May 2006 Issue
A Day in the Life of a Grom
By Grey Lockwood
Photo: Will Russ
What is a grom? Is there an actual definition for the word “Grom”? Well yes, and no, depending on who you talk to. Some people, such as NSSA contest directors, will tell you that once a surfer has reached 18 years old he or she is no longer considered a grom. Then you have Surfing Magazines “Hot 100” which showcases “groms” under the age of 20 years old. On the other hand, many people that surf only for fun say that age doesn’t matter when deciding whether or not someone is a still a “grom”. It’s all in the mindset when you go for a surf. If you are in your mid-50’s and still get stoked on freezing cold dawn patrols or four hour super-sessions at your favorite waveriding venue, then you qualify.
So what is it like to be a grom these days? Being 26, I don’t consider myself an authority on the issue, but I can say I’m confident in telling you that times they are a changin’. Being first and foremost a photographer, I spend more time dragging kids out of bed, listening to the latest drama, and hanging out at contests than I care to talk about. Parents have become a huge part of making surfing an acceptable family sport just like little league baseball or AYSO soccer. Pro surfing has become a legitimate career and this has lured many kids into chasing their dreams of getting paid to surf all day. So do these kids go to school? Sure, but it’s usually only when the waves are small. Of all the kids in this issue, I think only 1 out of 5 actually attends normal public school. This leaves weekends free of homework and open for traveling up and down the coast for contests and other surfing related activities.
Back in the day being a grom meant hanging out at the beach on weekends, eating junk food, and causing trouble all over town. These days many of the kids in the under 17 category are making six figure salaries by the time they graduate high school. Days are filled with training by top level surf instructors, personal trainers and nutritionists. Many of the amateur contests include a Pro division that usually hands out more for first prize than a top level pro was making in the 80’s.
I called up a couple kids and asked them what a normal day was like for them and this is what I got. Usually wake up between 6:00-7:00am and check the buoys on the computer to see which direction the swell was coming from. Head north or south and depending on direction and find some waves. One thing I can assure you is that when these kids get together its not all fun and games. They are constantly pushing each other in the water even if it is only for bragging rights. They are doing things on surfboards that would make Duke Kahanamoku roll over in his grave. After a surf it’s time to find the nearest donut shop and see who can inhale the most sugar before surf session number two. If the wind has come up then maybe a little school work will get done. Other things you can find these kids doing might include playing drums, shaping boards, doing ding repair, or my personal favorite, chasing girls!!! Then it’s back to the beach for at least one more session before the dinner bell rings.
Having some of the best waves in California within twenty miles of each other has helped many kids push their surfing to levels that most of us could only hope to achieve. But, having local names like Curren, Bobby, Dane, and TImmy to look up to has proven to be a huge factor in showing groms that surfing for a living is possible if you are willing to put in the time and effort it takes to succeed. So are these kids putting all of their eggs in one basket? Well, not necessarily. many of these kids are going full board and really want to succeed as professionals, but they also realize that getting an education is the most important part of being a grom. Some already have jobs working for their sponsors which could lead to full time jobs in the surf industry.
There is one thing in common with all these kids. They are all so stoked to live the lives they do and for the most part they realize how lucky they are to be a part of the surfing community. The sport we call surfing has evolved with every passing year and it will continue to do so until the end of time. So whether you’re a seven year old girl standing up for the first time on a Doyle or a sixty year old man with decades of wave riding under your belt, the feeling of walking on water will never change. I’m grateful to see what these kids are accomplishing and I am excited to see what the future has in store for them. So now that I’ve told you about what it’s like being a grom these days ask yourself one question, what’s you definition of grom?
Posted May 2006 Blue Edge Magazine. All rights reserved.
Team Curren
Bill Tover talks to World Champ Tom Curren about his own family of surfers
By Bill Tover
Photo: Tover
Aloha Tom! Looks like you are doing a pretty darn good job of creating your own personal “Curren” surf team. Your daughter Leeann (age 16) and son Nathan (age 14) are already accomplished surfers with your support, as well as the support from Channel Islands Surfboards, Quicksilver and Evian water. Please share with us your experiences mentoring and surfing with your two youngest sons, Frank and Pat.
Both Leeann and Nathan are regular foot, so it’s quite interesting that Frank and Pat are both goofy foot. I enjoy getting to see them perform and improve at a younger age. In France the ocean is warmer thus Leeann and Nathan didn’t have too much problem dealing with colder water like here in California. I find it interesting how Pat and Frank are adapting to colder water and now don’t seem to mind it. --T.C
Posted May 2006 Blue Edge Magazine. All rights reserved.
