Surfers hoping waves will co-operate for Schooner Cliffs Surf Classic

Surfers arehoping for a lucky break next month near Donkin, Cape Breton.

A new surf competition, theSchooner Cliffs Surf Classic,will be held in early October at Schooner Pond Cove. Prize money totaling$2,000 will beup for grabs.

Local surfing enthusiasts say the location is ideal.

"That's my go-to spot in the fall and the winter season," said Ryan Mansfield, the owner of a surf and skate shop in Sydney.

"It's definitely one of the best breaks we have around and it's not very crowded there to say the least. There's usually more seals than surfers."

Date depends on wind, waves

The Cape Breton Regional Municipality's recreation department is organizing the competition.

"We have a great surf community, kind of a hidden secret," said Charlotte MacDonald, recreation program co-ordinator."We wanted to enhance thatand promote it."

The exact date of the competition has not yet been set. It's scheduled to happen sometime betweenOct.1 and 13.

The timing depends on the wind and the waves, said Mansfield.

"We're looking for a nice east swell.East, south-east will work all right too.We just really need a good hurricane to swing on by not hit us, but pass below us."

For intermediate, advanced surfers

MacDonald said the CBRM is working with Surf Nova Scotia to plan the event.

The new operators of the nearby Donkin Mine, Kameron Collieries,are also on board.

They own the cliffs overlooking the cove where the competition will take place.

"It was a permissions thing originally," said MacDonald. "But they were pretty excited about the concept."

• Surfers with disabilities find freedom in Nova Scotia waves

The shore is rocky, and Mansfield said the competition will be aimed at intermediate and advanced surfers.

But beginners and aspiring surfers will be welcome to watch from the cliffs.

"It has a spectacular view," said MacDonald."We think spectators as well as participants are going to just really enjoy the event."