San Clemente - OC Beach Blog

Archive for the 'San Clemente' Tag

Stoked at Nike 6.0 Hotel NoTell

September 3rd, 2009, 5:01 pm by Laylan Connelly, staff writer

Twenty inner-city high school students were given a lesson in stoke.

Nike 6.0 showed a group of at-risk students a whole different world, giving them a six-part series of surf sessions fused with creative workshops at the Motel NoTell in San Clemente.

The crew at Stoked Mentoring combines action sports with the power of mentoring and a supportive community during a three week long program. The 6.0 Days of Stoked’ness concluded Aug. 29, with a graduation BBQ for twenty inner-city Los Angeles high school students, age 14-18.

Posted in: Beach culture • Beach news • Events • Local surfers recognized • Surfing • 6.0 • Nike • San Clemente | Post a Comment »

OC surfers shine at USA Championships

August 31st, 2009, 1:48 pm by Laylan Connelly, staff writer

OC Register reporter Fred Swegles was out at the USA Surf Championships on Sunday, reporting that four of the eight titles won at teh event were OC locals.

Here’s a bit from his report: San Clemente’s Kolohe Andino captured national titles in two divisions this weekend as Surfing America bid farewell to Huntington Beach as the site for the annual Surfing America USA Championships.

Andino, 15, outdueled Conner Coffin from the Santa Barbara area and two other finalists to win the Boys Under 16 division, then took down Florida’s Evan Thompson and two other finalists to win the Boys Under 18 division.

Kaleigh Gilchrist of Newport Beach won the Girls Under 18 division, while Jacob Davis of Capistrano Beach took the Boys Under 12 division.

In all, Orange County surfers were awarded four of the eight national titles this weekend as Surfing America concluded a three-year run holding the USA Championships at Huntington Beach Pier. Next year, Surfing America will name its national champions at Lower Trestles, south of San Clemente.

kolohe

Read more from the story here.

Posted in: Beach culture • Beach news • Competitions • Events • Local surfers recognized • Surfing • Kolohe Andino • San Clemente | Post a Comment »

Free skin cancer screening

August 27th, 2009, 5:57 pm by Jeff Malanca, contributing writer

skin-cancer-screening1 It seems many avid surfers at some point in their lives will develop skin cancer.

So if you are one of those who never remembers to put on sunblock before you paddle out, then check this out.

Nike 6.0 and the Motel Notell in San Clemente are holding a free skin cancer screening this weekend.

If you’ve never been checked out by a dermatologist and you’re in the sun and surf regularly come on by.

There will also be FREE food, drinks and a ton of FREE swag. You can sign up early on Nike 6.0’s guest book if you know you’re going to attend.

When: Saturday, August 29, 2009

Where: Motel Notell, San Clemente. (949) 492-1174

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

Kelly Slater sighting in OC - is he switching sports?

August 24th, 2009, 11:07 am by Laylan Connelly, staff writer

Kelly Slater sure has been seen here in Orange County a lot - first, he and his bros held a skin cancer surf competition in San Clemente, then he made an appearance at the Hurley U.S. Open of Surfing, and just the other day he was spotted in Costa Mesa.

Could rumors be true that the nine-time world champ - originally from Florida - bought a new home in San Clemente?

Off the sand, Slater was out at VA Sport Center to get some training in, according to themmanews.com. According to the blog, Slater is a Jiu-Jitsu practitioner and helped newly re-signed UFC fighter Vitor Belfort train for his upcoming bout with Rich Franklin for their Sept. 19 match.

Brett Simpson gears up for Hurley Pro

August 19th, 2009, 12:56 pm by Laylan Connelly, staff writer

Huntington Beach’s Brett Simpson is gearing up for the Hurley Pro, to be held mid-September at Trestles. It was at the Hurley U.S. Open of Surfing - where he also won the men’s division - that Simpson nabbed a wildcard spot for the event.

Here’s more from Team MKM about the Hurley Pro event, the only World Tour event held on the Mainland U.S.:

The $340,000 Hurley Pro, September 13 to 19, 2009 at Lower Trestles, San Clemente, is Hurley’s first as the sole sponsor of an ASP World Tour event. Lined with cobblestones, Trestles is California’s premier point/reef break and a world-class showcase for high performance surfing. The four-day competition, held during a week-long window, features the ASP’s top 45 surfers (Kelly Slater, Joel Parkinson, C.J. Hobgood, etc.) and three wildcards (Brett Simpson, Rob Machado and World Junior Champion Kai Barger).

