HUNTINGTON BEACH

Many surfers noted it was fitting that as plans for Collins’ memorial materialized, the biggest swell in more than a year showed up – so large the event had to be postponed a day.

“It was strange timing,” said his son, A.J. “After everything, there was an explosion in the sea. Waves began to hit all coasts.”

About 2,000 people gathered under sunny skies on Sunday to partake in or watch the memorial paddle out, a Hawaiian tradition that allows surfers to pay tribute to one of their own who has died.

SEE PHOTOS OF THE GATHERING FOR SEAN COLLINS’ PADDLE OUT BELOW:

Collins revolutionized the way surfers sought waves, creating a surf forecasting website that allowed surfers to “Know Before You Go,” the Surfline slogan goes. The Seal Beach surfer died of a heart attack at age 59 on Dec. 26.

A ceremony prior to the paddle out was held on the sand where friends and loved ones spoke to the crowd. “I wish he could see the love of community in this world he created, and how many lives he blessed with his science,” A.J. said.

Speeches were given by big-wave riders Taylor Knox and Brad Gerlach, with stories about searching for massive waves around the world. A prayer was given by pastor and friend Sumo Sato. Among attendees were surfing royalty like surfwear creators Bob Hurley and Quiksilver’s Bob McKnight, along with several world champions.

Knox choked back tears as he talked about Collins, whom Collins knew when the World Tour surfer was just an up-and-coming grom in the ‘80s.

“He’s going to be really missed,” said Knox. “He’s an absolute legend. I’m just happy to know the guy… I know he’s here today.”
Huntington Surf and Sport owner and friend Aaron Pai talked about the spiritual connection Collins had with the weather and wind patterns.
“Smell that?” he recalled Collins asking him over breakfast one time in Mexico.
“Bacon and Eggs?” Pai replied.
The weather has shifted, Collins said, literally sniffing the air. He pulled up his Ipad to show a real-time video of a tropical storm brewing – and caught the next flight out to avoid getting pounded.

“He had this magic, this gift,” Pai said. “Who can smell a change in the weather? He had this magical gift, to be able to smell out waves, smell out storms.”

While hundreds of spectators lined the pier, a few hundred surfers took to the water – some clutching flowers – and formed a large circle on the south side of the pier. They held hands, splashed water to the sky.

“His influence on the millions of surfers and non-surfers will impact us for years and decades to come,” said Pai.  “He changed the way we searched for waves, and sought out swells around the world. This man influenced an entire generation.”

 Read the original story from the OC Register about Sean Collins’ life and accomplishments.

Thousands show for Surfline founder paddle out is a post from: OC Beach Blog

 Sourced from: OC Beach Blog

Related posts:

1. Surf Contest on Hold in Honor of Surfline Founder
2. Shock, Sadness and Fond Memories Over Sean Collins, Surfline Founder’s Death
3. Battle of the Paddle brings thousands to Doheny

We’ll have two winners: A popular vote, and judges’ pick. The popular vote winner will be decided by the number of “likes” by the end of the contest deadline. The judges’ pick will be decided by a panel of judges. Voting begins Sunday, January 8 at 5:01 p.m. and ends Wednesday, January 11 at 5 p.m.

We’ll publish both photos in the Outdoor section of the Orange County Register newspaper. The winners will also receive Spy eyewear.

There’s no doubt going to be plenty of big waves to shoot — get creative and have fun with the contest! Feel free to let us know where the photo was taken, but if it’s a secret surf spot a vague description is acceptable. While you can submit images from anywhere there are waves, we’ll give more consideration to photos taken at local beaches.

The winners will be announced on the OC Beaches Facebook page by Thursday at noon. Good luck!

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO OR TO ENTER AND WIN! 

January Big Wave Photo Contest! Sumbit and win is a post from: OC Beach Blog

 Sourced from: OC Beach Blog

Related posts:

1. Facebook photo contest winner – another HSS gift bag give out next week!
2. Sunset photo contest: Win two beachcruisers
3. Surf Contest on Hold in Honor of Surfline Founder

What started as a few friends doing something fun and different on New Year’s Day has turned into a tradition that grows with each year, now with hundreds of people showing up in swimsuits and crazy costumes to take a dip in the chilly water to wash off the old, and bring in the new.

CHECK OUT PHOTOS FROM THE EVENT BELOW:

“Everyone just gets to greet and wish each other a Happy New Year. It’s a beautiful thing. There’s no gift exchanged, there’s no expectations, it’s just a great day to just celebrate life,” said organizer Lee Love.

