Originally Published: Dominican Central
Three top-ranked surfers from the Dominican Republic National Team, Rene Gough, Zion Balbuena andKatie Bowcutt, will compete in two different surf competitions in the United States in September.
Katie Bowcutt will compete in the 13th Annual ‘Sisters of the Sea Surf Classic’ in Jacksonville, Florida, September 10, 2011. The event benefits Bosom Buddies at the Women’s Center of Jacksonville. Katie will also attend Surf Expo in Orlando Florida, where she will meet with industry experts to talk about her future plans in the water sports industry.
Rene Gough and Zion Balbuena will compete in the Belmar Pro, in Belmar New Jersey, September 15-18, 2011.This annual event is well recognized, with a great history of waves and high level of performance. Competitors from Central America, Australia, Brazil, Puerto Rico, Europe, South Africa, and all over the US participate.
Nestor Puente, President of the Dominican Surfing Federation (FEDOSURF) remarked, “Surfing in the Dominican Republic is growing every year. Currently there are over one hundred and fifty athletes competing in our national circuit of surf competitions and local community warm-ups.” René Gough is the number one ranked Long Boarder in the Dominican Republic, Zion Balbuena is Third in the Men’s Open division, and Miss Katie Bowcutt (age 14), is Second in Women’s Open. “We are privileged that these prominent athletes will be representing our nation. Congratulations to them and many blessings. May they return with continued motivation and enthusiasm”, continued Mr. Puente.
Katie Bowcutt, an accomplished Kite Boarder, is sponsored by F-One/Cosmic Kites, Airbound Apparel, Mi Gym and Lavera Organic cosmetics and skin care. Airbound Apparel, the lifestyle clothing company, commented “Katie’s absolute love for being on the ocean instantly attracted us to her a couple of years back when she was just a little grom on Kite Beach. It has been a pleasure to see her come into her own as an athlete and young woman, and even more fun to watch her performance in the waves on bigger days. We are proud to have Katie as part of the Airbound Team.”
Daniel and Wendy Stockdale are generously hosting Rene Gough and Zion Balbuena during their stay in New Jersey. Daniel Stockdale is a professional photographer and Long Board rider and is a frequent visitor to the Dominican Republic. He is the official event photographer for the Belmar Pro. Mike Barber, Paul Foster, Gough and Hijos S.A., The Boat House Bar & Grill Boca Chica, Duharte Surfboards, The Board Spot, Villa Taina, Casa de Piedra, and Sea Horse Ranch have provided additional community support for the athletes.
FEDOSURF, established in 2002, is the National Governing Body of surfing in the Dominican Republic. It is a non-profit entity, whose main goal is to support and advance the sport of surfing and high-performance athletes in the Dominican Republic. FEDOSURF is recognized by the International Surfing Association, the Pan American Surfing Association, Dominican Olympic Committee, and the Ministry of Sports, Physical Education and Recreation.
Rene Gough and Zion Balbuena – Belmar Pro, NJ, Sept. 15-18, 2011
Katie Bowcutt – Sisters of the Sea Surf Classic, FL, Sept. 10, 2011