Kaesen Suyderhoud and Daniel Grant Take the Win at the 5th Annual Wake’n’Beach in Port Barcares, France! The Wake’n Beach concluded on May 22nd in the quaint town of Port Barcares in Southeast France near the Spanish border. Over 10,000 EURO in cash and prizes was on the line for the much anticipated 1st stop of the WWA France Wake Series, held at rider owned and operated Kum Wake Park (KWP). The Wake’n’beach, with its laid back atmosphere and vibe is now in its 5th year and draws the world’s best riders. Registration closed with competitors coming all the way from Thailand, Russia, Germany, Spain, USA, Canada, UK, Austria, Finland and all parts of France.

The event has greatly changed and evolved over the years, from a pool gap on the beach, to a cable comp in the sea, to a jib contest run on a 2 tower system in a small inlet of the Mediterranean Sea. New for this year was the addition of 4 Unit Parktech structures, including a 2 way kicker, rooftop, flat bar, and skate box. The comp is run over 3 days with a practice and freeride session on Friday, qualifications on Saturday and semis and finals on Sunday. It continues to be a favorite among riders, carrying out its reputation as a ‘friendly’ rail comp that reunites everyone for a sick weekend of riding, sun and fun.

Marc Rossiter from the UK was top seed going into the event. As last year’s winner, he had the advantage of seeing all the other runs and it’s no surprise that everyone threw down. This years line up included Kaesen Suyderhoud, Brian Reeder, Nate Perry, Mike Ennem, Keith Lidberg, Trevor Bashir, Yann Thibbault, Quinn Silvernale, CK Koester, Daniel Grant, Marc Shuster, Bertrand Oustriere and Kevin Sudrat, among others. Also in town for a nearby Kite contest, 5 time World Champion Aaron Hadlow of the UK, decided he wanted to shred the course with the boys and qualified through to the Semis.

The weather was beautiful with sunny skies all weekend long. Crazy strong winds on Sunday, however, made for excellent riding conditions at the kiteboarding comp, but was a bit of a nuisance for the wake contest. Despite the less than ideal conditions, the riding was top notch and impressive. It was a close and exciting Pro Men’s final with Kaesen Suyderhoud of the USA claiming the win over the UK’s Marc Rossiter. American riders Trevor Bashir and Keith Lidberg finished 3rd and 4th respectively. In Pro Wakeskate, Daniel “Turtle” Grant, coming all the way from Thailand took down French favorites Leo Labadens, Bertrand Oustrieres and Kevin Sudrat.

Huge thanks goes to Phil (Good) Sirech, the SOORUZ Crew, Fred Sastre “Kum,” KWP, Nicolas “Frenchy” Desgardins, Leo Labadens, Raynald Tanny, Unleashed Wake Magazine and the WWA France team.

All photos by Alexandria Gardiner