The event has turned into a fundraiser, with breakfast served in the morning and certificates available to raise funds for various charities like the International Surfing Museum in Huntington Beach, Canine Companions for Independence, Lions Hearing Clinic and Research Center, and more.

The haze was so thick through the morning that it was tough to see the ocean. But just as plungers started to make their way to the sand, the weather turned – the warm sun making it more tolerable to jump into the chilly 60-degree water.

“I knew it was going to burn off,” Love said. “It’s like June gloom in January.”

SEE THE VIDEO OF THE SURF CITY SPLASH HERE OR BELOW:

For Blair Wilges, of Pennsylvania, the dip wasn’t too intimidating – considering he’s done a polar plunge in the icy waters of Scotland.

“It’s colder than you’d like to know,” he said. “It was about 38-degrees outside, and the water wasn’t much warmer.”
So was he nervous about the Huntington Beach splash?

“It will be a refreshing dip – but not too frigid,” he said.

One of the best parts about the event is seeing what kind of crazy costumes people come up with. There are plenty of New Year’s party hats. There’s the pirate who goes all out every year, looking like he just walked off the set of “Pirates of the Caribbean.” One group of girls wore bright pink wigs. Pretty much anything goes at this beach party, which lasts no more than 15 minutes.

Jennifer Funke, of Redondo Beach, decided to show up in her Christmas pajamas, an apron and a fuzzy purple hat.
“I picked something that wouldn’t get destroyed and would be easy to wash,” she said, later learning that the pajamas got very heavy after getting drenched in the water.

Most people, however, just wore bikinis or board shorts.

“I’m a little scared about the coldness,” said Huntington Beach resident and first time splasher Shenoa Petersen, looking chilly in just her swimsuit.

Joining Petersen was Keith Townsend, who said they had been in the water the day prior – but with wetsuits on.

“She’s not chickening out,” he said.

This year, the Surf City Splash was held on the south side of the pier because of strong swell and rip currents. Lifeguards watched closely to make sure people didn’t get too close to the pier pilings, which waves could have smacked them into.

Those who weren’t brave enough to take a dip watched from the sand and hundreds lined the pier to watch.

Splashers of all ages lined the sand and as soon as the countdown was complete as noon struck, they rushed into the water. Friends and family splashed each other, sounds of screams and New Year’s horns filled the beach, and people ran out as quick as they ran in. Some stayed in the water to enjoy the cleanse.

Mason Bodle, 8, came out shivering.

“It’s so freezing. Really cold,” he said, before turning back around to the ocean. “I’m going back in.”
Among the oldest plungers were Hugh Goldstein, 83, and wife Amy, 78.

The couple – who have been married more than 50 years – came out of the cold water holding each others hands. It was the third year they’ve taken the plunge together.

“He’s holding me up,” she quipped.

“Our hands are frozen together,” Hugh said with a chuckle.

Starting the New Year with a splash in Huntington Beach is a post from: OC Beach Blog

 Sourced from: OC Beach Blog

Related posts:

1. Cabrillo Beach Polar Bears Splash Into 2012
2. Are you crazy enough to do the Surf City Splash on New Years?
3. Mike Morgan paddle out to benefit Seal Beach shooting victims

Hundreds of people show up on the sand – some wearing wild and wacky costumes – to do the 2012 Surf City Splash, where organizers do a 10-9-8… countdown, and revelers sprint into the water and take a dunk.

CHECK OUT PHOTOS FROM LAST YEAR’S EVENT:

“We’ll be washing off the old of 2011,” says organizer Lee Love.

The event is a great way to do something fun and different with friends and family, and it sounds like weather will be wonderful for this year’s event. People who just want to watch,  line the pier and sand to cheer for the splashers. The event is open to the public.

It also serves as a fund-raiser, with a pancake breakfast and T-shirts and certificates available before the event. The funds benefit several charities, including the International Surfing  Museum in Huntington Beach, Canine Companions for Independence, Lions Hearing Clinic and Research Center, SightFirst Foundation, Therapeutic Riding Center, and Project Self-Sufficiency.

The event started about a decade ago when Huntington resident Michael Parks and a few friends jumped in the water on New Years Day, and the event just caught on like wildfire.

Some revelers come dressed up with party hats, others in full blown costumes. There are pirates, clowns, and people trying to shock the hangovers out of their systems.

There are a lot of cultures that partake in similar “Polar Plunges,” mostly in colder temps like New York or Chicago. Many plunges serve as a fund-raiser for Special Olympics.

While we might be called chicken for gripping about the balmy 50-something waters in So Cal, it’s still a bit of a shock to jump into the water!