Toes to the Nose
Cole Robbins
By Branden Aroyan
Photo: Aroyan
Age: 15
Sponsors: Quiksilver, Sex Wax, Infinity, A Frame Surf Shop
Home: Santa Barbara
Fun other than surfing: Hanging out with friends and listening to music.
Inspirations: Kelley Slater good music and Dad
Cole Robbins probably has an ancient Hawaiian surfer stirring in his soul anxiously eager to revisit the surf on a deeper level than most. Every session he surfs, it’s the set waves that you’ll find him on, connecting all the way through to the inside. And each barrel he’s in somehow lets him out into the next section. Each cutback, he expedites with patience and grace, powerfully placed back into the source of the wave. He takes nose ridding to another level by hanging heels and running back to the tail with a giddy smile on his face like he just had dessert before dinner. Brett and Cole, both fifteen years old are open minded and motivated. Their quiver of boards, Infinity and Wayne Rich, range from a 5’10” short boards to 9’1” long boards squash tails, diamond tails, flat concave and lots of concave single and tri fins.
Larry Ugale
By Branden Aroyan
Photo: Pu'u
Age: 18
Sponsors: Rebel Surfboards
Fun other than surfing: Playing guitar electric and acoustic, jamming with friends.
Favorite Surfers: Bonga Perkins for his fluid and powerful style and Shane Elder riding a fish.
Quiver: A 5’6” fish, a 6’0, a 7’0 gun, two 9’0 high performance 2’s, and one longboard with lots of concave.
Larry Ugale, a solid easy-going charger started surfing at age 4. His future plans include traveling to Costa Rica for the Rabbit Kakai Nose riding contest, competing in the US Open and enrolling in classes at Ventura College. He’s also interested in a possible move to the North Shore of Oahu to lifeguard with his cousin-- “To save people from the pumping surf.” After receiving phone call after phone call about the North Shore and how it was ‘going off’ over there, he’s enticed to get involved. His inspirations are riding waves and getting barreled in the deepest pits, his dad for being a great surfer and teaching him how to ride the nose and his cousin Pat for his Hawaiian power surfing.
Travels have taken him to Hawaii, Mexico and all over California.
Posted May 2006 Blue Edge Magazine. All rights reserved.
Top Dogs
Noah Erickson
Photo: Erickson
By Michael Kew 
STATS
DOB: February 15, 1988
STANCE: Regular
LOCAL SPOTS: Rocky Point and C Street
SPONSORS: O’Neill, IG Surf Shop, Gorilla Grip, FCS, Xanadu Surfboards
STARTED SURFING: 6 years old
STARTED COMPETING: 15 years old
SCHOOL: Home school
MUSIC – Tupac Shakur, Dead Poetic, Much The Same
Why do you think you were chosen to be one of Blue Edge’s Top 10 local groms?
Maybe because I’m a decent freesurfer? I don’t know. I’m not that great in surf contests, for some odd reason, but I’m a fun-to-watch freesurfer.
How did you get into surfing?
My dad was always down at the beach surfing, so I got a boogie board. When I started standing up on my boogie board, he said it was time for me to get a surfboard.
What is the best aspect about surfing around here?
Our pointbreaks.
Where have you traveled for surf?
I’ve been to Mexico, the East Coast, and all of the Hawaiian Islands. I have a trip to Australia coming up, and after that I’m going down to mainland Mexico, then I’m doing a boat trip in Indonesia.
Which surfers have influenced you?
The surfer who has influenced me the most is Jamie O’Brien, because I can relate to him a bit — his freesurfing is unbelievable, and it’s great knowing that there is more to surfing than just contests.
What would you like to accomplish after high school?
To finish the NSSA contest — I’ve got one more year doing those — and then focus on the ASP Pro Junior circuit. After that, I want to just really focus on Hawaii, maybe take a year off from the contest circuit and focus on Hawaii, getting Pipeline down, because it’s one of my favorite waves.
Describe an average day in your life.
Waking up, hopping on the computer, checking e-mails, doing schoolwork, going surfing for however long, wherever. Then I come back home, knock out a little more school work, maybe get an evening surf session in, and relax.
How did you get into competitive surfing?
I picked up a few sponsors when I was 12 or 13. When I was 14 or 15, they said, “You’re pretty darn good. When are you going to start competing?” Currently I do the NSSA’s Gold Coast and Southwest conferences, plus any random contests that pop up in between.
What is your favorite surf spot and why?
That would definitely have to be Pipeline. I started surfing it for about two months last spring; I had always been kind of afraid of it, but I just cowboyed up and went out there and got a couple of sick ones. Ever since then, I live, eat, and sleep that place.
Who are your favorite Pipe surfers?
