Just had a look at the Fuerte events...
The 2008 Fuerteventura PWA Grand Slam, Windsurfing Kiteboarding World Cup
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19.07.-23.07.2008 - Windsurfing PWA Slalom 42 Grand Slam
Inscription & Opening ceremony: 18.07.
Prize giving ceremony will be on the 23.07.
Prize money: 45.000 €
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19.07.-23.07.2008 - Kiteboarding PKRA Speed Grand Slam
Inscription & Opening ceremony: 18.07.
Prize giving ceremony: 23.07.
Prize money: 10.000 €
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24.07.-28.07.2008 - Windsurfing PWA Freestyle Grand Slam
Inscription & Opening ceremony: 23.07.
Prize giving ceremony: 28.07.
Prize money: 45.000 €
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26.07.-02.08.2008 - Windsurfing ISWC Speed World Championship
Inscription & Opening ceremony: 25.07.
Prize giving ceremony: 02.08.
Prize money: 35.000 €
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29.07.-02.08.2008 - Kiteboarding PKRA Freestyle + Course Racing Grand Slam
Inscription & Opening ceremony: 28.07.
Prize giving ceremony: 02.08.
Prize money: 45.000 €
Hmmm... let's see. That is Euro 180,000 in prize money, or A$294,000 !!!!!
We keep hearing how Australia's economy is "the envy of the world" and how WA's mineral boom is propping up the Australian economy. Million dollar shacks, 600 million dollar stadiums, the best windsurfing weather in Oz and what is the best we can do? $1,500 first prize for winning the Ledge to Lancelin.
It's a bit sad really....
Windsurfing in Australia needs a to employ a marketing company,they could help with setting up a "plan" to get more exposure for the sport on TV(commercials)-PayTV-Media.
It might cost abit to do but if it's done properly will result in a flow on effect and this may result in non windsurfing companies wanting to be associated with the sport= prize money exposure + growth.
Currently it is an invisible sport,the only time i have read anything in a major paper about the sport is when someone died.