Information: www.HBSurfCitySplash.com

Are you crazy enough to do the Surf City Splash on New Years? is a post from: OC Beach Blog

 Sourced from: OC Beach Blog

Related posts:

1. Starting the New Year with a splash in Huntington Beach
2. Cabrillo Beach Polar Bears Splash Into 2012
3. Surf Contest on Hold in Honor of Surfline Founder

They’re putting together a lineup of about 20 longtime community members who helped frame the fabric of the quaint beach town. They will present their interviews on the Seal Beach Community Television Station. Among the 20 who will be featured, according to Appelgate, will be “people who lived here in the ’20s and experienced the roaring days.”

Sourced from: News

Related posts:

1. North Shore Winter: 15′+ Swell Winds Down
2. Mike Morgan paddle out to benefit Seal Beach shooting victims
3. Experts Map Out Best Holiday Displays in Seal Beach

Michael Pless, owner of M & M Surf School, has been dressing up as Surfing Santa for 17 years, bringing cheer to the beach and a holiday vibe to the line up. He dresses up in a custom-made Coral Reef wetsuit to keep warm, and tries to get his hat and beard filled with water.

Surfing Santa is a famous fixture in Seal Beach, and photos of him have been published around the world. He’s even on Islands restaurant gift cards this year.

CHECK OUT PHOTOS OF SURFING SANTA BELOW: 

“Look for Santa in the water and we’ll take some pictures and pose for you,” he said. “It brings the spirit of Christmas to the beach.”

Young Charlie Peck, of Long Beach, looked in near shock as Santa walked along the sand to get his board. He walked over and whispered in Santa’s ear that he’d like a green Power Ranger sword.

“He said to me, ‘I didn’t know Santa liked the beach’,” said his mom Erin Peck.

Santa can be found surfing through Dec. 31, just look for the M & M Surf School truck and you know he’s near.

Santa was up to no good up in Mountain High, and I was cracking up at this video and had to share. He was up on the mountain ripping, spraying down riders as he passed and bringing some serious mischief to the mountain. I had no idea Santa could be so bad!

Check out the video below:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Santa rips surfing and snowboarding … really! is a post from: OC Beach Blog

 Sourced from: OC Beach Blog

Related posts:

1. Balboa Village Creates Joyful Magic for Hundreds with Carriage Rides & Santa
2. Day 1 of the Vans World Cup of Surfing at Sunset Beach, Hawaii
3. Surfing Legends Aren’t Deterred by Age or Sloppy Surf in Quicksilver Contest

Morgan grew up in the Long Beach and Seal Beach area, getting his first surf gig at Harbour Surfboards. In the 80s, he was a nationally-ranked surfer for the NSSA National Team. He then became a coach, and in the 90s took the mic to start announcing events.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE IMAGES OF MIKE MORGAN:

“His passion for the sport was huge and that translated through his commentary. You could feel the excitement. His sense of humor was sometimes relentless… Tongue-in-cheek remarks would sometimes get him into hot water, but it was all done in fun,” reads the announcement for the paddle out.

For many years, Morgan – referred to as the “Chuck Hearn of Surfing” – announced alongside close friend  Rick “Rockin’ Fig” Fignetti.

His death shocked the surf community, and brought them together for his paddle out memorial at the Huntington Beach Pier, where 300 surfers formed a circle, splashed water to the sky and paid tribute to him.

“You can tell what kind of a person someone is by how many friends he has,” Deffenbaugh said in an OC Register archive article. “I’m happy we were able to give our time, for all the time he gave us.”

Tom Cozad, who shot photos of the event from the water, called Morgan a legend.

“He could talk from dawn to dusk and keep everyone motivated about surfing,” Cozad said in the past article.
Here’s more about the “Morgan’s Wave of the Day Paddleout Fundraiser”

Mike left us suddenly, passing away in his sleep and leaving the surf community at a huge loss, as well as in shock. Mike’s contribution to the cities of Seal Beach and Huntington Beach for his donated services for their annual city surf events as well as the professional surf scene are greatly missed and the Morgan’s Wave of the Day event is our way of giving back.

It’s the celebration and memorial of Mike Morgan’s life but to also raise funds to those who have been affected by the tragedy and loss of the Seal Beach 8 this past year.

Mike’s spirit still lives. Mention his name at the pier and people smile. People who knew him always have a positive, upbeat story about Mike. Hawaiians have Eddie, North Cal has Jay, Orange County has Mike Morgan.

Every year a paddle out is held on winter solstice, and will raise funds for local charity in Mike’s honor. Seal Beach Victim’s Fund will receive the funds raised from T-shirt sales this year.