Jamie O’Brien — he’s a freak — plus Andy Irons, Kelly Slater, and all the local boys.
How do you like living in Ventura?
At the point where I’m at right now, I’d rather be at my house in Hawaii. Ventura is cool and stuff — I’m pretty much here to finish the NSSA conferences — but I’d rather be surfing Pipe or something.
What is your favorite surfing maneuver?
Aerials and Barrels, for sure. If I had to pick one, it’d have to be barrels, if you can call that a maneuver. I’ve also been working on this weird little flip thing where, instead of doing an alley-oop, I grab both rails and invert it and make it upside down and land it back on the wave.
Any shout-outs?
I definitely want to thank my family and my sponsors for their support, and God, because if it wasn’t for Him, I wouldn’t be here. And there can’t be anything better in life than getting a check in the mail for going surfing — sometimes I just have to pinch
Cory Arrimbide
By Glenn Dubock
photo: Lockwood 
Age 16
DOB 6-22-89
Height 5'8''
Weight 130
Born in Ventura
Living in Ventura.
When did you learn to surf?
I learned to surf when I was about seven. I started surfing on this yellow boogie board then my dad and brother gave me this old Al Merrick. After that, I was hooked.
Who taught you?
My dad taught me mostly everything, but I really looked up to my brother and just wanted to do what he was doing.
Where was your first wave?
Oil Piers. It sucks they took it down.
Where is your favorite local wave?
Probably Rincon but the crowd kind of bugs me. The wave makes up for it though.
Best contest result?
Won the Pro and Pro-Am in the San Diego Pro contest.
Tell us about your most recent trip
I went to Barra where they were having the WCT contest and got to surf with some of the best like Andy Irons, Rob Machado, Pat O, Parsons and Dino Andino. It was crazy hot and those guys were maniacs. They would surf all day without eating anything. It was probably well over a hundred degrees on the beach and you couldn’t walk on the sand. The water wasn’t even refreshing because it was so warm. It was a really fun trip though.
What is your dream trip?
Indo with my friends, a photo guy, a filmer and some hotties. It would be perfect – I couldn’t ask for anything better. Oh, and to stay at Maccas most of the time since I am a goofy foot.
Future plans?
I want to start on the WQS more. School is hard but I am trying. I am over working so if surfing doesn’t work out, I’ll marry some rich chick. See, I have it all planned out mom and dad, don’t worry!
Best thing about being a traveling surfer?
You get to learn so much about how everything works surfing good waves and meeting new people.
Shout outs?
All my bros and the ladies that hang out in the garage!
Posted May 2006 Blue Edge Magazine. All rights reserved.
Groms 11 and Under
Decker Mcallister
By Peter Ganibi
Home Town: Montecito
Local Spot: Montecito
Age: 9
School: Montecito Union
Favorite Class: Art or PE
Sports: Baseball
Position: First Base
Job: Esau’s; busboy, cook
Sponsors: Surf Happens, Esau’s
Barrels or Air's?
If I was at Pipe I would like to get barreled. But when I'm somewhere like Rincon I love boosting big Air's.
When I see you out in the line-up, why the serious game face?
I don't know what you’re talking about! I smile; I don't know why people always say that!
When you’re surfing, who do you emulate?
I just try to have good style and try not to fall.
Who's got the best style in SB?
Tom Curren, of course. He's got the best style in the world, but Kelly’s the man, He's the man of all men.
Are you on a workout plan?
Every Monday and Wednesday I go to the track to train. Tuesdays & Thursdays I surf with Chris Keets. On the weekends, I surf with my dad.
What are your goals for the summer and fall?
To be really solid and to be able to pull an air reverse.
When I first met you last year, your Dad was pushing you into some solid surf. It seems like you don't mind when it's big.
I've surfed eight-foot Santa Cruz. It was the scariest thing Iv ever done.
I was out at Miramar on Big Wednesday with my Dad, I dropped late into a set wave, I was going so fast that I pulled out and I launched about twenty feet.
So what’s in your Quiver?
What’s a Quiver?
It's a collection of boards for different days.
No, that's not happening, if I ding my 4'10 I ride my 5'3 that's all.
I’ll ride my 5'3 if it’s a few feet over head, so I can paddle in.
What are your future career plans?
Pro surfer, if that doesn't work a Doctor. They make 900 dollars a night.
Is it time for shout-outs yet?
Go for it!
Keets for all the training and getting me there, Esaus for breakfast and lunch, Dad for teaching me how to surf, Mom for all the laundry and food.
