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TOFINO, B.C. - Canada’s top-ranked professional surfer says he’s not feeling any pressure as he prepares to repeat his victory at the O'Neill Cold Water Classic on the west coast of Vancouver Island in just five weeks.
Peter Devries won the 2009 Cold Water Classic, a high-profile competition that is held in several spots and made its Canadian debut in small community of Tofino last year. This year's Tofino event runs from Oct. 9 to Oct. 15.
The 27-year-old says he’s been so busy working on other projects such as videos and photo shoots for surfing magazines, not to mention performing the duties of a new father, that he hasn't even thought about this year’s contest.
In fact, Devries just returned from a trip to New Zealand with members of the U.S. magazine "Surfer." He spent time in Iceland a with rival U.S. publication called "Surfing" and checked out what Chile’s waves had to offer for another project.
"I feel like I don't have anything to prove this year,” said Devries, who is still surfing every day. “I just want to have fun and show what I can do.”
In its second year, the Cold Water Classic Canada is a six-star event and is endorsed by the Association of Surfing Professionals, the sport's major governing body. It is also part of the association's world qualifying series.
Surfers must advance through the series before they can compete on the association's world tour, which is the sport's highest tier of competition.
Last October, Devries turned heads by defeating 120 of the world’s most-promising up-and-coming surfers. After one week of competition, Devries walked away with the $20,000 top prize, a traditional First Nation canoe paddle as his trophy, and the respect of the international surfing scene.
This year’s Cold Water Classic runs from Oct. 9 to Oct. 15 in Tofino, where surfers from around the world will compete for $145,000 in prize money.
Dom Domic, who emceed last year’s event, said he’s seen Devries surf in and out of competitions, and he believes Devries surfs best when the pressure is on.
Many surfers get rattled, said Domic — but not Devries.
“He’s got that rare quality where he can focus,” said Domic. “I think that extra pressure makes him push himself.”
Domic said he thinks Devries could repeat his victory, especially if the Tofino surfer receives as much support from the town as he received in 2009.
During the finals, more than 500 locals crowded North Chesterman Beach to cheer Devries on.
Devries said he probably won’t begin thinking about the contest until the beginning of October.
“For me, I surf my best when I’m having fun and not worrying about what I’m doing,” he said. “That’s ideally how I’d like to surf in a contest format.”
Meanwhile, event organizers have announced a world-renowned reggae musician will perform during the Cold Water Classic.
Mishka, who was named 2009's best new artist by Apple's iTunes music service, will perform at the end of the competition.
He’ll also perform at the Cold Water Classic’s last stop in Santa Cruz.
On the web:www.coldwaterclassiccanada.com
(Westcoaster.ca)
