Gordon Clay here. The 4th Annual Pistol River Wave Bash started Tuesday with wind surfers from around the world shredding the waves at Pistol River State Park for trophies and prizes.

Local riders are competing with wind surfers from Ireland, Japan, Finland, New Caledonia, Canada and Hawaii.

The women's reigning champion Ingrid Larouche has won the last three years and took first this year in Santa Cruz. But the 2nd through fifth place competitors in Santa Cruz are looking to break that chain, including 16 year old Fiona Wylde, who came in 2nd in Santa Cruz.

In the pro division, no-one has repeated a podium finish since the event began in 2010. And five of those nine riders will be here again this year to try to change that including Kevin Pritchard, who took 2nd this year at Santa Cruz and Levi Siver who took 3rd.

In the Amateur ranks there's much the same situation. Four of the eight Pistol River podium finishers since the series began will be competing to get on the podium a second time in four years.

Competition continues today at 10am as conditions allow and goes through Saturday, if need be. And don't forget the daily Stand Up Paddle Gold Beach Challenge which runs run each morning in front of Inn of the Beachcomber depending on conditions.

Saturday night at 8pm will be the Awards Banquet with dinner, beer, awards, prizes and music at the Curry County Fairgrounds Docia Hall. Country Western is the Theme! The community is invited: $15 for non-competitors. For more information go to thecitizenswhocare.org#pr Who says there's nothing to do in Curry County?