Fun waves, blinding fog at SBBC holds first surf contest
Over 50 members of the newly formed South Bay Boardriders Club competed in the club’s first contest last Saturday. Chris Wells won the men’s open, Brian Kari the open longboard and Noah Collins the boy’s division in fun, two- to four-feet surf. Tournament directors Shaun Burrell and Wright Adaza kept the 25 heats on schedule despite thick fog that frequently made it difficult for the judges to see the competitors.
The club was formed last January to encourage parents and their kids to surf together and to support upcoming young surfers. The club will host a series of five contests over the next five months, beginning January 15 at the Hermosa pier. The top point earners in the juniors’ and men’s divisions will win surf trips to an Adventure Surf Trips camp in Nicaragua or El Salvador.
The club is also sponsoring the South Bay Big Wave contest this winter. For more about the contests visit SouthBayBoardriders.com
Results:
Open Men’s Shortboard:1. Chris Wells, 2. Nick Natter, 3. Noah Collins, 4. Austin Hall.
Open Longboard:1 Brian Kari, 2 Frank Mazzatta, 3 Mark Johnston, 4 B. Brigden.
40-49 Senior Men:1 Charlie Carver, 2 Matt Walls, 3 Chris Wells, 4 Mark Theodore.
50+ Legends: 1. Tom Horton, 2 Derek Levy, 3 B. Brigden, 4 Mike Appel.
10-14 Boys: 1. Noah Collins 2. Peter Yaskowitz, 3 Chase Jones, 4 D. Compas.
“We’re thinking the adult members can mentor the kids who want to be pro surfers, shapers, lifeguards or surf photographers. And we want to hold surf contests and beach days where our kids can meet other local kids who surf,” Balzer said. Other ideas, he said, include surf camping trips, beach cleanups, and surf, paddling and SUP lessons.
To further support local surfers, Balzer said, the South Bay Boardriders Club will host the South Bay Surf Series. The top point earners in the juniors’ and men’s divisions of the five-contest series will win surf trips to an Adventure Surf Trips camp in Nicaragua or El Salvador.
“Local kids will have the opportunity to compete without having to drive to Huntington Beach or Ventura,” Balzer said.
The first contest will be January 15 and sponsored by ET Surf. Dive N’ Surf, Pier Surf, Surf Concepts and Spyder Surf will sponsor contests over the four subsequent months.
For more information on the Big Wave Challenge and the Surf Series visit SouthBayBoardRiders.com. ER
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