“Every event has its own trademark, and Trestles is the place for high performance surfing in California,” Hurley’s Pat O’Connell said. “Each year, the world’s best surfers come with a free surf mentality and the desire to make their mark on one of the most rippable waves in the world. Hurley believes in true performance, innovation and free expression, so to have a World Tour event bearing our name on the world’s best surfing canvas is a perfect connection.”

The Hurley Pro marks the only North America appearance of the ASP’s elite Grand Prix circuit and has been won by Slater three of the past four years (’08, ’07 and ’05). Although Parkinson (Australia) has opened a sizeable lead over Floridian Hobgood and Brazilian Adriana de Souza in the 2009 World Title chase, nine-time world and defending event champ Slater (Florida) remains within striking distance, and Trestles may well be his launching pad to a once unfathomable 10th title.

After defeating former world champion Mick Fanning to win the six-star-rated Hurley U.S. Open, the 24 year-old Simpson moved to 5th place on the World Qualifying Series (WQS), well within striking distance of qualifying for the 2010 ASP World Tour. His performance this September against the world’s elite surfers at North America’s premier “high performance” wave may offer a glimpse at America’s pro surfing future.

“Winning the Hurley Pro Trials at Huntington was huge for me,” says Simpson. “I always look forward to competing at Lowers, and I’m excited to make an impact. There’s nothing I enjoy better than competing against the best surfers in the world.”

Surf Heritage Museum movie screening

August 18th, 2009, 12:47 pm by Laylan Connelly, staff writer

The Surfing Heritage Museum will be screening a new all-female film called “Dear & Yonder,” with appearances from surfers Kassia Meador, Sofia Mulanovich, Linda Benson, Jericho Poppler and Jan Sunn-Carreira.

The movie, sponsored by Roxy, will be shown at dusk on Friday. There will also be drawings and artwork on display. General admission is $10, with VIP tickets $35 (includes private meet and greet with stars, two drinks, preferred seating).

kassia-meador2-tc

When: Dusk, Friday August 21.
Where: Surfing Heritage Museum, San Clemente

Posted in: Beach culture • Beach news • Events • Surfing • roxy • San Clemente | Post a Comment »

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 • Huntington Beach • Huntington Beach Pier • Newport Beach • San Clemente • Seal Beach | Post a Comment »

Top pros soon to take over Trestles

August 13th, 2009, 5:25 pm by Jeff Malanca, contributing writer

lower-trestles If you’re heading down to Lower Trestles in the next couple of weeks don’t be surprised if you spot some superstars in the lineup.

In less than a month the sixth stop of the ASP World Championship Tour will be making a stop at the famous point break.

The Hurley Pro formerly known as the Boost Mobile Pro contest will bring out the best 45 surfers from around the globe along with a couple of wildcards.

Currently sitting in the lead in the WCT ratings is Aussie Joel Parkinson followed by Florida’s CJ Hobgood who’s in second place.

It looks like 9-time World Champion Kelly Slater will be in attendance at Lowers this year. Slater was off to a bad start at the beginning of 2009 with three 17ths, a win and a ninth place finish. He’s now moved up into 8th place in the ratings and is looking for a tenth world title.

The Hurley Pro official waiting period begins on Sunday September 13 and runs through Wednesday September 19. Watch the live webcast here.

Posted in: ASP News • Beach news • Competitions • Events • Latest surf news • More things to do on the coast • Surf Junkie Jeff • Surfing • Hurley • Kelly Slater • Lower Trestles • San Clemente • Trestles | 1 Comment »

Big drop in water temp at some spots

August 8th, 2009, 3:11 pm by Jeff Malanca, contributing writer

If you haven’t gone for a surf in the last few days, then it’s going to be a bit of a shock when you get in the water today especially if you’re paddling out in the northern part of Orange County. Just last week we had extremely warm water along the Orange County coast with many surf spots reporting between 72 and 75 degrees in the water.

Well that warm stuff is gone for now. So break out a thin fullsuit if you’re grabbing a session in Huntington Beach or Newport Beach. HB lifeguards are calling the water temperature 58 degrees while a few miles down the road in Newport Beach it’s 59.

