come back soon for more news from the ESKA and the US East Surf Kayak Team.

Enjoy some more photos from the Finals by Effort.tv