Nelscott Reef Tow In Classic changes status to green

The event status has been changed from Yellow to Green for the 2009 Nelscott Reef Tow In Classic and Big Wave Paddle In. Organizers made the call tonight for the event to be held on Thursday October 22, 2009.

“After watching the swell forecast for the past couple of days, I am confident that we will have contestable conditions this Thursday,” said John Forse, event organizer.

Conditions look like they will be perfect on Thursday for the event. Swell is forecast to be 17’ at 15 seconds, which could equate to some of the largest waves seen during a Nelscott event. Combine the swell with offshore winds and you have an epic day lined up.

The Nelscott Reef Tow In Classic is now in its fifth year. This is the earliest in the holding period that the event has been called, with 3 out of 4 previous years being held in December, and one in January, after an extension of the holding period was granted.

The early date will give organizers an extra 2 hours of daylight to work with as compared to previous years. The extra time will be much appreciated, as it needs to accommodate more than just the Tow in contest. For a second year in a row, there will be a paddle in exhibition, presented by Liquid Militia. The Liquid Militia Paddle Exhibition is a single heat, winner takes all, opportunity for the locals to earn a spot in the 2010 Tow In Classic.

In addition to the Liquid Militia Paddle In Exhibition, contest organizers are introducing a Kingfish Title, to be given to the best all around big wave rider. The individuals with the top scores from the tow in heats will be given an opportunity to paddle in a single heat prior to the finals. The top scores from this paddle in heat will be combined with those from the tow in heat to determine the winner.

Nelscott Reef offers a unique opportunity to see the best big wave riders in the world ride giant waves. The event can be seen right from shore in Lincoln City. Although there is no parking allowed on or near the beach, free parking is provided by the Tanger Outlet Mall in the heart of Lincoln City. The beach is just a short walk down the hill. Spectators are welcomed and a decent pair of binoculars will help put them right in the action. For updated information on the contest and pre and post event happenings, check the web site www.nelscottreef.com. They can also be followed on Twitter and Facebook.

The Nelscott Reef Tow In Classic is now in its fifth year. It operates on a three-month holding period, October 1 through December 31st, and unofficially marks the opening of the North Pacific big wave season. The contest has amazingly been held each year it has operated, boasting a better record than any big wave event in history.