The Doheny Longboard Surfing Association puts on the event, based on the best tides, swell predictions and the luck of the draw. The event this year takes place on Sept. 26, at Doheny State Beach.

The event is open to the public. Velzy passed away in 2005. Do you know your Velzy history? Take a quiz here.

Here’s more from the press release:
“The 20th edition of this surf classic has a very special place in the hearts of all Doheny Longboard Members.  Dale Velzy was an extremely special person to us all and this program is our yearly tribute to one of the true pioneers of the sport” said, Nyle Schafhauser, DLSA President.

Mickey Munoz after the Standup Paddle heat. Photo by Cathy Burnmier

This year’s event kicks-off with the surf contest at 6:30 a.m. The Luau festivities begin at 3:00 p.m. followed closely by the Polynesian review, awards ceremony, raffles and then dancing. 

For surfing event information and sign ups contact Mark Calkins at mc250c@aol.com

When: Saturday, Sept. 26

Where: Doheny State Beach

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Q.  Do they still make Bing Surfboards?

A.  You can still get a Bing board, yes.  Check out www.bingsurf.com for information.  Also there is a great book out about Bing Copeland and all the years of making Bing Surfboards.  Its very cool and worth getting, especially if you are looking to get a Bing Surfboard.

Q.  I loved your story about Doheny State Park in the ’60’s.  What ever became of Joey Hamasaki?  She was surf a beautiful surfer.

A.  Thanks, that was a great time at a great spot.  I don’t know what happened to Joey, I wish I did.  If anybody knows please let me know ok.  We found Joe Quigg this way, so if you know anything about Joey Hamasaki email me at corkysurf@aol.com

Q.  I see where Brett Simpson is the son of former Los Angeles Rams football player Bill Simpson.  That was before my time.  Can you tell me when he played for the Rams?

A.  1974 to 1982.  He was a great player.  I used to be a huge Rams fan until they broke my heart and moved to Saint Louis.  His son is on his way to super-stardom as a surfer.  The Lakers better never move or I will have to walk off a cliff.

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Sometimes you get a good day, like over the weekend in Newport Beach. Today was a bit of a bummer, with messy, sloppy conditions. But still, it was fun to watch these surfers take on the waves, and battle through the strong currents and whitewash.

Also took some snaps of people hanging on the beach, the lucky ones who got to beat the heat by heading to the coast.

Check out these photos of the surf today, in case you were stuck behind your desk and you missed it:

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So this is pretty crazy - Deals blogger Marla Fisher just sent over this story she wrote about the cost of beach camping in Orange County pretty much doubling in price.

A pretty big bummer for me, since one of my favorite things to do locally is set up camp at Doheny State Beach (read story my friend Jen Muir about our trip here.)

Up until recently I had no problem forking out $35 for a night. But now that the prices have gone up to $65 for beachfront and $60 for others, I’d have to do some serious thinking about whether it’s worth it at all.

As Marla notes, you can get cheaper hotels for what the state is charging. Read more about what she has to say about it here.

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Orange County Register’s Marla Fisher just did a blog post saying that there’s some spots available this week because of cancellations down at Doheny, San Clemente and other state beaches that allow people to sleep on the sand.

They may be scooped up by now, but check often because there’s tons of cancellations. Here’s the link with more info.

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The beach clean up - which is desperately needed after all the people who come leave all their junk on the sand during the holiday - kicks off at 8 a.m. and runs until about 11 a.m.

Afterward, there will be a celebration from noon until 3 p.m. at Hennessey’s Tavern in Dana Point, featuring Barefoot Wine and bubbly.

The clean up is being held in conjunction with the South OC Surfrider.  Space is limited, and you must be 21 to go to the post-cleanup  party.

Also, if you help with the beach clean up, you’ll get a $5 gift card for Gelato Paradiso. Making the world a better place and getting ice cream. What more could you want?