More stories about the Seal Beach shootings:

• Seal Beach honors 4 who were first at shooting scene
• Plans for Seal Beach ‘musical healing’ event canceled
• SUVs hit the snow to honor Seal Beach victim
• Drive kicks off for Seal Beach shooting memorial funds

Mike Morgan paddle out to benefit Seal Beach shooting victims is a post from: OC Beach Blog

 Sourced from: OC Beach Blog

Related posts:

1. Slideshow: Surfer Mike Morgan Remembered
2. Thousands show for Surfline founder paddle out
3. UPDATE: 8 Dead in Seal Beach Shooting; Custody Feud Cited as Motive

Here’s to a prosperous, healthy and happy 2012!  If you like any of the shots you can search our site in the upper right hand corner to see more photos from any particular day.Take a look at some of the best of 2011 (CLICK ON THE IMAGE BELOW TO VIEW THE PHOTOS)

BEST OF 2011: Surf Photos (Click to view more)

BEST OF 2011: Surf Photos (click to view more)

Best of 2011: Surf & Beach Photos is a post from: OC Beach Blog

 Sourced from: OC Beach Blog

Related posts:

1. Swell Sticks around Thursday – Photos from Lowers
2. Are you crazy enough to do the Surf City Splash on New Years?
3. Merry Christmas – fun surf on the way!

Here’s a highlight video of the Vans Triple Crown below:

North Shore Winter: 15′+ Swell Winds Down is a post from: OC Beach Blog

 Sourced from: OC Beach Blog

Related posts:

1. North Shore Winter: Big swell starts to show at Off the Wall
2. Coconut Wireless – episode 1 from the North Shore
3. Swell Finally Arrives for the Vans Triple Crown

Hundreds of people enjoyed the Balboa Village Business Improvement District’s Second Annual Christmas Tree/Menorah Lighting recently. Also on hand at the event were new Newport Beach Mayor Nancy Gardner, Explore Ocean Newport Harbor Nautical Museum Executive Director Rita Stenlund and Balboa Bay Boat Rental Company Owner Ralph Rodheim. This was the first time a horse drawn carriage took more than 100 happy folks of all ages on a ride from the Village to the Beachfront Boardwalk up Main Street toward the lighted Balboa Pavillion, then left behind Bay Arcade to the parking lot. A memorable and wonderful time was had by all. Santa arrived and listened to many kids wishes. Thanks to Santa and the Carriage Occasion for providing so much joy. I’d also like to Thank Former Newport Beach Mayor Michael Henn for donating $500 to help purchase the Christmas tree. If you haven’t been to Balboa Village It’s a Must See. There is Patrick Moore’s fabulous Ferris Wheel, Two Arcades, Boat Rental Companies, Restaurants and The Newport Harbor Nautical Museum.

Photo:  Balboa Village Christmas Tree being lit.

 Sourced from: Surf City News

Related posts:

1. Santa rips surfing and snowboarding … really!
2. Newport Boat Parade Billed as One of Nation’s Top Holiday Treats
3. Family holiday happenings

By Chris MacDonald, Writer/Photographer, The Local News Columnist

There’s a new mural on the side of the Post Office, showing the beauty of Sunset Beach, the first beach Artist Katy Brack went to when she arrived in California from England years ago. Katy was selected as the best applicant in a recent contest, sponsored by Las Damas Women’s Club and the United States Postal Service. Included on the judging panel was noted painter Bill Anderson, owner of Anderson’s Art Gallery in Sunset Beach.

This is an exciting amenity to have on the cute Sunset Beach Post Office. Katy was delighted her artwork was selected. Helping make the painting “lifesize” was Margie Zuliani, an artist, muralist, and Katy’s acrylics teacher at Orange County Fine Arts. Margie helped Katy work out what supplies were needed and she visited the site every day for support and assistance in making the painting a reality. Tom Wolf, a noted muralist, also helped in the project. Tom met Katy before she started working on the mural to give his advice on development and paint. Tom’s most recent mural is at Hollywood and Vine. While they were painting, Jim Mohoff rode by on his bike and offered his help.

“He is a professional house painter and his skill and great sense of humor kept us entertained while we worked on the mural,” Katy said. Her artist friend, Viola Chang, supplied a photograph of Catalina for background reference. Katy also would like to thank her husband, Andrew, and children, Arianna and Dominic, who also helped with the painting.

Thanks Katy and crew for making Sunset Beach a more beautiful and brighter place. You can learn more about Katy Brack at: www.katybrack.com . Her e-mail address is: artykaty@gmail.com .

Photo:
1. Dominic Brack, Katy Brack and Margie Zuliani posing in front of the completed mural of Sunset Beach.

