On Sunday the 13th September 2009, MauiSails/RRD team rider Pearse Geaney (IR100) secured the title of 2009 Irish Slalom Series Champion, at the final round of the Irish Slalom Series in Galway.  Despite the lack of wind at the event, Pearse had gained enough of points in the earlier rounds of the season to see him lead the race for championship points.  Riding standard MauiSails TR5-XT's and RRD X-Fire slalom boards, Pearse used his experience to win a considerable number of races throughout the year, enough to secure the title.

 
"I don't think the win has sunk in yet, probably because we had no wind to race at the last event.  Overall I had a great year of racing, and really enjoyed attending all the events.  The racing standard in Ireland has doubled within the past 2 years, and it won't be long before we see more and some Irish competitors on the PWA slalom tour.  The fun atmosphere at the Irish events is second to none anywhere in the world and really encourages people to participate and learn how to race.
 

I changed to MauiSails at the start of the season having met with Barry Spanier and Phil McGain in the Maui loft during the previous winter.  My brief for equipment was reasonably simple...I wanted it to rig easy to avoid any unnecessary stress before I hit the water, something that powered up well on the race course through the lulls, yet could be held straight in the gusts, and something that was easy to handle in fast bumpy conditions, such as at the gybe marks when surrounded by 10 other sailors.  I had a pace that no one could match on the straights.  Now it's time to swap discipline and chase after the speed records, starting with the Europeans in October, here in Ireland.
 

Just a short line also to thank all the crew at MauiSails and RRD for their support throughout the year, and to my wife Kathryn, without whose support I could not have done it.  See you all on the water soon!"

Regards,
Pearse Geaney - www.bigsurf.ie