Parker Coffin
By Grey Lockwood
Photo Courtesy of Hurley
Stats: 4’ 6”, 75lbs
DOB: September 26, 1995
STANCE: Goofy
LOCAL SPOT: Rincon
SPONSORS: Hurley, A-Frame Surf Shop, Channel Islands Esau’s Café, and Gold Coast Groms
STARTED SURFING: 2 years old
STARTED COMPETING: 7 years old
JOB: Being a Kid
SCHOOL: Montecito Union School
MUSIC: Not Country
NICKNAME: Squirt
Why do you think you were chosen to be one of Blue Edge’s Top 10 local groms?
Because I’m 4’ 6” tall and I surf like a guy who is 4’ 7” tall.
How did you get into surfing?
My Dad and Uncle pushed me into waves in Hawaii when I was 2.
What is your favorite thing about surfing?
Surfing in the water with your friends is the best.
Where have you traveled for surf?
Kauai, Maui, Cabo San Lucas, Sayulita, Rosarita, Ensenada, Tavarua,
Costa Rica, and soon to go to El Salvador.
Which surfers have influenced you?
Kelly Slater for his competitive spirit, Rob Machado for his style, Tom Curren for his barrels, Bruce Irons for his cutback and Blake Howard for his airs.
What would you like to accomplish before finishing high school?
I would like to win a National Title in the NSSA.
Describe an average day in your life.
Wake up, go to school, come home, eat a snack, surf, come home, do homework, eat dinner, go to bed.
How did you start competing?
At Chris Keet’s local contest series for Surf Happens.
What is your favorite surf spot and why?
Restaurants, because it is such a perfect, barreling, long, uncrowded, left, reef break.
Do you like living in Santa Barbara?
Yes, because it is such a beautiful place to live-- No, because it has cold water and no lefts.
What is your favorite surfing maneuver?
My cutback.
Any shout-outs?
My family, Toma Tomatsuri, JP Garcia, Dave Letinsky, my sponsors, and the people I surf with here that push me to do better: (Conner Coffin, Kokoro Tomatsuri, Dustin Letinsky, Adam Lambert, and Andrew Bennet)
Posted May 2006 Blue Edge Magazine. All rights reserved.
May 2006 Issue
The Game Within
By Chuck Graham
Photo by Bill Tover
A lone soul with clipboard in hand and video camera slung over his shoulder, keenly observed a young ripper following through on a tail-sliding top turn at a deserted stretch of beach. Competitive surfing coach Mike Lamm was putting another pupil through the paces to eventually achieve optimum performance in the competitive arena. Big, full turns are a requirement, strategy and developing tactics are ongoing, and although Lamm won’t reveal any specific details on what he calls a “science,” his pupils are shredding proof that his approach produces favorable results.
During the 1980s, Lamm himself had a solid amateur career in the Western Surfing Association (WSA), and later graduated to the Professional Surfing Association of America, the U.S. pro tour. However, it wasn’t until he retired from competitive surfing, opened Slam’s surf shop and attended business classes that his competitive juices were reborn and he started to enhance the competitive lives of a bevy of aspiring champions in the National Scholastic Surfing Association (NSSA). “One of my business courses said knowledge was the key to confidence and success in any professional field,” said Lamm. “I applied this to surfing.”
What Lamm learned in his business courses led him to what he coined a “passionate Einstein-like study of competitive surfing,” a study in techniques and the intricacies of contest surfing, which he feels unlocked the secrets to “the game.”
“It wasn’t doing heats over and over for years that made the difference,” continued Lamm. “It was this study that taught me the winning moves and mistakes of competitive surfing.”
He retrained himself and put the contest jersey back on. During one season, he won 10 straight NSSA masters events, not to mention four national titles, but more importantly his students were winning too!
Bob Hurley took notice of Lamm’s savvy contest strategy and hired him to train a young charger, Mike Todd, who was ripping in big surf, but was struggling in contests. After a summer under Lamm’s tutelage, Todd put together an unrivaled and dominant run of competitive successes.
During the 1998-99 NSSA Open Season, Todd won eight out of 10 events in the men’s division, a record that still stands today. Currently, Todd is rated third on the World Qualifying Series (WQS). Some other NSSA title holdovers that have benefited from Lamm’s surfing science include Nathaniel Curran, Alex Gray, Dylan Slater, Jeremy Ryan, Travis Mellem, Bron Huesenstamn, Andrew Doheny and Nick Rozsa. For the girls there were national titles for Veronica Kaye, Kayla Langen and Karina Patroni.
During the 2004 World Championship Tour (WCT), Tim Curran employed Lamm. Curran was going through a long competitive drought; he hadn’t garnered a quality result in two years. Under Lamm’s instruction, Curran leapt 20 places on the WCT that year.
