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Archive for 2008

Gathering of the Tribes contest at San Onfore

December 31st, 2008, 10:02 am by Laylan Connelly, staff writer

The Doheny Longboard Surfing Association is holding the 13th annual Gathering of the Tribes contest this weekend at San Onfore.

The winter longboard event brings kicks off the Coalition of Surfing Clubs 2009 competitive season. 

The program always offers a great mix of spectacular competitive longboarding, a variety beach activities and support of several worthwhile charities.

Held at the beginning of the every year the Gathering of the Tribes contest features two competitive surfing areas at legendary Church Beach in San Onofre, Calif. 

More than 350 competitors are expected to show up from 18 Longboard Coalition Teams.  

The event runs both days this weekend, with finals on Jan. 4. 

 
The surfing showcases a combination of traditional longboard styles along with newer more progressive moves.  
The Coalition of Surfing Clubs (CSC) is an international organization that represents the interests of surfing clubs throughout California and the world. It acts as a united voice to address issues related to coastal water quality, beach access, development, and legislative policy. For more info, go to www. dohosurf.org or contact Denny Michael at dlsa10@hotmail.com

Standout surfer stories for 2008

December 31st, 2008, 9:29 am by Laylan Connelly, staff writer

I have the great fortune with this job to come across so many amazing people, and bring their tales to you each year.

As I looked back at 2008 at some of those times of greatness, kindness and determination, I can think of a few stand outs that I’d like to remember as we come to a close.

I’ve picked a few here that really inspired me personally – and as we head into the New Year, I hope sharing these will give us all something to aspire to as we make our goals for 2009.

Those stories included a first-time double amputee surfer, a dentist who did an impromptu surgery after a shark attack, and a guy who surfed 8 hours straight for a loved on.

Click here to read a recap of those stories.

Havassy’s New Year’s Eve Art Show

December 31st, 2008, 7:12 am by Jeff Malanca, contributing writer

Are you still trying to figure out what to do for New Year’s Eve?  How about hanging out and having some great food and a few cocktails with one of Orange Counties hippest surf artists.  Newport Beach’s Rob Havassy will be showing his latest paintings and drawings from his 2009 calendar “A Surf Odyssey”.  It all happens a the Sol Grill located at McFadden Place in Newport Beach at the base of the Newport Beach Pier.  For directions and info. call 949 723-4105 or check out havassyart.com.

Surf Report 12-31-08

December 31st, 2008, 6:55 am by Jeff Malanca, contributing writer

Good Wednesday morning surf addicts.  Yeah you’re probably wondering when was the last time I saw a wave over waist high?  It seems like a really really long time.  Well unfortunately it’s another day of dribblers.

It’s mostly clean with some pretty thig fog parked along the coast.  We’ve got a micro amount of west northwest energy in the water.  That recipe is offering us some pretty gutless lines with a few decent ones if you’re on a longboard.

Most OC beaches are running about ankle to knee high with the focal points pulling thigh to waist high waves with maybe a plus set if you’re lucky.

At 10:29 a.m the tide climbs up to a 5.2 high and then drains out to zero feet at 5:48 this evening.  If you’re gonna get wet throw on the 4/3 full and maybe the booties with the water temp at most breaks hanging between 54 and 56 degrees.

For more surf info. check out surfline.com

GO GROMS!!

Are you brave enough to take the plunge?

December 30th, 2008, 10:27 am by Laylan Connelly, staff writer

Let’s face it – we can all use a fresh start this New Year’s Day.

Hundreds of brave beachgoers will be splashing into the frigid ocean at high noon near the Huntington Beach Pier on Thursday to kick off 2009 at the annual Lions Surf City Splash.

Will you be out there to take a dip?
View Results

Surfline: How will the first waves of the New Year be?

December 30th, 2008, 8:15 am by Laylan Connelly, staff writer

Surfline.com’s Chris Borg gives us a look at what the waves will look like for the New Year. Here’s what it’s looking like:

High pressure leads to fine weather but small surf for the end of the old year and the start of the new one.

A high pressure system anchored off the California coast sets up sunny skies for the last day of 2008, with high temperatures at the beach reaching the low 60’s on Wednesday. Thursday morning starts off partly cloudy and with some patchy fog, then it’s back to clear skies that afternoon. Waves will be on the weak side through the middle of the week, as a small scale northwest swell laps in with 1-3’ zone surf.