If you can’t imagine throwing on a fullsuit in August then head down south to San Clemente where a pair of surf trunks will do the job. Lifeguards there reported 70 degrees in the water today.

Posted in: Beach news • Environment • Latest surf news • Surf Junkie Jeff • Surfing • Weird stuff on the water • Huntington Beach • Newport Beach • San Clemente | Post a Comment »

Surfing Heritage Foundation features “Hanging Five” movie

August 5th, 2009, 8:24 am by Laylan Connelly, staff writer

If you’re a surf art fan, head down to the Surfing Heritage Foundation at about 3 p.m. on Friday for the Orange County premiere of “Hanging Five“, a new film on surf artists by director Chris Cutri.

The film follows five artists who all happen to be surfers. The film documents their work and looks at different aspects of their lives, and how those experiences have impacted their work. The film also looks at why the surf culture embraces and supports the arts. Here’s a look at the trailer:

http://www.vimeo.com/4079670

The artists include: Andy Davis, Tyler Warren, Julie Goldstein, Alex Knost (of Newport Beach), Wolfgang Bloch.

Here’s more info from the release:

On hand will be Chris Cutri the director and artists confirmed at this time are Tyler Warren and Julie Goldstein. Warren “Pickle,” is a young Orange County surfer and is now becoming a well-known artist, whose work has been exhibited from Japan to Brazil. His work is stylized with deep richness and lighthearted charm with many within the surf community becoming collectors and fans.

Seats are $3. The afternoon will offer an awesome glimpse into the lives of surf artists and how the ocean and surfing inspire their work. Snacks, candy, and beverages will be available for purchase. Tickets are available at the door at the Surfing Heritage Foundation.

Where: 110 Calle Iglesia, San Clemente

When: Friday, 3 p.m.

Contact: linda@surfingheritage.org

Posted in: Beach culture • Beach news • Events • Surfing • San Clemente • surf art • Surfing Heritage Museum | Post a Comment »

Water temp really toasty

August 1st, 2009, 12:44 pm by Jeff Malanca, contributing writer

Well there might not be much in the way of waves this weekend, but the water temperature is incredibly warm for this neck of the woods. So if nothing else get out there and go for a paddle or have a bath. Definitely put away the rubber for now and break out the trunks or a bikini.

As of this morning down south in San Clemente lifeguards were reporting a 75 degree sea temperature…wow, that’s like being in Cabo! Farther north in Newport Beach it’s 74 in the water and up in Huntington Beach the ocean temp is 72.

Typical water temps for this time of year along the Orange County coast is between 66 and 68 degrees. Just remember the ocean temperature can change overnight especially if we get any strong winds from the west northwest for any length of time.

More surf news from the Beach Blog:

Posted in: Beach news • Environment • Latest surf news • Surf Junkie Jeff • Surfing • Weird stuff on the water • Huntington Beach • Newport Beach • San Clemente | Post a Comment »

Grab a campspot on the beach this week

July 27th, 2009, 1:24 pm by Laylan Connelly, staff writer

If you have some free time on your hands, you might want to relax on the sand for a bit.

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.

Posted in: Beach culture • Day trips • More things to do on the coast • camping • Doheny State Beach • San Clemente | Post a Comment »

San Clemente’s Andino outlasts difficult waves

July 23rd, 2009, 5:27 pm by Bryan Roy, ocregister.com

Despite a challenging swell, San Clemente’s Kolohe Andino managed to advance to the semifinals of the Nike 6.0 — a pro junior bracket of the U.S. Open of surfing.

Andino edged out Adam Lambert for second place in his heat, which didn’t happen until 5 p.m. due to overall tournament delays. At that time of the evening, waves were far from ideal.

“I felt like I wanted to rip but the waves were just super weird,” Andino said. “I really couldn’t get an open face or anything so I was just lucky to get a tiny right.

“I’m just stoked to make it through a heat like that because when you have a lot of bad waves, it’s good to get through them,” he added.

> Get more U.S. Open coverage - slideshows, video, schedules, results and more.