Lamm was also one of the coaches for the 2005 805 Ventura/Santa Barbara National Surf League (NSL) team, a star studded lineup that included Bobby Martinez, the Malloy brothers, Tom Curren, Tim and Nathaniel Curran and Hanko Mills. “I love to help create champions,” said Lamm. “To educate them against drugs and elements that could damage their careers and lives.”
Posted May 2006 Blue Edge Magazine. All rights reserved.
The Boy Who Would Be King
By David Pu’u
I went into my garage to do research for this story. It’s where I keep a few unique surfboards hidden in the rafters. I’d been a surfboard builder for around 20 years of my career in the surf industry. So as a shaper, every old board has a tale to tell. Three boards in particular, a 5’7” a 5’9” and a narrow, 6”6” pin tail, reminded me of the dreams of an unassuming little Mexican kid from the West side of Santa Barbara. Like a flood of memories, I recalled plans, dreams aspirations and a specific day--a very unique moment for any surfboard designer--the day someone special entered my life.
I’d gotten a call from my friend Dave Smith, who had been running a surf camp called The Santa Barbara Surfing Academy. Dave and I have traveled the world together as professional surfers, and have switched off being either best friends or worst enemies. We have an implicit trust and understanding that comes from knowing each other through adventures in surf and trials in life. I trust him implicitly. When he speaks, I listen. “There’s a little kid I want you to meet,” Dave said at the onset. “He has been coming out to the surf classes. He’s special. His dad will give you a call. I think you can help him.”
A few days later, a soft-spoken guy named Bob, stepped aside to introduce a quiet little eight-year-old named Bobby Martinez. Bob explained his son had been surfing a few contests and needed a board builder. We were standing in the cool of the hallway, which led to my shaper’s room, in downtown SB. Bobby and I shook hands and I asked him a simple question. “Why do you surf contests?”
“They’re fun, I get to see all my friends and hang out.” That day was the beginning of a mentorship. Having been mentored myself by some very special people, I understood its concept; to be a mentor, one must know a person’s motivation in order to help direct them. ‘Fun’ after all, was what surfing should be for a little boy. Bobby’s answer would prove to be in the ensuing next ten years, textbook perfect. That’s just Bobby, he’s almost always perfect. It must drive his brother and sister crazy.
After we got our collective ducks in a row, I explained to Bobby how I would design and build boards that would help his surfing along. I explained how it was important to treat a board as your best friend, and because he was still growing, I would build him surfboards in anticipation of that growth. The equipment would be in advance of his weight and ability; it would show him the way his surfing should go.
The foundation of board building can be traced back to ancient Hawaii. When a Kahu built a surfboard for someone, that board embodied the hopes, dreams, and Mana of the rider. It’s what Bobby and I founded our relationship upon.
In the garage, dust flaked off the little faded orange and yellow fiberglass ‘chip’ in my hands. It was 5’7” inch long and 2 1/8 inches thick. The amount of foam was a lot for a 12 year old, but its personality matchee Bobby’s, who had told me early on that power was what he wanted to be about. “I like Tom Carroll’s surfing. “I want to be able to do that,” he said in reference to the World Champion’s ability to carve gouges in any wave small or large. It was a long time competitive secret weapon; the bigger the equipment, the more powerful and astute the rider could be in their approach. This also affords better control in competitive situations, which are frequently dictated by being able to ‘out paddle’ a competitor in a heat.
The blare of a horn over the PA system at the NSSA Nationals at Trestles in San Clemente did nothing to alleviate the nerves of a jersey-clad Bobby Martinez as he looked up at me. Bobby had managed to surf his way through three divisions in the event, and was potentially finals bound in all three. He was at a crossroad. His next heat was against event favorite Braden Diaz from Hawaii. “Dave I can’t beat this guy!” It was the first time I had ever heard Bobby say something like that. “Listen Bobby, I am going to spot the sets for you. Keep an eye on me during your heat. They are coming at regular intervals. You’ll have a shot at two sets in your heat. When you catch a wave, I want you to throw it up as hard and big as you can.”
“But what if I fall?” He asked wide-eyed. “Look Bobby, you have nothing to lose, nobody knows who you are, if you fall no one will care, it’s Braden who has to be worried, everybody expects him to win. You have nothing to lose.” I had gotten him to lean a bit on me. It would be my responsibility. Bobby visibly relaxed. It was no brainer to my adult mind that he would win, but to Bobby, this task was of monumental proportion.
