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OC Beach Blog ~ The latest news on all things along the 42 miles of beach in Orange County, Calif.

Archive for the 'Huntington Beach' Tag

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HB legend to be inducted into Surfers’ Hall of Fame

September 4th, 2009, 2:16 pm by Jeff Malanca, contributing writer

chris-hawk-induction

The Surfers’ Hall of Fame induction ceremony always takes place during the same time as the U.S. Open of Surfing.  However, this year one legendary surfer/shaper from Huntington Beach will be inducted in a couple of weeks from now.

Chris Hawk along with his brothers Sam and Tom have all been fixtures in the HB surf scene for many years.

According to Aaron Pai, Surfers’ Hall of Fame Founder, the unusual timing of the induction is due to Chris’ terminal illness.  “Back in the day he was one of the best surfers in Huntington Beach and he has been a master shaper since the 70’s.  We are super stoked to be able to induct Chris Hawk into the Surfers’ Hall of Fame.”

Chris Hawk was recently diagnosed with throat cancer and is undergoing  chemotherapy.  Since then he hasn’t been able to do either of his two favorite things … surf  or shape.

When: Friday, September 18th at 10 a.m.

Where: Surfers’ Hall of Fame, Huntington Beach. (714) 374-2373.  Located in front of Huntington Surf and Sport.


Posted in: Beach culture • Beach news • Events • Latest surf news • Local surfers recognized • More things to do on the coast • Surf Junkie Jeff • Surfing • • | Post a Comment »

Longtime HB local passes away

September 2nd, 2009, 2:22 pm by Jeff Malanca, contributing writer

john-kisselLongtime Huntington Beach local John Kissel passed away last weekend in a tragic cliff diving accident in Lake Havasu.

The 43-year old was a fixture in the lineup for many years and could be found ripping the northside or southside of the HB Pier on any given day.  Kissel was also quite the character and made many friends throughout the years.

If you knew John Kissel and would like to attend his memorial and or paddle-out, it takes place next Wednesday, September 9th.

A service will take place at St. Mary’s by the Sea Catholic Church at 10 a.m.  Following that there’s a paddle-out at the pier and lunch from 12 p.m to 2 p.m at the Aloha Grill.

Posted in: Events • Latest surf news • Local surfers recognized • Surf Junkie Jeff • Surfing • • | 3 Comments »

Surfboards in the Sand

August 31st, 2009, 5:59 pm by Jeff Malanca, contributing writer

surfboards_in_the_sand__logo_m1

If you surf and you want to help out the environment and be a part of history then listen to this.  Rip Curl is putting on an event called Surfboards in the Sand.  It’s a historic photo opportunity to celebrate surf culture and to help raise funds for the Surfrider Foundation and the Orange County Coastkeeper.

Surf legend Peter “PT” Townend is expected to be joined by thousands of surfers with their boards.  The Surfboards in the Sand photograph will be shot by, and published in Transworld Surf Magazine and other international publications.

Anybody can be a part of this historic photo shoot.  Advanced online registration is only $10 per person or $20 on the day of the event.

There will also be live entertainment, free gifts, a free one year subscription to Transworld Surf Magazine and a free event t-shirt if you sign up online before September 10, 2009.

When: Saturday September 19, 2009 at 6:30 a.m

Where: Huntington Beach Pier

Posted in: Beach culture • Beach news • Day trips • Environment • Events • Latest surf news • Local surfers recognized • More things to do on the coast • Sand Shots • Surfing • • • | Post a Comment »

O’Neill takes home Battle of the Brands title

August 31st, 2009, 1:38 pm by Laylan Connelly, staff writer

The surf industry’s rivalry hit the water on Saturday, as the 3rd annual Battle of the Brands surf contest allowed clothing and media competitors to duke it out on the waves.

The event is a way for Surfing America - which hosted the afternoon surf contest during the USA championships - to say thanks for supporting the USA Surf Team, which just won gold down in Costa Rica a few weeks ago.

“It’s an industry-wide initiative, and we here for the betterment of the sport,” said Mike Gerard, Executive Director of Surfing America.

Team Fuel TV took home the win for the media segment, beating out Surfline, Surfing and Surfer magazines.

Team O’Neill won the event after a close battle against Billabong. They’ve won the event three times in a row, and had a combine score of 32.23. Waves were coming in consistent, giving surfers a lot of options to choose from.

“We’re all like family,” said Sage Ericson, who brought home a copper medal for the team in Costa Rica. “It’s just a good event for everyone. It makes us feel like a team. We got to cheer each other on, it’s really fun.”

Capo Beach’s Luke Davis scored a 9.25, getting a barrel that helped solidify the win.

