1 June 2007

Red Bull South Africa has announced the names of invitees for the Red Bull Big Wave Africa 2007. The size of the field has been increased from 18 to 24 competitors, but one spot has been left open, the "hot spot", for a final wild-card entry.

Now in its ninth edition, the Red Bull Big Wave Africa is one of only three world-class big wave events in the world, and it is the second-longest running paddle-in big wave event in the world.

The local surfers include former event champ Sean Holmes, last year's winner John Whittle, and Grant "Twiggy" Baker, who won the Mavericks Big Wave Event in 2006.

They will be joined by the likes of Durban's Jason Ribbink, Andrew Marr who came second in last year's event, and Cape big wave stalwart Mickey Duffus. This year also sees Ian Armstrong back in the field after a few years' absence, and Simon Lowe making his debut.

International line-up
The international line-up features a mix of old friends and new faces. Former winner Grant Long will be in attendance, as will Brazilian die-hard Carlos Burle. Three-time Mavericks' champ Darryl "Flea" Virostko returns, along with Eddie Aikau Big Wave winner Ross Clarke-Jones, Grant Washburn and Jamie Sterling.

Chile's Ramon Navarro will be taking his first crack at Dungeons, off Hout Bay, as will Californian Peter Mel.

The alternatives' list includes a large number of up-and-coming chargers from all over the world; surfers who have proved their abilities in the big wave surfing arena and who have come to the attention of the Red Bull Big Wave Africa selectors.

Live website coverage
The event's Website will go live on 5 June. That's when the full list of alternates will be announced.

As it has in previous years, the website will offer extensive coverage of the event, with profiles, archives, downloads, wallpapers, press releases, and images.

In addition, live webcasting of the event will be offered on the website.

With the Cape winter having arrived, the big swells that bring the big waves are expected soon. Surf forecasting for the event will be done by Spike of the popular South African surfing website, Wavescape.

Invitees

	John Whittle: 2006 Red Bull Big Wave Africa champion (Photo: Grant Ellis, Red Bull Big Wave Africa)

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	Red Bull Big Wave Africa  Wavescape

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