The first wave of a set rolled through and I motioned for him to wait. He waited again on the second wave, looking in at me and sort of freaking. On the third wave I let Bobby go, waving him into it. It was by far the biggest wave of the heat, and I watched the orange and yellow board stab through a Trestles lip repeatedly as the boy hit a series of powerful vertical maneuvers, each one a potential heat winner, right in front of his competitors, who had gone on the earlier waves. His score was perfect tens from all the judges, and people suddenly wondered, “Who is that little kid?” I doubted Bobby even needed the second big set wave he caught seven minutes later, which he surfed identically to the first.
At event’s end Bobby had won his first National Title and placed
second and third in the two other divisions. To this day I still reckon he won them all, but competitive credibility is something that must be earned. Bobby, being from the NSSA backwater of Santa Barbara, had literally overturned the competitive apple cart that week while setting the stage for an amateur career that would see him become one of the best competitive surfers.
I slid the board back up and onto the dusty rafters, next to Bobby’s old 6’6,” the board he first surfed Pipeline on at age 12. I recently heard the news that Bobby had qualified for the ‘CT, a difficult feat that had eluded him until now. It’s surprising to some that the single best competitor in the amateur ranks, who always surfed beyond his years, could not break into the upper echelon of professional surfing. It did not surprise me that much. For a surfer to win, he needs to want it above everything. I think Bobby needed a breather. He had already lived a competitive lifetime and just needed to catch his breath and grow into it.
Bobby told me something when he was 16, and this came from someone who I never saw brag or boast in our years of close friendship. It was a simple statement: “I want to be World Champion.” I think he really does. I believe he can. I also know that in some ways it’s irrelevant, because the road to any victory in life is where the meat of the story lies, and Bobby’s has been remarkable. If you get the opportunity to know the man, you’ll find out exactly what I mean.
Posted May 2006 Blue Edge Magazine. All rights reserved.
May News
For Whom The Bell Tolls
By Chuck Graham
Proving that his 3rd in the first event of the Foster's WCT at the Quiksilver Pro in Australia was no fluke, Santa Barbara local Bobby Martinez followed up that stellar performance with a solid =9th at the Rip Curl Pro at the infamous Bells Beach in Victoria, Australia.
Once again putting his backhand to good use, Martinez advanced to Round 4 against 3-time world champ, Andy Irons, eventually losing to the Hawaiian in quality six-foot surf. With his latest result, Martinez finds himself 4th overall in the WCT ratings, and certainly in striking distance of the top slot.
For the finals, the surf jumped to eight to 10 feet with fantastic conditions. Current and seven-time world champ, Kelly Slater won his second event in a row by beating Australian Joel Parkinson. With the win, Slater also tied Tom Curren with 33 tour wins.
For the finals, the surf jumped to eight to 10 feet with fantastic conditions. Current and seven-time world champ, Kelly Slater won his second event in a row by beating Australian Joel Parkinson. With the win, Slater also tied Tom Curren with 33 tour wins.
Shawn Alladio, Director of K38 Rescue Signed as Official Western States Cup Tour Water Safety Manager
For Immediate Release: April 3, 2006
Shawn Alladio, founder of K38 Water Safety, and co-founder of K38 Maritime Security Training has been named the official Water Safety Manager for the 2006 Western States Cup Tour. With over 10,000 hours of instruction time, Shawn is the original creator of Personal Watercraft Rescue Boat course. She’s trained over 700 public and federal safety agencies, and hundreds of individual rescue personnel, including nearly all the Water Safety Staff for the Western States Cup.
Shawn and her team of experts have provided water safety management to IJSBA and APBA Watercross events nationwide, and big-wave contests around the world. In 2005, Alladio was awarded the National Award of the National Water Safety Congress for superior efforts in boating safety education. An active and valued member of California Department of Boating and Waterways PWC Task Force since 1994, Shawn has also served on the California State Boating Safety Advisory Committee Member since 1998. She is an active member of the National Safe Boating Council, and the National Water Safety Congress, and headed the Water Safety program for the X-Games in 1998.
Her long list of accolades includes, but is certainly not limited to Pro racer status in IJSBA Competitions since 1989, IJSBA Water Safety Officiant for the 1998 and 1999 Tour and World Finals, and chief Course Marshall for the 2005 IJSBA World Finals. Ms. Alladio served as Water Safety Event Manager for the ISA/Reef Big Wave Surf Challenge in 1998 and 1999, and the Quicksilver “Men Who Ride Mountains - Mavericks Big Wave Surf Contest” in 1999. Shawn has also been profiled in Reader’s Digest for her miraculous ride and survival of several 50 foot rogue waves at Half Moon Bay’s notorious Maverick’s.
“To say we have secured the very best Water Safety Management for the Western States Cup is an understatement” said Evan Kilkus, owner of Pacific Coast Entertainment and Director Tour Racing Info/Logistics. “I cannot tell you how honored we are to have Shawn and her team of professionals on board, as the safety for our riders is paramount.”