“I saw everyone on the beach claiming it,” he said. “I didn’t know how it looked, but when they said the score, I was psyched.”

Here’s some snaps from the day in HB:

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CHECK OUT SLIDESHOW OF THE BATTLE OF THE BRANDS.

Read more on surfing:

Posted in: Beach culture • Beach news • Competitions • Events • Surfing • • • • | Post a Comment »

NSSA contest coming to HB

August 30th, 2009, 6:41 pm by Jeff Malanca, contributing writer

nssa-logoIt’s that time of year again when one of the nation’s biggest amateur surf tours is about ready kick off.  The National Scholastic Surfing Association (NSSA) is holding its opening contest of the 2009/2010 season in Surf City next weekend.

The first stop of the NSSA Southwest Conference Explorer Season will bring out several amateur surfers from up and down the California coast.

Divisions include Mens, Juniors, Boys, Menehune, Womens, Girls, Masters, Seniors, Super Seniors and Longboard.  The first event is AA rated so you can be sure there will be plenty of competitors.  For more info. check out .

When: Saturday September 5th and Sunday September 6th, 2009

Where: 9th Street, Huntington Beach


Posted in: Beach news • Competitions • Events • Latest surf news • More things to do on the coast • Surf Junkie Jeff • Surfing • • | Post a Comment »

Surf City on a hot Saturday

August 29th, 2009, 5:39 pm by Laylan Connelly, staff writer

I went down to check out the PacSun Battle of the Brands contest in Huntington Beach, and as expected, the sand was packed.

Keep posted on more about the contest later (O’Neill took home the win), but in the meantime check out these photos I snapped of people who came out to Surf City to beat the heat. And check out Sciencedude’s write up about how smokin’ hot it got out there today.

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CHECK OUT A SLIDESHOW OF IMAGES HERE.

Posted in: Beach culture • Beach news • Sand Shots • Surfing • • | Post a Comment »

Things to do on the O.C. coast this weekend

August 28th, 2009, 7:28 am by Laylan Connelly, staff writer

Just when you thought summer was winding down, the heat wave hits. With this crazy weather hitting the county as we kick off the weekend, you can bet the beaches are going to be packed.

If you are headed to the coast, make sure you use extreme caution, especially Friday. A big hurricane swell sent pounding waves to the coast Thursday, and novice swimmers are being warned to be careful of big waves and rip currents through the weekend.

So if you’re looking to find out what’s going on - to either join the festivities or to avoid the crowds - here’s a glimpse of what’s happening along OC’s coast this weekend:

SIMA Surfing America USA Championships:

dsc_00381A surf contest that showcases some of the best amateur surfers from around the nation is going down in Huntington Beach this week, where competitors are trying to nab the USA championship title.

The 2009 SIMA Surfing America USA Championships presented by Verizon Wireless kicked off Tuesday south of the Huntington Beach pier, and runs through Sunday.

There’s 18 divisions in the contest, everything from young groms to seniors, longboarders and shortboarders.

Read more about the event here, and check out a slideshow of the first day of the contest here.

When: Starting at 8 a.m. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday

Where: Huntington Beach Pier

Battle of the Brands surf contest in HB

Come out to check some surfing athletes from top surf brands battle it out for bragging rights in Huntington Beach on Aug. 29.

Athletes from Billabong, Quiksilver, Rip Curl and O’Neill (and the zany editors from Surfer Mag, Surfing Mag, TransWorld Surf, Surfline and Fuel TV) will be going head-to-head during the 3rd annual PacSun Battle of the Brands.

When: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 29

Where: South side of the Huntington Beach Pier.

swim1-mile swim at Corona Del Mar this weekend

The Don Burns 1-mile scholarship swim is happening down at Corona del Mar on Saturday.

The event is held in honor of Burns, who was a lifeguard for 47 years before he died 16 years ago.

The race - which typically draws hundreds of swimmers - will be held at 10 a.m. at Big Corona Beach. Check in starts at 9:15 a.m. at tower 3, next to the jetty.

Swimmers go out to a buoy 100-yards offshore, then go down coast along the swim lines, past cliff side homes and the rocky coastline to the secluded cove of Little Corona. They then round buoys on their right shoulder, return up coast to the first buoy, and swim to an onshore finish at the starting line.

When: 10 a.m. Saturday

Where: Corona Del Mar State Beach

Catalina Classic paddleboard race

If you can head up the coast a bit, head up to Manhattan Beach to check out the Catalina Classic Paddleboard Race. There’s plenty of Orange County paddleboarders to support who do the 32-mile race.

The paddler must have completed last years race by the 9 hour cut-off time or competed in another notable paddleboard competition with a solid standing.