 Sourced from: Surf City News

Related posts:

1. Day 1 of the Vans World Cup of Surfing at Sunset Beach, Hawaii
2. Sunset photo contest: Win two beachcruisers
3. Starting the New Year with a splash in Huntington Beach

It’s almost time for the 103rd Annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, a longtime SoCal favorite that is now being hailed as one of the best holiday extravaganzas in the country.Beginning at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, the boat parade will set sail in Newport Harbor Harbor, showcasing about 100 intricately decorated yachts, boats, kayaks and canoes for five nights. The parade, which charts a 14-mile route through the harbor, runs every evening through Sunday, Dec. 18, from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Every year, the boat parade attracts close to a million visitors to Newport Beach, and it was recently named by Yahoo! Travel as one of the nation’s top 10 destinations for holiday lights.

Yahoo rated the parade No. 2 on its list, trailing New York City but ahead of Walt Disney World.

“The Christmas Boat Parade illustrates many of the qualities that make Newport Beach a terrific place to live or visit: the active harbor, beautiful scenery – and the holiday spirit, sense of community and fun found throughout our town,” Mayor Mike Henn told Patch.

The parade can be viewed for free from public waterfront areas on the Balboa Peninsula and Balboa Island, as well as from several waterfront establishments along the route. Check the boat parade website for viewing information. A fireworks show – launched from the Balboa Pier – will wrap up the boat parade on Sunday at 9 p.m.

 Sourced from: Los Alamitos-Seal Beach Patch

Related posts:

1. Balboa Village Creates Joyful Magic for Hundreds with Carriage Rides & Santa
2. Police to Conduct Holiday DUI Patrols This Weekend
3. Experts Map Out Best Holiday Displays in Seal Beach

Related posts:

1. Plane Crash Kills Seal Beach CEO
2. Shore Patrol: Stories of Seal Beach of old
3. H.B. senior is third-generation homecoming queen

The waves weren’t huge – but at least it was something. A northwest swell delivered waves in the 4-5 foot range at spots along the O.C. coast, and it should hold and even get a bit bigger on Monday, before dropping to 2-3 foot on Tuesday, according to Surfline.com.

The wind stayed down and the water was glassy, the only bummer was overcast skies and chilly weather. But hey, definitely better than nothing.

Check out some of the surf shots from Sunday in Huntington Beach:

Fun waves show up in O.C. – finally! is a post from: OC Beach Blog

 Sourced from: OC Beach Blog

Related posts:

1. Swell Finally Arrives for the Vans Triple Crown
2. Surfline: Waves, but also some weather
3. Thousands show for Surfline founder paddle out

A winter storm rolled into Southern California this morning and began bringing rain to Orange County, according to the National Weather Service.

Forecasters say cool temperatures and showers will remain throughout the morning and heavier rain will arrive in the afternoon. Winds will also pick up today and there is a slight chance for thunderstorms and ocean waterspouts. Tuesday will be mostly cloudy with a 50 percent chance of rain, highs will be in the low 60s. Throughout the storm, overnight lows in the Orange County area are expected to be in the low 40s and daytime highs will be in the low 60s, according to the National Weather Service.

The storm is expected to bring between one quarter and three-quarters of an inch of rain to the coastal plains and hills of Southern California. Heavy snowfall is expected in the mountains above 5,000 feet with lesser amounts down to around 4,000 feet.

-City News Service

 Sourced from: Los Alamitos-Seal Beach Patch

Related posts:

1. Alaskan Storm Could Bring Rain, Hail and Thunder Sunday
2. Fickle Weather: From Fog to Windy Heat to Cool Rainstorm
3. Summer, Come out, Come Out Wherever You Are

The buzz on the beach was all about the match up during the quarterfinals with Slater, a 11-time World Champion, and John John Florence, a 19-year-old rookie on the World Tour who calls Pipeline home.

CHECK OUT PHOTOS OF BIG-WAVES AND WIPE OUTS ON THE NORTH SHORE FOR DAY 2 OF COMPETITION.

Will years of wisdom be what advances Slater  in the 10-15 foot surf? Or will it be local knowledge, and a freshness to the scene that will give us a glimpse into surfing’s future that takes the trophy?

Some say it was a rookie mistake that allowed Slater to come back from way behind during his 30-minute quarterfinal heat against Florence, who lead with high scores of 9.70 and a 7.0 against very low-scoring waves against Slater.

Florence had priority with just minutes on the clock – he could have sat on Slater to try to keep him off the waves, but went on a wave that ended up getting him a small score. Slater – with just minutes on the clock – took off off bombs that got him a 9.70, then with just a minute on the clock backed it up with a 7.83 – taking the win.