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The contest, put on by the Doheny Longboard Surfing Association, kicks off at 7 a.m. and is open to boys and girls of all ages with divisions for 8 and under on up to 17 years of age. Hundreds of young competitors are expected to participate. Applications and additional information can be picked up at local surf shops throughout Orange County or downloaded from the Association’s website at: www.Dohosurf.org.

Here’s more from the release:

“The annual Menehune contest provides the perfect venue for kids that would like to get involved in some friendly surfing competition in a “no pressure, have fun” arena.  The energy that the Menehune’s bring to the beach is contagious”, said Jack Sutter, former president of the Doheny Longboard Surfing Association.

Proceeds from the contest help fund several of the organization’s ongoing charity outreach programs including the Ronald McDonald House and the local Doheny State Park Interpretive Center. 

The Menehune Championships has a long history of supporting charities, while also providing a fun-filled day at the beach for participants and observers alike.  The event will feature auctions, raffles and music throughout the day with an awards ceremony following the end of the competition.   Jack Sutter further states, “At its core, surfing is all about having fun. Through events like this, we hope that kids will cherish their time spent on the beach with their fellow surfing friends and families.” 

Surfers will compete in 15 minute heats with scoring based on a 10-point system that integrates wave selection, length of ride, surfing moves and style.  Judges are all Doheny Longboard members who have a long history of working within this type of scoring system. 

Entree fee is $40, and includes lunch and goodie bag.

For more information and to find out how you can be involved as either a surfing Menehune or as a volunteer, please email MC250C@aol.com, fax (949) 581-1158 or call (949) 581-9740 the event chairperson.

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About 60 booths - double what was allowed last year - were set up to show off local products and innovative inventions. Set up in the grass area, there was everything from the latest natural soaps, surf memorabilia from the 60s, artwork, tikis, and more.

Check out the slideshow from the event.

Tony Jones unveiled a “Solar Surfboard,” which can charge electronic devices for those surfers who like to go to secluded breaks far away from civilization. The board is made with solar panels, and charges up even in cloudy weather.

Passerby’s marveled at the new product, which goes for $995 for an 8-foot board, and $1,295 for a 10-foot board.

Mickey Munoz stopped by, checking out the new invention.

“The next step is to plug it into your electric wetsuit to warm it up,” he said jokingly.

Another fairly new product showcased at the event was Kahuna Creations longboard skateboard that you can push using the “Big Stick,” similar to the latest craze of Stand up Paddleboarding.

This product was created when the now-president’s car broke down, and he had to skateboard five miles - his legs cramping up. There has to be a better way, he thought.

“I just had a blast on this thing!” said Aaron Lybarger, after giving it a spin.

Lybarger was there with his sons, pro longboarder Joe Aaron and Jordan, who were showing and selling their surf art.

For surfer Pete Casica, 21, the day was all about the surf competition. He was knocked out early, but said it was all about having a good time.

“It wasn’t about winning, it’s about respecting the name,” he said of the Dewey Weber Longboard Contest. Casica fixed boards for the Webers years ago, and for the contest he rode one of their vintage boards. “I was expecting to get taken out. It was more about having fun.”

More from the Beach Blog:

Gudauskas advances to Quarterfinals at ASP event

Dano celebrates 20 years of shaping

Big yachts race off Newport Beach

San Clemente pro surfer makes history

Things to do on OC beaches this weekend

More photos from the beach on OrangeCounty.com

Dodgeball madness on the beach

Session Shots: Bolsa Chica

Thousands show up to watch AVP players

Flying high at the Wedge

Dano celebrates 20 years of shaping

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• Clean the beach - then drink some wine

• Surf-a-Rama hits Doheny this weekend

• Rip Curl GromSearch set for HB

• Surf authors come to town for tour

• Channel Islands demo day coming to HB

• Obey Sample Sale this weekend

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There will be food, Hawaiian dancers, vintage surfboards, music and more. Proceeds from the event help to rebuild the Doheny Aquarium.

The Dewey Weber Longboard surf contest will be held during the Surf-a-Rama at Boneyards.

When: 8 a.m. Saturday, June 13

Where: Doheny State Beach, Dana Point

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