Posted in: Competitions • Events • Local surfers recognized • US Open of Surfing 2009 • Huntington Beach • Hurley • San Clemente • US Open | Post a Comment »

Sand Shots: Ocean Festival in San Clemente

July 18th, 2009, 12:55 pm by Laylan Connelly, staff writer

I went down to the Ocean Festival down in San Clemente, and it was a great day to spend down at the beach.

There were tons of families enjoying all the booths or just relaxing on the sand, while competitors were out working hard doing races. If you’re into Woodies, they had some beauties lined up on the pier.

Check out this slideshow I pulled together of the event.

There’s something for everyone - fishing derbies and sand castle contests for the kids, a Woody car exhibit, California Waterman and Waterwoman championship, bodysurfing lessons and more. One of the most exciting events to watch is the Dory boat races. In case you want to head down, here’s the schedule for Sunday.

And be sure you get there early, parking will be tough:

Parking/Shuttle Info:
Free parking and round trip shuttle service from San Clemente High School (700 Avenida Pico, SC 92672)!

Directions to Shuttles:
I-5 to Ave. Pico; go 1/4 mile inland to San Clemente High School on the right. Limited parking is available near the pier.

Directions to San Clemente Pier:
- From I-5 southbound, exit Avenida Palizada, turn right to El Camino Real, turn left to Avenida Del Mar, turn right and follow to beach.
- From I-5 Northbound, exit Presidio, turn left to El Camino Real, turn right to Avenida Del Mar, turn left and follow to beach.

Posted in: Beach culture • Competitions • Events • Sand Shots • Ocean Festival • ocean swimming • San Clemente | Post a Comment »

Wounded veterans will learn to surf

July 16th, 2009, 3:31 pm by Jeff Malanca, contributing writer

wounded-veteran-surfing The Doheny Longboard Surfing Association is looking for a handful of volunteers to help a group of wounded soldiers learn to surf.

Approximately ten veterans from the Wounded Warrior Project will take part in this special event. Most of these soldiers are amputees or suffer from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

If you have some good surfing experience and you want to help out some people who have fought for our country then this is an amazing opportunity.

Killer Dana surf shop in Dana Point is loaning several soft-top surfboards for the day and Quiksilver is donating backpacks and beach towels for each wounded soldier.

All volunteers will need to sign a waiver and have it turned in at least one week prior to the event so that they can get everyone on the access list to the marine base. For more info. contact Tom Dolton at tdolton@cox.net.

When: The morning of Saturday, August 1.

Where: Camp Pendleton, San Onofre beach. The exact location is cabana 1 and 2 which are the two cabanas on the northern end of the beach closest to the surf area.

Posted in: Beach news • Events • Latest surf news • Surf Junkie Jeff • Surfing • quiksilver • San Clemente • San Onofre | 1 Comment »

San Clemente Ocean Festival this weekend

July 16th, 2009, 8:11 am by Laylan Connelly, staff writer

The annual San Clemente Ocean Festival is going down this weekend, so head down to check out some of the action.

The festival started three decades ago as a friendly competition to see who could claim the title as the toughest lifeguard around. There’s still a strong lifeguard presence, with Orange County guards working hard to protect their turf from the L.A. guards.

oceanp0720kjs15_

Here’s a complete schedule for Saturday and Sunday.

And be sure you get there early, parking will be tough:

Parking/Shuttle Info:
Free parking and round trip shuttle service from San Clemente High School (700 Avenida Pico, SC 92672)!

Directions to Shuttles:
I-5 to Ave. Pico; go 1/4 mile inland to San Clemente High School on the right. Limited parking is available near the pier.

Posted in: Beach culture • Beach news • Competitions • Environment • Events • Ocean Festival • San Clemente | Post a Comment »

Water temperature on the rise

June 21st, 2009, 1:27 pm by Jeff Malanca, contributing writer

We already had one warm-up nearly a month ago where the water temperature got up to about 68 degrees for about a week, but then suddenly it dropped down to the high 50’s again.

If you haven’t paddle out lately, then do yourself a favor and put away that fullsuit for now and break out the springer or even a pair of surf trunks.

Huntington Beach lifeguards are calling it 67 degrees today, Newport Beach lifeguards are reporting 67 as well and down south in San Clemente it’s also 67 degrees in the water. Let’s just pray that it stays warm for awhile this time!