Partly cloudy conditions and patchy fog repeat for Friday morning, followed by clearing in the afternoon. Waves stay weak then.  More cloud cover and rising westerly winds are due by the weekend.  The increasing onshore flow sets up more 2-3’+ surf for Saturday and Sunday.  That’s joined by a fun size shot of Southern Hemisphere swell from the end of the weekend into early next week.

Surf Report 12-30-08

December 30th, 2008, 7:18 am by Jeff Malanca, contributing writer

Waking up with the waves on Tuesday.  Well I think it’s time to invest in a log!!  Yep it’s super small again.  It’s mostly clean or light offshore with a tiny dose of west northwest energy and a touch of southwest swell.

That recipe is making for some pretty weak crumbly lines with a few that’ll get you going if you’re on a longboard or a really fat fish.  Most OC beaches are running about ankle to knee high with the focal points pulling thigh to waist high waves with an occasional bigger one.

At 9:55 a.m the tide climbs up to a 5.5 high which will have some spots pretty swamped or shut down mid to late morning.  The tide then drains out to a negative 0.3 low at 5:17 this evening.

If you’re really jonesing for a surf, throw on the 4/3 full and maybe the booties with the water temp at most spots hanging between 54 and 56 degrees.

For more surf info. check out surfline.com

Good luck!!

Surfers vs. Stand-up paddlers

December 29th, 2008, 5:20 pm by Jeff Malanca, contributing writer

If you live in Southern California and you surf on a regular basis you’ve probably noticed that your local lineup is filled with more and more stand-up paddlers over the last couple years.  It seems that many surfers aren’t to happy about the ocean sweepers. 

 Could it be that the stand-up paddlers don’t have any etiqutte and once they catch a wave they paddle back out outside of where the surfers sit and grab another wave?  Or could it be that the ocean sweepers are inexperienced and don’t have any ocean knowledge?  I’ve even heard some people say that the SUP’s should have to stay in the harbors and bays.

Should stand up paddleboards be restricted to harbors?
View Results

Surf Report 12-29-08

December 29th, 2008, 7:15 am by Jeff Malanca, contributing writer

Good Monday morning surfers.  Well this is about the worst December we’ve seen in a while.  Once again it’s pretty small and weak.  So mini groms go enjoy it!!

It’s mostly clean or light offshore with a tiny amount of west northwest energy in the water.  That’s offering some pretty gutless sectiony lines with a few fun ones if you’re on a log.

Most OC beaches are running about ankle to knee high with the top spots pulling thigh to waist high waves with an occasional bigger one.

At 9:22 a.m the tide climbs up to a 5.8 high which will have some spots pretty swamped and shut down mid morning.  The tide then drains out to a negative 0.5 low at 4:46 this afternoon.

If you’re gonna grab a grovel session break out the 4/3 full and the booties with the water temp hanging between 54 and 56 degrees.

For more surf info. check out surfline.com

Have at it!!

ASP Steps It Up for 2009

December 29th, 2008, 6:24 am by Jeff Malanca, contributing writer

Pro surfers from all over the world are gearing up for the start of the Association of Surfing Professionals 2009 Tour.  A number of World Qualifying Series events take place on the West Coast with a few right here in the Southland.  For starters, the Nike 6.0 Lowers Pro at Trestles in San Clemente will move up from an ASP 4-Star to a 6-Star event next year.  That means more prize money and much stiffer competition.  The O’neill Coldwater Classic in Santa Cruz will bump up from a 4-Star to a 6-Star Prime, offering the most points possible for a WQS contest.  O’neill has also added the new 6-Star O’neill Coldwater Canada event.  This contest will take place a week prior to the Santa Cruz competition. 

If you’re a longboard competitor listen to this… the ASP North America schedule has added a handful of new events to the longboard tour next year.  There will be five new 1-Star contests sponsored by several different companies.  Each event will include both men’s and women’s divisions.  For more info. check out aspworldtour.com.

Surf Report 12-28-08

December 28th, 2008, 9:09 am by Jeff Malanca, contributing writer

Good Sunday morning surf addicts.  Well it’s looking pretty micro out there.  If you’re a mini grom you’re stoked otherwise forget about it.

