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Al Mennie stands tall amid the chaos

24/11/2011

Portrush big wave surfer Al Mennie finishes second at top class international tow-in competition in Portugal

MXB talent client Al Mennie stood tall amid the carnage that was the North Canyon Tow-In Surfing competition at Praia do Norte, Portugal, this week. With giant waves, hardcore rescues, lost jet skis, and wild wipeouts, the event was one of the most adrenalin-fuelled in the Portrush man’s career. Luck, however, deserted Al and his team-mate Andrew (Cotty) Cotton just when it mattered most. ‘We were pretty much untouchable throughout the competition with our scores way ahead of our rivals. Then in the final we were unfortunate with the waves. We lost three boards in the extreme conditions and I was pounded by a big set. The Basque team pipped us because they snagged a decent one amid the chaos.’ With competitors from the USA, France, Portugal, the Basque country, Brazil, and Germany, there was certainly no disgrace in finishing in the runner-up spot. Unfortunately only the winner qualified for the 2012 Xtreme Waterman Challenge event (organised by big wave legend Garrett McNamara). ‘It was disappointing, especially as we were so far in front for so long. But I suppose it’s still a really decent result. Another bonus was that we were the only team who managed not to lose their jet ski in the wild conditions.’ Al plans to get over any disappointment with a paddle-board session at the same venue before returning home later this week.

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