Florence was a favorite, especially after Round 4 when he basically showed the 39-year-old that just because he’s not even allowed to legally drink an alcoholic beverage – he should still be taken seriously.

In Round 4 Friday, Florence went up against Slater – posting a 17.67 against Slater’s 8.50, sending the veteran surfer to battle in Round 5 to advance to the quarterfinals. Now, they are in the same heat during the quarterfinals later today.

John John, 19, wasn’t even born when Slater won his first Triple Crown title.

“This is definitely a dream, just surfing these waves at my home break, beating Kelly… This has definitely been the best year I’ve ever had,” he said.

It wasn’t an easy road to get where they are. The waves have battered surfers with wipeouts since the start on Thursday, sending surfers to shore with broken boards, and broken spirits. Limbs are torn out of sockets, blood drips from body parts after hitting the reefs. Kieren Perrow had chunks of his hands of feet ripped from him – but in the process, made the quarterfinals and re-qualified for the tour next year.

Even Florence, who knows this spot better than anyone, slammed his face on the reef during a practice session, his face swollen and scabbed up. Slater came out with a busted board, blood on his arm.

The contest resumes today in surf expected to be a bit smaller. The winner of the event takes $75,000, and the Vans Triple Crown champ earns a $10,000 bonus.

It was a great day for the Hawaiian surfers, with local John John Florence, just 19-years-old, dominating in his heats, showing he knows the spot as well as anyone. He’s leading in points for the Triple Crown of Surfing, and once again had a stellar performance today as he went up against Damien Hobgood in Round 3.

Florence had a high 9.17 and with seconds on the clock backed it up with a 9.3 just as he wrapped up his heat.

Even though the young Hawaiian probably knows this wave as well as anyone, he isn’t immune to the dangers of Pipe, his face cut up and jaw swollen from hitting the reef this morning.

“This morning I took off on a double up, and really hit my face on the bottom,” he said. “It’s a gnarly wave, and anyone can get hurt out there. I was feeling too comfortable and got a little slap. ”

His total score this morning came out to a 19.10 (out of 20), and he’s posted up the best scores of the contest, with a perfect 10 score on Day 1. He still has a few heats to go, but looks like the momentum is there.

“It’s kind of getting easier, but I still get nervous before I get out there,” he said. “The waves are big and it’s pumping Pipe.”

Even 11-time World Champ Kelly Slater took a beating, but winning his heat against Hawaiian Marcus Hickman.

His board came out buckled, leash plug out, scraps and blood on his body from taking some big falls.
“Basically we both went out there and couldn’t put it together,” he said. “I was just trying to get something going.”

Slater ended up falling to the same fate in the semi-finals – taking the wrong wave with 5-minutes on the clock in his heat against Australian Joel Parkinson, who needed a high score to overtake Slater. Parkinson was left out in the lineup alone, and got an 8.60 on a wave to clinch the win. Slater – even though he had a 9.23 on the board – didn’t have a second score big enough to win and was knocked out of the contest.

An all-Australian final is underway, with Kieren Perrow and Joel Parkinson going up against one another.

Watch the action live at vanstriplecrownofsurfing.com.

Beatings continue from big waves at Pipe contest is a post from: OC Beach Blog

 Sourced from: OC Beach Blog

Related posts:

1. Fun waves show up in O.C. – finally!
2. Vans giving away VIP trip for Pipe Masters
3. January Big Wave Photo Contest! Sumbit and win

After a week of 0′ to 2′ waves on the north shore of Oahu, a 3′ to 4′ swell made it’s way to Hawaii today. A starved stretch of seven miles with the worlds top pros setting around playing Xbox, fishing, jumping out of planes, playing golf and taking four hour naps jumped to life Sunday with Rocky Point showing some overhead sets.

The Reef Hawaiian Pro – the first of the 3-event Vans Triple Crown of Surfing series presented by Rockstar Energy Drink – will commence tomorrow, Monday November 21, and run three consecutive days to crown a champion on Wednesday.

“In the 29-year history of running the Vans Triple Crown, we’ve never gone this far without running one competitive day,” says Randy Rarick, Executive Director of the Series. “But we knew it was possible, given it’s a La Nina year. We saw a similar pattern last year, but this year La Nina is more strengthened. This is precisely why we have a 12-day window. Without it, the event would not have been able to start.”

The swell finally arrived and the lineups were packed.

Click here or on image below to view more photos

(Click to view more) The first swell to come into the Hawaiian Islands in a week arrived today bringing 3′ to 4′ waves to some spots on the north shore. Wave starved surfers packed the line ups from Lani’s to V-land. November 20, 2011

The period allocated to the Reef Hawaiian Pro started November 12 and runs through the 23rd.