It’s mostly clean or light offshore with a very small amount of remnant west northwest energy in the water.  That recipe is making for some super weak sectiony lines with a few workable corners at some of the better beach breaks. 

Most OC beaches are running about ankle to knee high with the standout spots pulling thigh to waist high waves with maybe a plus set if you’re lucky.  Do yourself a favor and break out a log!!

At 8:50 a.m the tide pushed up to a six foot high which has some spots completely shut down now.  The tide then drains out to a negative 0.7 low at 4:15 this afternoon.

If you’re really feeling desperate, throw on the 4/3 fullsuit and maybe the booties with the water temp at most spots hanging between 54 and 56 degrees.

For more surf info. check out surfline.com

Good luck!!

First Stop of the 2009 ASP WQS

December 27th, 2008, 5:42 pm by Jeff Malanca, contributing writer

The 2008 Association of Surfing Professionals World Qualifying Series and World Championship Tour have wrapped up for the year, but it’s almost time for the start of the 2009 season.  The O’neill Sebastian Inlet Pro presented by Ron Jon Surf Shop is the first stop of the 2009 ASP WQS.  The 4-Star event will feature more than 200 of the best surfers from around the globe all battling it out for an $85,000 prize purse at Florida’s Sebastian Inlet.  Last years SI Pro was won by San Clemente local Patrick Gudaskaus. The contest takes place January 12th-18th.  To watch the live action of the O’neill Sebastian Inlet Pro, check out go211.com.

Surf Report 12-27-08

December 27th, 2008, 8:00 am by Jeff Malanca, contributing writer

Waking up with the waves on Saturday.  Well it looks like there could be a fun window at some point later on today.  We’ve got fairly clean conditions with a light to moderate offshore wind.

As far as the waves go, it’s hanging on the small and inconsistent side with some of the more exposed beach breaks offering a few playful waves.  There’s mostly fading west northwest energy in the water.  That recipe is making for some soft broken up lines with a few rippable corners to pick off.  Things should improve once that tide drains out a bit.

At 8:18 a.m the tide climbs up to a six foot high which has some spots pretty swamped or even shut down right now.  It then drains out to a negative 0.7 low at 3:44 this afternoon.

If you’re planning on paddling throw on at least the 4/3 full and the booties with the water temp at most spots hanging between 54 and 56 degrees.

For more surf info. check out surfline.com

Have fun out there!!

Surf City USA Rose Parade Float

December 26th, 2008, 9:25 am by Jeff Malanca, contributing writer

If you’re going to watch or attend the 2009 Tournament of Roses Parade, keep your eyes peeled for the float with the surfing theme.  The city of Huntington Beach in honor of its 100th anniversary is presenting its first-ever float in the 120th Rose Parade.  The 55-foot long and 30-foot high “Surfing Family Float” features waves, surfboards, local ocean life such as pelicans, seaguls and dolphins and a surfing family with their dog having a barbeque on a huge surfboard. 

Six city residents, whose names were drawn from more than 500 entries, will be joined on the float by Huntington Beach Mayor, Keith Bohr, 2008 Miss Huntington Beach, Cayce Crowder and representatives from the city’s Junior Lifeguard program.  The 120th Tournament of Roses Parade kicks off at 8 a.m on Jan. 1.  For more info. check out TournamentOfRoses.com    

Surf Report 12-26-08

December 26th, 2008, 7:46 am by Jeff Malanca, contributing writer

Good Friday morning surf addicts.  Well we finally have a good dose of energy in the water, but we’re dealing with a light to moderate north northwest wind which is putting a light to moderate chop on it at many spots.

There’s a good amount of mostly northwest wind and groundswell in the water.  That recipe is offering us some crumbly and bumpy sectiony lines, with a few workable corners to pick off.  Many of the waves don’t have much of a shoulder on them.

Most OC beaches are running about chest to shoulder high with the standout west facing breaks pulling head high waves with some overhead sets.

At 7:45 a.m the tide climbed up to a six foot high which has some spots a bit full and kinda soft right now.  The tide then drains out to a negative 0.7 low at 3:13 this afternoon.

If you’re gonna grab a session definitely throw on the 4/3 fullsuit, the booties and possibly a hood with the water temp feeling like winter and averaging between 54 and 55 degrees.