Alladio currently enjoys sponsorship from Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A, who is her exclusive PWC supplier. For 2006 she is using the STX tm I5F JET SKI ® watercraft in her classes and rescue events. Ms. Alladio wishes to thank Liquid Militia Core Wear (www.liquidmilitia.com) and JetPilot (http://jetpilot.com ) for their ongoing support of her professional endeavors. For more information on Ms. Alladio, please go to: www.ShawnAlladio.com
Shawn is joined on the water this weekend by her team of rescue experts who include:
BJ Lovan, a well respected water rescue professional who has worked tirelessly for several years in Region 2 and at the IJSBA World Finals as a Course Marshall.
Daniel Kiuhia, a certified Open and Swift Water Rescue instructor for K38 Rescue, and professional surfer.
Lisa Price, certified Swift Water, Open Water and Tow-In Surf Rescuer. Lisa has received her training and certifications from K38 Rescue.
The Kent Kawasaki Castaic Shootout will take place at beautiful Castaic Lake on April 7-9, 2006. For up to date information about the 2006 Western States Cup Tour go to www.WesternStatesCup.com.
2006 Western States Cup Tour Schedule:
ROUND 1 & 2 -Lake Castaic -Castaic, CA -April 7-9
ROUND 3 & 4 -Lake Elsinore -Lake Elsinore, CA -June 3-4
ROUND 5 & 6 -Waterfront Festival -Benicia, CA -July 28-30
ROUND 7 -Herbst RV Park -Pahrump, NV -August 11-12
Another Classic Weekend At Rincon
On April 8-9, the springtime sea gods threw a few decent waves at the Queen of the Coast for the 23rd Annual Rincon Classic, hosted by Santa Barbara’s Surf Happens.
One of the community’s most revered events since 1979, the Classic retained Santa Barbara’s surf integrity at one of the world’s most famous spots. With history in the making, the fabled point came alive and brought out great surfers, young and wiser — although one wiser disagreed: “It’s just semi-pro,” he said. “All kids, no old guys.”
The conditions were slightly less than perfect for the event, but after four postponements due to bad waves, the Classic prevailed.
Stoke was definitely in the air and water. Jesse Brinkenhoff, 10, said this was his second time competing in the Classic,
“I caught one wave with a perfect face and I kind of collapsed, but I’m happy with how I did,” he smiled. “This is a pretty special contest. I do the NSSA contests, too, but this is more friendly.”
Branden Aroyan, competing in the Men’s longboard division, agreed with young Brinkenhoff. For his first time surfing in the Classic, Aroyan said the event “brings all people that are normally in the line-up to an official friendly competition.”
The Classic did bring all people to the lineup, including three generations of one family: Wendy Mochett-Reigert, her son Dalton DeAlba, who “gets teased because he surfs with his grandma,” and her mother. Wendy surfed the Classic “many years ago,” when it was still run by Roger Nance, for five consecutive years.
“This is more a locals contest,” she said. “It’s more fun because we all know each other and you don’t have to do anything to enter. It’s our break.”
Bo Stanley, 16, surfed the Wahine and Women’s heats; with her upcoming pro surfing life, she still “just loves to surf.”
“It’s been my dream to go pro,” she said. “I do this contest for fun. Coming out for this helps keep my training interesting, and I notice I’m improving every year.”
Speaking of pro, the legendary Chris Brown graced the Classic again this year, and although he is no longer competing professionally, he continues to come out for the locals-only contest.
“It’s great seeing all the gremmies,” he said. “I get stoked seeing how stoked they are. That’s part of the reason why I do this contest — I try to be an example to these guys and show them this is what we do, and to be proud of it.”
Surf Happens sends a special thank-you to all of the Classic’s sponsors: Honolua Surf Co., Red Bull, Pacific Beverage Company, Bud Light, Chipotle, Rincon Designs, Freestyle Watches, Blue Edge Magazine, Clyde Beatty Surfboards, A-Frame Surf Shop, SurfnWear Beach House, Powell, Surf One.
Also many thanks to the Santa Barbara surf community, Rincon Point homeowners, the Rincon Homeowners Association, Town & Country Realty, and California State Parks.
For more information log onto www.surfhappens.com. —Kristen Grinnell
* * *
Official Finals Results For The 2006 Surf Happens Rincon Classic:
Youth Longboard (17 & under)
1. Cole Robbins
2.
3. Willie Radis
4.
5. Brett Robbins
6.
7. Austin Reiter
8.
9. Tyler Millhollin
10.
11. Corey Radis
12.
Womens Longboard (all ages)
1. Debbie Trauntvein
2.
