The ESSA Sunset Open 2015: Dubai's biggest surfing competition launches 13th February 2015

DUBAI: For the 5th year running, the 2000-strong surfing community of Dubai has their eyes firmly fixed on the waves.  The Dubai surf season is in full swing as winter winds send head-high waves to the shores of Umm Suqeim Open Beach (aka Sunset Beach), Dubai for yet another sure-to-be-a-success ESSA Sunset Open competition.
Due to the overwhelming response of last year, the 2015 ESSA Sunset Open promises to be a great day out for the people of the UAE. Huge crowds will once again gather to watch the surfers and participate in plenty of activities both in and out of the water, with live music and an interactive art installation from The Big Art Co who will be on the beach creating a live mural for the attending community to build together with them.
Organized by the Emirates SUP and Surf Association (ESSA), this year’s Sunset Open promises to be the largest surfing event in the Middle East.  ‘The waiting period’ runs from Feb 13th to March 14th which for the uninitiated means as soon as the waves are good enough to surf within this timeframe, the competition will begin.  The ESSA monitors the weather conditions closely, in order that they can predict ‘surfable’ swell up to five days before it reaches the shores.

The ESSA Sunset Open is the only officially accredited surf competition in the region with ESSA’s recognition from the International Surf Association (ISA) and so all competitors will be judged by international standards, with prizes including trophies, surfboards and surf apparel and accessories being awarded to the winners across divisions designed to accommodate all ages, abilities and genders.
Everyone is invited to participate in The ESSA Sunset Open 2015 and can register online at http://www.premieronline.com/event/ESSA_Sunset_Open_2015_1364 to enter any of the following categories:

Super Groms ( 6 – 10 years)
Groms Division (11 – 17 years)
Girls/Womens Open (All women 16yrs and above)
Men’s Open (16 years and above)
Long board Division (16yrs and above + surfboards above 9ft in length)

ESSA is passionate about creating and nurturing a proactive surf community in Dubai and this event reflects their energy and commitment to the sport – and are keen to inspire and grow the young talent in the region with a view to one day having representation in global surf competitions.
The ESSA Sunset Open 2015 is sponsored by Quiksilver and held in association with the Dubai Sports Council.