When: Sunday August 30, 2009

Where: Manhattan Beach to Catalina Island

Posted in: Competitions • Events • More things to do on the coast • Uncategorized • • • • | Post a Comment »

Last chance to see movie at the HB Pier

August 26th, 2009, 3:25 pm by Laylan Connelly, staff writer

This may be a bit too family-friendly for our regular readers, but I thought it could be a good way to get out of the house and enjoy the beach at dusk.

On Thursday, the city of Huntington Beach and So Cal Films are showing a movie at the beach on the north side of the Huntington Beach Pier. Bring a chair or blanket, some snacks, and enjoy a flick. This week they are showing Finding Nemo.

Then head up to the downtown area to get tanked.

More info: www.socalfilms.com.

Posted in: Beach culture • Beach news • Events • | Post a Comment »

Surfboards in the Sand to make history

August 25th, 2009, 3:41 pm by Laylan Connelly, staff writer

If you’re a surfer, then you have to be a part of history and join the Rip Curl Surfboards in the Sand event in Huntington Beach.

epicAt 10 a.m. on Sept. 19, organizers are hoping to get thousands of surfers on the sand for a photo op to show their love for surfing and the environment. The purpose of the event – to be held on Sept. 19 – is to raise awareness for the coastal environment, and proceeds will benefit Surfrider Foundation.

The historic Surfboards in the Sand photo will be shot by and published in Transworld SURF Magazine, and other select international publications (and no doubt, the Orange County Register, of course).

The event marks the 50-year anniversary of surfing at the Huntington Beach Pier.

The effort is being pulled together by surfing’s first world champ Peter “PT” Townend, as well as famous female surfer Linda Benson.

To get involved, register online at www.surfboardsinthesand.com by Sept. 10. It costs $10 to be a part of the event, ($20 after Sept. 10) – but remember it’s for a good cause.

The proceeds go to the Surfrider Foundation and Orange County Coastkeeper; a free limited edition “Surfboards In The Sand” T-shirt by Rip Curl (valued at $25 and delivered onsite on event day), a one-year subscription to Transworld SURF, and a bracelet that gives participants discounts at shops and restaurants in the downtown area.

Read more beach events:

Posted in: Beach culture • Beach news • Events • Surfing • • • | 2 Comments »

SIMA Surfing America USA Championships kick off

August 25th, 2009, 3:31 pm by Laylan Connelly, staff writer

A surf contest that showcases some of the best amateur surfers from around the nation is going down in Huntington Beach this week, where competitors are trying to nab the USA championship title.

The 2009 SIMA Surfing America USA Championships presented by Verizon Wireless kicked off Tuesday south of the Huntington Beach pier, and runs through Sunday.

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There’s 18 divisions in the contest, everything from young groms to seniors, longboarders and shortboarders.

I chatted with Rockin’ Fig Fignetti out on the sand, where he was getting pumped up for his heat in the Legends division. He’s come in second-place for two years in a row.

“For some people, it might be for fun. For me, I’ve always wanted the title,” he said.

The conditions were better than he expected, with 3-to-5-foot waves coming through.

“I’m stoked because it’s a bit more peaky today,” he said. “It’s a good size, the sun is out, and the wind isn’t too bad.”

Read more about the event here, and check out a slideshow of the first day of the contest here.

Read more on surfing:

Posted in: Beach culture • Beach news • Competitions • Events • Sand Shots • Surfing • • | Post a Comment »

Rip current warnings issued for north OC

August 24th, 2009, 11:42 am by Laylan Connelly, staff writer

Click here to see a multimedia on how to get out of a rip current Just saw a post on Sciencedude’s blog about a rip current warning going out to north OC beaches.

The rip currents are being produced by a south swell hitting the shores, and could pose a threat to inexperienced swimmers and surfers, according to the blog.

The advisory will be in place through late Tuesday. Read more here about the rips, and what the surf will be like.

Check out this multimedia interactive on what rips are all about.

Posted in: Beach culture • Beach news • Environment • • • • | 1 Comment »

Surfing America USA Championships

August 22nd, 2009, 3:05 pm by Jeff Malanca, contributing writer

usa-surf-teamThe Nation’s best amateur surfers are about to take over the southside of the Huntington Beach Pier in a couple of days.

The 2009 SIMA Surfing America USA Championships presented by Verizon Wireless is an invite only event.

The elite group of athletes comes from several competitive surfing organizations including the NSSA National Scholastic Surfing Association, WSA Western Surfing Association, ESA Eastern Surfing Association, HSA Hawaii Surfing Association, TGSA Texas Gulf Surfing Association and the WSA Prime Series.

