A victim of its own success; the Kata-Karon authorities have lost out to Patong beach to host this year?s Quiksilver Thailand Surf Competition on September 21-24.

Kata beach?s great breaks, large swells and beautiful scenery made it the perfect location for the annual event that was quickly gaining in popularity and attracting many visitors to the beach on the west coast of Phuket.

Its popularity was perhaps the main reason that Kata authorities approached organiser of the event, Chanin Joob Aiyarak to ask for a donation to host the event this year.

Khun Chanin said, ?We had a meeting at the Kata-Karon Municipality and they basically said to us that we couldn?t do live music or any other things like that this year.?

The reason cited, according to K. Chanin, was that the municipality believed the Quiksilver Surfing Event was not really giving much back to Kata and referenced the Phuket Music Festival as an example.

K. Chanin however, believes that this wasn?t really a fair comparison, ?Although organisers have to pay the Kata-Karon tessaban to stage that concert there, the festival also charges customers a fee to attend, whereas the surfing competition was free and anybody could come and watch.

Dates for the Quicksilver Thailand Competition remain the same and it promises to be even bigger and better than last year. As well as last year?s beach games, live music and parties there will also be more international competitors throughout the multiple divisions of the international surf competition.

Michael Flynn, the father of teen surfing sensation Annie, said he was also surprised by the sudden change of venue and although he expressed worries over the potential danger of hosting the event between Patong and Kalim beaches, due to the prevalence of rocks in the shore, said that it could be a great event.

?It could be even better than last year, and I?ve emailed Quiksilver to ask them to try and get some shower facilities for the contestants and some shade for the spectators, but they haven?t yet been in touch.?

What is for sure is that the event will be held in Patong, K Chanin said, ?I have received approval from the authorities and they haven?t asked for a donation as they know it is a good event that will further promote Patong.?

Other Patong-based events include:
Patong Carnival: November
Patong Gay Pride: June
Phuket Bike Week: April