Mark Hurst enjoyed a good showing at the International Surfing Association’s World SUP and Paddleboard World Championships in Surf City, El Salvador last week.
The Enniskillen man was among 161 athletes from 27 nations who competed at the championships with the opening ceremony and competition broadcast live on the International Surfing Association’s website.
Before the competition kicked off, Mark was honoured to be invited to the Presidential Palace in San Salvador to meet with El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele and Minister for Tourism Morena Valdez along with a number of other International delegates.
Mark represented Team Ireland in the 18km distance race. Last year, Mark finished 32nd at the World Championships in China and his goal this year was to break into the world’s top 30 SUP racers.
Conditions were challenging for the distance athletes with temperatures reaching 32 degrees with strong winds and some heavy surf at the world famous El Sunzal point break. Nevertheless, Mark battled through the tough Pacific conditions to come in 21st in the world, surpassing the target he had set for himself.
Mark wishes to express his gratitude to Huku Balance Boards, InnerForce Sports, First Trust Bank Enniskillen and Castle Archdale Service Station for all their support, as well as, all those that individually contributed to his crowdfunding efforts to attend this year’s World Championships.
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