Posted in: Beach news • Latest surf news • Surf Junkie Jeff • Surfing • Huntington Beach • Newport Beach • San Clemente | Post a Comment »

Patrick Gudauskas pulls off aerial flip again!

June 14th, 2009, 8:30 am by Laylan Connelly, staff writer

OC Register reporter Fred Swegles just wrote about another amazing display by San Clemente’s Patrick Gudauskas, who pulled off another aerial flip to nearly win the ASP event going down in the Maldives. Here’s a bit about what he wrote:

One history-making move was not enough for pro surfer Patrick Gudauskas this week at the $145,000 Sri Lankan Airlines Pro in the Maldives Islands.

Today the 23-year-old from San Clemente pulled a second aerial flip during the final and – incredibly – it wasn’t enough.

He placed second to Australia’s Owen Wright in what observers described as one of the most exciting Association of Surfing Professionals finals ever.

San Clemente's Patrick Gudauskas, midway through a rodeo clown aerial flip in the final of the SriLankan Airlines Pro today in the Maldive Islands.

Wright scored 19.23 out of a possible 20 on his two scoring rides in the final, Gudauskas 18.93.

The result boosted Wright into the No. 1 position in the ASP’s World Qualifying Series, a worldwide circuit in which hundreds of hopefuls seek ratings points to qualify for next year’s ASP World Championship Tour.

Gudauskas, who was No. 27, leapfrogged 20 spots to No. 7. Brett Simpson of Huntington Beach, who finished 37th of 128 surfers in the event, remains Orange County’s top-ranked WQS hopeful, at No. 5.

Pat Gudauskas (and Brett Simpson) is currently nominated for the OC Surfer of the Year contest. To vote, click here.

Posted in: ASP News • Beach culture • Beach news • Competitions • Events • Local surfers recognized • Surfing • Patrick Gudauskas • San Clemente • surf | Post a Comment »

Patrick Gudauskas advances into the Round of 24 in Maldives

June 11th, 2009, 3:48 pm by rshadley

Patrick Gudauskas (San Clemente, CA), 23, and former ASP World Tour Surfer Cory Lopez (Dana Point, CA), 32, are the only Orange County surfers remaining in the ASP 6-Star PRIME SriLanken Airlines Pro which is held at the roping lefthander of Pasta Point in the Maldives.

pat-gudauskas-maldives-2

Gudauskas continued to lead the international field once again when he blasted a solid 16.60 out of 20 heat total on his backhand to advance to the Round of 24 to claim his Round of 48 heat win over Lopez, who advanced in second, while eliminating Hawaiians Makuakai Rothman and Casey Brown from competition.

Gudauskas will face current ASP World Tour campaigner Aritz Aranburu (EUK), 24, and former ASP World Tour surfer Rodrigo Dornelles (BRA), 35, when competition resumes.

Lopez will tackle Brazilian talent Wiggoly Dantas and Hawaiian youngster Tonino Benson in his Round of 24 heat and is also guaranteed a 17th place finish overall in the event.

Posted in: ASP News • Beach culture • Beach news • Competitions • Events • Local surfers recognized • Surfing • Patrick Gudauskas • San Clemente • surf | Post a Comment »

Pat Gudauskas leads international field in Maldives

June 9th, 2009, 9:00 pm by rshadley

The San Clemente trio known as Patrick, Dane and Tanner Gudauskas are back on the road after a brief respite on the ‘QS and twin talent Patrick was a standout yesterday in his opening heat at Pasta Point in the Maldives.

An ASP WQS 6-Star PRIME rated event, the SriLanken Airlines Pro not only offers up idyllic scenery and waves, but the most points available towards qualification for the G-Boys’ ultimate dream, a spot on the ASP World Tour.

pat-gudauskas-maldives

Patrick earned the day’s top honors at the marquee event, smashing the highest heat total of 16.76 out of a possible 20 point score en route to his heat victory.

“That was a great start for me and I was really surprised,” Gudauskas said. “My warm up surfs yesterday and this morning were really ordinary and I was concerned with my surfing, but then right on time I had a fantastic heat.”

For the full report or to watch the SriLanken Airlines Pro log on to www.aspworldtour.com

Posted in: ASP News • Beach news • Competitions • Latest surf news • Local surfers recognized • Surfing • Uncategorized • Patrick Gudauskas • San Clemente • Surfing | Post a Comment »