Some of the top talent from Orange County competing next week includes San Clemente’s Kolohe Andino, Santa Ana’s Courtney Conlogue, Newport Beach’s Kaleigh Gilchrist and Victor Done, Costa Mesa’s Colin Moran and Huntington Beach’s Kanoa Igarashi.

The 2010 PacSun USA Surf  Team will also be announced following the 2009 Surfing America USA Championships.

When: Monday August 24-Sunday August 30, 2009

Where: Southside of the Huntington Beach Pier


Posted in: Beach news • Competitions • Events • Latest surf news • Local surfers recognized • More things to do on the coast • Surf Junkie Jeff • Surfing • • • | 1 Comment »

Battle of the Brands surf contest in HB

August 20th, 2009, 3:25 pm by Laylan Connelly, staff writer

n115032241698_9704Come out to check some surfing athletes from top surf brands battle it out for bragging rights in Huntington Beach on Aug. 29.

Athletes from Billabong, Quiksilver, Rip Curl and O’Neill (and the zany editors from Surfer Mag, Surfing Mag, TransWorld Surf, Surfline and Fuel TV) will be going head-to-head during the 3rd annual PacSun Battle of the Brands.

When: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 29

Where: South side of the Huntington Beach Pier.

Read more on surfing:

Posted in: Beach culture • Beach news • Competitions • Events • Surfing • • • • • | 1 Comment »

Ask the expert: Is the Wedge too dangerous?

August 18th, 2009, 9:10 am by Laylan Connelly, staff writer

Three-time international surf champ Corky Carroll answers your questions each week on the Beach Blog. To hit him up, email him at Corkysurf@aol.com

wedgeQ.  I heard about the bodysurfer getting killed at the Wedge this summer.  Do you think that place is really too dangerous when the swell is big and that the city should close it when it gets like that?

A.  That was a sad thing.  But the Wedge is what it is,  and if people are crazy enough to want to put it all on the line for the thrill that is their choice.  Just like surfing giant waves in Hawaii or other places around the world.  It would not be fair to the great surfers who do that to be denied the chance just on the merit that it is very dangerous.  It would be nice if there was some sort of qualification method to determine if somebody is actually skilled enough to attempt some of these challenges, but there isn’t.  So, in my opinion NO.  I don’t think that the city should not allow people to take the risk if they want to do that.

Q.  If you had to pick one place on Earth that would be the ideal location for a surfer, where would that be?

A.  Wow, that all depends on the person.  If it was totally based on surfing and nothing else, I would probably say some island in the South Pacific where there were no people and just perfect surf.  But life is more than just surfing to most people.  We like a social structure, too.  With that in mind I would have to say that right here in Orange County is pretty darn good.

Q.  Where do you surf most of the time?  I used to see you at Cotton’s Point all the time.

A.  I loved Cotton’s and that was my main spot for most of my life really.  But recently I spend more time at spots that don’t require walking far.  I have become lazy in that aspect.  I like Huntington Beach and San Onofre.  Also I spend a lot of time in Mainland Mexico, especially when it’s cold here in the OC.

Posted in: Ask the expert: Corky Carroll • Beach culture • Surfing • • • • • | Post a Comment »

Need a date? Buy a Huntington Beach lifeguard

August 17th, 2009, 1:26 pm by Laylan Connelly, staff writer

lifeguardOK - so your friends might tease you for having to fork over some cash to land a date with a lifeguard. You can at least say it’s for a good cause.

The Huntington Beach State Lifeguard Association will be hosting Lifeguard Night at Sharkeez in Huntington Beach, a fund-raiser where money will be collected with cocktails you drink.

In addition to drink sales, there will be a lifeguard auction where guest can bid to have lunch and dinner with a lifeguard, fully paid by Sharkeez. All bids will be donated to the Huntington State Beach Lifeguard Association. The guards who show up will also be guest bartenders that night.

And if you bring a group of eight or more, mention the words “Huntington State Lifeguards” and get a free appetizer.

When: Wednesday, 8 p.m.

Where: Sharkeez, Huntington Beach

Posted in: Beach culture • Beach news • Events • • | 2 Comments »

Water temp on the rise again

August 15th, 2009, 2:05 pm by Jeff Malanca, contributing writer

It seems like every other week this summer we’ve seen the water temperature go from nice and warm to pretty chilly.  Well, once again it’s on the rise again.  If you haven’t surfed in the last couple of days it’s feeling pretty comfortable.

Seal Beach Lifeguards on Saturday were reporting 65 degrees in the water, while in Huntington Beach it’s also 65.  Newport Beach lifeguards called the water temp 67 today and down south in San Clemente it’s a comfy 70 degrees.

