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Simmonds Wins 2008 Makka Pro Juniors
By BASN Wire Services
Jul 26, 2008

ST. THOMAS -- Jamaica’s 2007 National Junior Surf Champ Shane Simmonds walked away with the $600.00 first Prize in the Junior Division at the 2008 Makka Pro surfing contest which was held on last Sunday at Makka surfing beach Southaven Yallahs St Thomas.

Shane thrilled the huge crowd on the beach during the junior final and had them cheering his every maneuver. The thousands of local residents which turned out for the spectacle were filled with pride as young Simmonds dominated the heat with his spectacular surfing.

In the Open Men’s Division won By Barbadian Jonathan Reece, Jamaica was also well represented as Inilek Wilmot secured the second place spot from among the 24 entrants which included such elite regional surfers as defending 2007 Makka Pro Champ Trinidad’s Jason Apparicio and Barbadian Champ Mark Holder.

Other top local finishers included Icah Wilmot 5th and Luke Williams 7th.

The women’s Division was dominated by the Barbadians who nabbed the top three spots from the three Jamaicans with Danielle OHayon in 4th being the highest finishing local girl.

“We had quite a rough time on Saturday with the storm which forced us to cancel the first day of competition, but today everything is perfect” said JSA President Mr. Billy Wilmot.

“We were able to get through all the heats in all three divisions even though it was very exhausting for the competitors. They are all very impressed with our waves and extremely happy with the welcome they received from the citizens of the Southaven community and as a result have all vowed to return for the event next year, if not before!”

The whole day took on a Surf Festival ambiance with JSA President Billy Wilmot, “CC” of Royal Palm Estate fame, providing informative, entertaining and amusing commentary.

There were rides for the children and the young at heart, Loud Reggae Music and lots of food and drink! The event was supported by the Caribbean Surf Network, SUZUKI, JSA, SDF, INSIGHT, JAMNESIA and The Southaven Citizens Association.

The next event in the series will be at “Soup bowl” in Barbados in September

Surfing is steadily growing in popularity in Jamaica and this growth is constantly being highlighted by the efforts of the JSA, legitimizing Jamaica’s place in the surfing world as a prime surf vacation destination.