“A new WNW swell will fill in tomorrow and hold through Wednesday to allow us to run the Reef Hawaiian Pro straight through the final three days of its holding period,” says Managing Director Marty Thomas.

“Heat times for the first three rounds have been adjusted to 20 minutes duration, potentially increasing to 25 or 30 minutes for the later rounds, but it just depends upon whether we get an 8am start or a midday start tomorrow.”

The new swell is forecast to be in the shoulder-high range with clean, offshore conditions, but may take the morning to fill in, hence the possible midday start. Stay tuned to VansTripleCrownOfSurfing.com for updates.

Among those who will take to the waves on the opening day of competition are: Flynn Novak (HAW), Jamie O’Brien (Haw), Tim Reyes (CA), Jack Freestone (AUS), and Maui surfers Ian Gentil and Ian Walsh.

John Salanoa

Swell Finally Arrives for the Vans Triple Crown is a post from: OC Beach Blog

 Sourced from: OC Beach Blog

Related posts:

1. North Shore Winter: 15′+ Swell Winds Down
2. Fun waves show up in O.C. – finally!
3. Swell Sticks around Thursday – Photos from Lowers

A perfect beach scene photo posted up by Luke Dawson on the OrangeCounty.com facebook page, earning him the win for this week’s contest!

We asked our fans to post their favorite Beach Scenes photo to our OrangeCounty.com Facebook page, and more than a dozen people posted up photos and got their friends to hit the “like” button.

It’s our way of getting our friends pumped about the holidays by giving back a little something – big thanks to Huntington Surf and Sport for hooking us up with the goodies!

We had so much fun this week seeing your photos, we’re gonna do it again! We’ll kick off next week’s contest next Monday, with the winner of the week announced Friday.

Same concept – most “likes” on a beach photo wins. Same gifts up for grabs. We’ll put up a reminder next Monday.

And don’t forget we have our big MyOC Fall Sunset photo contest going too! There’s been more than 100 entries to that contest, which ends on Nov. 30. It’s not too late to enter, or click here just to see what photos have been submitted.

The winner of that contest is picked by judges at OrangeCounty.com, and wins a pair of beachcruisers and a feature in the soon-to-be release OrangeCounty.com magazine!

Good luck everyone!

More Orange County beach news:

Facebook photo contest winner – another HSS gift bag give out next week! is a post from: OC Beach Blog

 Sourced from: OC Beach Blog

Related posts:

1. January Big Wave Photo Contest! Sumbit and win
2. Sunset photo contest: Win two beachcruisers
3. Beatings continue from big waves at Pipe contest

CHECK OUT SOME SNAPS FROM SATURDAY ON THE MOUNTAIN:

The mountain will open Sunday at 8:30 a.m., with early season prices at just $45 (instead of $59). You might want to make sure you’re stocked up on gear – snowmaking is happening, so make sure you have gloves, goggles, and a face mask – those little bits of snow blowing into your face can hurt!

There were plenty of people making sure they had all their gear in order at the 20th annual Surfside Sports Snow Carnival, where about 20 retailers set up tents in the Costa Mesa business’ parking lot, with carnival-like games for people to win everything from gloves, beanies, socks, even snowboards.

The Snow Carnival has blown up over the years, and Saturday’s gathering was in full force – Skullcandy had a DJ out for music, the crew at the Vans tent were grilling up hot dogs, and each booth had fun ways to give out prizes and raise money – darts, ring tosses, you name it.

“The whole community is here,” said owner Duke Edukas. “It’s a way for us to give back.”

It’s not all about what kind of swag you can walk away with – this year, all the proceeds help the Blind Children’s Learning Center, specifically 14- month-old Mason Lopes, who is visually impaired because of optic nerve damage.

Mason is the son of Surfside buyer Rupa, and former Surfside employee Charissa Budd.

“We do all kinds of therapy,” said Budd. “You just accept it and move forward with it, and we have a lot of support. It’s huge, it’s pretty awesome.

At the Von Zipper booth, 18-year-old Josh Bor forked over $5 to get a wild hair cut to help with a donation. Throughout the day, the Fullerton snowboarder won beanies, a hat, and a skateboard by stuffing 15 marshmallows in his mouth.

Von Zipper owner Greg Tomlinson (GT) posed for a photo op with Bor, giving his approval: “That’s a great look.”

CHECK OUT SOME OF THE WILD HAPPENINGS AT THE SURFSIDE SNOW CARNIVAL:

Nice haircut. Check out the fun times at the Surfside Snow Carnival

There was plenty going on through the day, with autograph signings with pro riders, photo ops and not to mention the sales on snowboard gear.