If you’re planning on paddling later today or tomorrow, the most you’ll need is a thin short sleeve fullsuit for that a.m. surf and no more than a spring suit for the afternoon session.

And keep your fingers crossed that it continues to warm up and hopefully we’ll see the toasty low to mid 70 degree temps we saw a couple of weeks ago.  However, I would keep that fullsuit handy just in case it drops drastically again.

Posted in: Beach news • Environment • Latest surf news • Surf Junkie Jeff • Surfing • • • • • | Post a Comment »

Volcom contest in HB tomorrow

August 14th, 2009, 2:32 pm by Jeff Malanca, contributing writer

volcom-contestJust a little reminder.  If you don’t have any plans on Saturday and you want to watch some good surfing head on down to Surf City tomorrow. 

Volcom’s Totally Crustaceous Surf Tour is making a stop on the southside of the Huntington Beach Pier.

This is the second of three events for the Orange County Starfish Series.  As always, Volcom’s surf contests are FREE to enter and that usually brings out a lot of top talent from up and down the coast.

There are three divisions including Pro/Am, Juniors, Groms and Girls.  The winner of the Pro/Am will take home a paycheck for $500 and the surfer with the most radical “Move of the Day” walks away with $50.

When: Saturda,y August 15th

Where: Southside of the Huntington Beach Pier


Read more on surfing:

Posted in: Beach news • Competitions • Events • Latest surf news • More things to do on the coast • Surf Junkie Jeff • Surfing • • | 2 Comments »

Surf turf wars: Battle between surfers and fishermen

August 14th, 2009, 1:28 pm by Laylan Connelly, staff writer

The Orange County Register’s Jaimee Fletcher has a great story today about a surfer  upset that he keeps getting caught in the fishing line of people dropping  their lines down from the pier.

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Here’s a bit from the story:

A local surfer who has been tangled in fishing lines near the pier wants the city to put restrictions on where anglers can drop their lines, but some fishermen argue surfers should paddle away from the pier.

The long-standing conflict has pitted fisherman against surfer for years – each side claiming their territorial rights to the ocean.

But one side will have to budge, said pier fisherman Jose Llamas, 30, of Huntington Beach.

“Someone is going to get hurt,” he said. “They need to make a rule; either tell the fishermen to fish only on the south side or tell the surfers to surf farther out.”

…

It’s a pretty interesting debate, and I’d love to hear what you guys think. Take the poll!

Can surfers and fishermen co-exist?
View Results

Read more on surfing:

Posted in: Beach culture • Beach news • Surfing • Weird stuff on the water • • | 16 Comments »

Another surfboard demo

August 12th, 2009, 6:55 am by Jeff Malanca, contributing writer

ci-surfboardsWell once again the crew from Channel Islands surfboards is having another surfboard demo day.

This time it’s right in our neck of the woods so if you have never had a chance to test out an Al Merrick shape, then stop by and give one a try.

You’ll find all the most recent CI models and maybe even a few team rider boards.  And with the next ASP World Championship Tour event coming to town in a few weeks, some top pros might even be hanging out as well.

If you’re thinking about stopping by, look for the Channel Islands tent on the beach with more than 40 surfboards.  It’s FREE, but you must have an ID.

When: Saturday August 15th 9 a.m to 1 p.m.

Where: Huntington Beach Pier


Posted in: ASP News • Beach news • Events • Latest surf news • More things to do on the coast • Surf Junkie Jeff • Surfing • • • | Post a Comment »

HSS back to school sale

August 10th, 2009, 7:27 pm by Jeff Malanca, contributing writer

hss-back-to-school

Well I don’t like to bring up depressing news, but summer vacation is coming to a close.  Yep, in a few weeks from now it’ll be time to crack the books once again.  So here’s some happy news for all of you going back to school.

Huntington Surf and Sport is holding its huge annual back to school sidewalk sale this coming weekend.  All of their apparel will be discounted 20% to 50% off in all four HSS stores.

HSS carries several brands including Volcom, Hurley, RVCA and Billabong just to name a few.  And for every $50 purchase, you’ll receive a FREE t-shirt.

When: Friday August 14, Saturday August 15th and Sunday August 16th.  Doors open at 8 a.m each day.

Where: HSS main store, 714 841-4000.  HSS Girls Store, 126 Main street 714 374-6266.  HSS, 3801 Warner Avenue 714 846-0181.  HSS Bella Terra, 7777 Edinger Avenue 714 890-0800.


Posted in: Beach news • Events • Latest surf news • Sales • Surf Junkie Jeff • Surfing • • | Post a Comment »

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