For more surf info. check out surfline.com

Go get it!!

Surf Report Christmas Day

December 25th, 2008, 7:21 am by Jeff Malanca, contributing writer

Waking up with the waves on Christmas.  Well it’s definitely not a good day to try out the new board or wetsuit that’s for sure.  Stay home with the family, open the presents and lounge around.

Yep it’s looking really sloppy out there.  We’ve got a stiff south southeast wind which has it blown out.  There’s a minor to decent mix of south wind swell in the water.  That recipe is making for some disorganized wind waves along with a strong current pulling north.

Most OC beaches are running about knee to waist high with the standout spots pulling stomach high waves with maybe a few chest high sets.

At 7:13 a.m the tide climbed up to a 5.9 high which has many spots pretty full and slow.  It then drains out to a negative 0.6 low at 2:41 this afternoon.

If you’re really really desperate throw on the 4/3 fullsuit and the booties with the water temp at most spots hanging between 54 and 56 degrees.

For more surf info. check out surfline.com

Don’t Do It!!

Longest Flat Spell

December 24th, 2008, 3:42 pm by Jeff Malanca, contributing writer

If you’re tired of showing up at the waters edge to find another day of ankle to knee high surf I’m with you.  Yep it’s probably the longest flat spell we’ve had in weeks.  If you happen to be getting a new board or wetsuit from Santa and want to test it out tomorrow, it looks like surfline forecasters are calling for the waves to pick up on Christmas day.  However, we’re also likely to get a good dose of rain on Christmas which often brings with it the wrong kind of wind, but at least there should be something to ride.  Good luck and Happy Holidays!!

Surf Report 12-24-08

December 24th, 2008, 7:04 am by Jeff Malanca, contributing writer

Good Christmas Eve morning surf addicts.  Well unfortunately she has already slipped back into super small mode.  Yep it’s looking really weak and dismal in this neck of the woods.

It’s fairly clean or light offshore with a very minor dose of west northwest energy.  That recipe is offering us some soft sectiony lines with a few workable waves on a longboard of fat fish.

Most OC beaches are running about knee to thigh high with the top spots pulling waist high waves with maybe a plus set if you’re lucky.

At 6:40 a.m the tide climbed up to a 5.8 high which has some spots slow and swamped early on.  The tide then drains out to a negative 0.5 low at 2:09 this afternoon.

If you’re gonna get wet, break out the 4/3 fullsuit and the maybe the booties with the water temp at most breaks hanging between 55 and 56 degrees.

For more surf info. check out surfline.com

Good luck!!

Coco Ho Makes the Big Leagues

December 23rd, 2008, 3:30 pm by Jeff Malanca, contributing writer

Coco Ho made the cut for the 2009 Association of Surfing Professionals Women’s World Championship Tour.  The 17-year old Hawaiian is now the youngest surfer on the Women’s WCT.  Ho only competed in five of 14 World Qualifying Series events this year, and she even placed last in one of them and still qualified. 

The young Hawaiian will be joining 16 other elite women surfers, including eight Australians, two other Hawaiians, three Brazilians, one Peruvian, one South African and one New Zealander.  The 2009 ASP Women’s World Tour is made up of eight events with the first stop at Snapper Rocks on Australia’s Gold Coast for The Roxy Pro which runs Feb. 28, through March 11.  For more info. check out aspworldtour.com. 

Surf Report 12-23-08

December 23rd, 2008, 7:16 am by Jeff Malanca, contributing writer

Good Tuesday morning surf addicts.  Well she’s finally snapping out of this super small spell.  Yep we’ve got a decent dose of energy, but we’re dealing with some residual lump and bump on the water.

There’s mostly a fair amount of northwest windswell in the water.  That recipe is offering us some crumbly and bumpy sectiony lines with a few fun ones to pick off.

Most OC beaches are running about knee to chest high with the standout west facing spots pulling shoulder high waves with maybe a plus set.

At 6:06 a.m the tide climbed up to a 5.7 high which still has some spots pretty full and slow.  It then drains out to a negative 0.2 low at 1:33 this afternoon.

If you’re gonna grab a session, break out the 4/3 fullsuit and maybe the booties with the water temp at most spots hanging between 54 and 56 degrees.

For more surf info. check out surfline.com

Go get it!!

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