The American Windsurfing Tour’s Pistol River Wave Bash presented by Starboard & Severne is back for the 4th year in a row and going even bigger in 2013 with an extended contest window and an updated format. Starting on Tuesday the 18th of June and running though Sunday 23rd, everything is insured, permitted and set to run the contest at “the Rock” in the Pistol River State Park or if conditions warrant, in front of the Beachcomber in Gold Beach.

Last year, a total of 75 competitors attended. For 2013, we’re looking at more than 80 competitors signed-up. And the updated competition format will permit the heats to be longer! Instead of a double elimination, a streamlined bracket system where the winners of the first round proceed to the third round will give more time for the riders to show off their moves.

Kevin Pritchard who jetted off to a great start at Waddell Creek, winning the single elimination of the first event of the 2013 American Windsurfing Tour, leads the charge for the Starboard team. He knows the spot well, having won the event in 2010 and is looking hungry to get the title back once again:

"I love Pistol River! It is one of my favorite sailing spots around the globe. It is usually nice and windy, with some good ramps for big jumps and some fun waves to slash up as well. It gets a little cold but I have been traveling in California this spring and getting used to the cold water."

Zane Schweitzer is also trying to attend as the fleet gets stacked from there. And if the wind doesn't cooperate, there is going to be a Beachcomber Stand Up Paddle event that is free of charge for anyone, as well as a prize purse of $1500. As the weekend comes, the forecast looks great for some fun action, both on and off the water. And the schedule looks like this:

Monday, June 17th:
6-7 PM: Check In/Registration at Inn of the Beachcomber
7 PM: BBQ and Beer!

Saturday, June 22nd:
8 PM: Dinner, Awards, Prizes and Music at the Curry County Fairgrounds Docia Hall

Skippers' meeting will be held each morning at 10 AM at Pistol River State Park unless otherwise posted on the front door of Inn of the Beachcomber in Gold Beach. The Pistol Rive Wave bash is tons of fun for both windsurfers, stand up paddlers and spectators alike. So make sure you come down and check out the Pistol River Wave Bash presented by Starboard and Severne Sails!

And stay tuned for daily reports! Visit the 2013 Pistol River Wave Bash website by clicking here!