“We’re here to support Duke and the community – he supports the sport, and we support him,” said Brent Lantz, director of sales for Analog. “The vibe is great.  The kids are here, the parents are here. You can play games, get raffle tickets to win prizes. We had a great storm,  so now they come here and win all the gear.”

For more snowboard stories, check out some of the articles below:

Snow season starts: Mt. High opens and Surfside Snow Carnival is a post from: OC Beach Blog

 Sourced from: OC Beach Blog

Related posts:

1. North Shore Winter: Big swell starts to show at Off the Wall

The contest is much different than any other you’ll ever witness, and Mother Nature and the surf gods are so fickle that they’ve only brought waves and conditions ripe enough to run eight times out of the last 27 years. The contest is held on a single day between Dec. 1 through Feb. 29, only if waves reach at least 20-feet and conditions are clean enough – and if the waves don’t show, the contest doesn’t run and surfers wait until the following year.

There’s only 28 surfers from around the world who get invited, with a list of 24 alternatives. Greg’s brother Rusty is among alternatives.

Who can forget when “The Eddie,” as most refer to it, ran in 2009 – when San Clemente big-wave rider Greg Long won the prestigious event over 11-time World Champ Kelly Slater?

CHECK OUT A SLIDESHOW FROM THE 2009 “QUIKSILVER IN MEMORY OF EDDIE AIKAU CONTEST”:

“I’m humbled to even be in this event,” Long told the crowd after his win. “It’s about that respect, friendship and camaraderie in the lineup,  which I know Eddie had out there.”

The Eddie came close to running again in January of this year, but while the surf was massive, swell wasn’t consistent enough to run.

Eddie Aikau is one of the most respected Hawaiian surfers in history, who passed away in 1978 after attempting a 2,500 mile voyage that followed the ancient route of the Polynesian migration between the Hawaiian and Tahitian island chains.

When the boat capsized, Aikau attempted to paddle back to land to get help, and the 31-year-old was never seen again.

Here’s more history about the Eddie:

Eddie Aikau hit the scene in 1966, kicking off a relationship with Waimea that would become legendary – saving countless lives as the Bay’s first official lifeguard and surfing for up to eight hours at a time without breaks, riding beautifully.

More than the wave, the rider, or the equipment, it was the camera capturing the images that brought about international awareness and elevated Waimea to what was perceived as a recognition wave.

Television coverage, contests, and the pro surfing movement all started to gel around the time and surfing was becoming a legitimate lifestyle. Surfers who came for a season ended up staying, and pretty soon Waimea had a solid base of big wave chargers: Mike Diffenderfer, Owl Chapman, Reno Abellira, Sam Hawk, Downing, Cole, Grigg, Kimo Hollinger, Buzzy Trent, Jose Angel, Aikau, Kealoha Kaeo and Tiger Espere.

With the 1980s came the redefinition of the way Waimea was surfed. While the takeoff remained the crux of the ride, maneuvers offered a whole new challenge as surfers looked to transpose a new standard of carving turns onto the expansive canvas of Waimea.

In the winter of 1984/’85, the first Eddie Aikau Memorial was held at Sunset Beach. The next winter Quiksilver took this event to a new level, relocating it to Waimea Bay . They invited big wave specialists from around the world, and provided a platform for showcasing the sport’s high-end, and performance levels went through the roof…

For more info on the event, or updates, check out Quiksilver.com/Eddie.

Check out the higlights from that event in this video:

Click here to view the embedded video.

LIST OF INVITEES:

Brock Little – HAW

Bruce Irons – HAW

Clyde Aikau – HAW

Dave Wassel – HAW

Greg Long – USA

Jamie O’Brien – HAW

Jamie Sterling – HAW

Kala Alexander – HAW

Kelly Slater – USA

Keone Downing – HAW

Kohl Christensen – HAW

Makua Rothman – HAW

Mark Healey – HAW

Michael Ho – HAW

Nathan Fletcher – USA

Noah Johnson – HAW

Peter Mel – USA

Ramon Navarro – CHL

Reef McIntosh – HAW

Ross Clarke – Jones – AUS

Rusty Keaulana – HAW

Shane Dorian – HAW

Sunny Garcia – HAW

Tom Carroll – HAW

Two O.C. surfers make 2011 “In Memory of Eddie Aikau” invitee list is a post from: OC Beach Blog

 Sourced from: OC Beach Blog

Related posts:

1. Best of 2011: Surf & Beach Photos
2. O.C.’s 25 best restaurants of 2011
3. Swell Finally Arrives for the Vans Triple Crown