3. Wendy Mockett
4.
5. Camille Isebrands
6.
7. Isabelle Isebrands
8.
9. Corey Radis
10.
Longboard (all ages)
1. Cole Robbins
2.
3. Oliver Parker
4.
5. Daniel Graham
6.
7. Brett Robbins
8.
9. Brandon Aroyan
10.
11. J.P Garcia
12.
Wahines (17 & under)
1. Demi Boelsterli
2.
3. Bo Stanley
4.
5. Rachel Harris
6.
7. Corey Radis
8.
Womens (all ages)
1. Demi Boelsterli
2.
3. Rachel Harris
4.
5. Jordan Goldberg
6.
7. Bo Stanley
8.
9. Bella Loggins
10.
11. Corey Radis
12.
Masters Final (35-44)
1. Chuck Graham
2.
3. Greg Venable
4.
5. Andy Smalley
6.
7. Kelly Smith
8.
9. Alexis Cottavoz Usher
10.
11. Travis Bower
12.
Grand Masters Final (45 +)
1. Kit Boise Cossart
2.
3. Steve Hansen
4.
5. Clyde Beatty Jr.
6.
7. Andy Neuman
8.
9. Brett Fraley
10.
11. Jim Garland
12.
Gremlins (11 & under)
1. Parker Coffin
2.
3. Charlie Dentzel
4.
5. Laura “Lakey” Peterson
6.
7. Hans Boelsterli
8.
9. Jesse Brinkenhoff
10.
Boys (12-14)
1. Kokoro Tomatsuri
2.
3. Connor Coffin
4.
5. Simon Murdoch
6.
7. Dustin Letinsky
8.
9. Parker Coffin
10.
11. Elliot Hodges
12.
Red Bull Airshow (all ages)
1. Tarik Khashoggi
2.
3. Tyler Anderson
4.
5. Mike Kotowski
6.
7. Adam Lambert
8.
Juniors (15-17)
1. Spencer Regan
2.
3. Kokoro Tomatsuri
4.
5. Matt Johnson
6.
7. Adam Lambert
8.
9. Dylan Perkins
10.
11. Andrew Bennett
12.
Mens (18 +)
1. Tyler Anderson
2.
3. Chad La Bass
4.
5. Javi Moreno
6.
7. Dennis Rizzo
8.
9. Dylan Perkins
10.
11. Nole Cossart
12.
Bud Light Professional Division
1. Killian Garland ($1350)
2.
3. Spencer Regan ($750)
4.
5. Javier Moreno ($450)
6.
7. Adam Lambert ($300)
8.
9. Chris Brown
10.
11. Henry Mills
12.
surfingthemag.com, surfing mag, surfer, surfermag.com, transworld surf,transworldsurf.com, wetsand, blue edge, ventura star and reporter, sb news press, cvn
Posted May 2006 Blue Edge Magazine. All rights reserved.
Shawn Alladio, Director of K38 Rescue Signed as Official Western States Cup Tour Water Safety Manager
Shawn Alladio, founder of K38 Water Safety, and co-founder of K38 Maritime Security Training has been named the official Water Safety Manager for the 2006 Western States Cup Tour. With over 10,000 hours of instruction time, Shawn is the original creator of Personal Watercraft Rescue Boat course. She’s trained over 700 public and federal safety agencies, and hundreds of individual rescue personnel, including nearly all the Water Safety Staff for the Western States Cup. Shawn and her team of experts have provided water safety management to IJSBA and APBA Watercross events nationwide, and big-wave contests around the world. In 2005, Alladio was awarded the National Award of the National Water Safety Congress for superior efforts in boating safety education.
An active and valued member of California Department of Boating and Waterways PWC Task Force since 1994, Shawn has also served on the California State Boating Safety Advisory Committee Member since 1998. She is an active member of the National Safe Boating Council, and the National Water Safety Congress, and headed the Water Safety program for the X-Games in 1998.
Her long list of accolades includes, but is certainly not limited to Pro racer status in IJSBA Competitions since 1989, IJSBA Water Safety Officiant for the 1998 and 1999 Tour and World Finals, and chief Course Marshall for the 2005 IJSBA World Finals. Ms. Alladio served as Water Safety Event Manager for the ISA/Reef Big Wave Surf Challenge in 1998 and 1999, and the Quicksilver “Men Who Ride Mountains - Mavericks Big Wave Surf Contest” in 1999. Shawn has also been profiled in Reader’s Digest for her miraculous ride and survival of several 50 foot rogue waves at Half Moon Bay’s notorious Maverick’s.
“To say we have secured the very best Water Safety Management for the Western States Cup is an understatement” said Evan Kilkus, owner of Pacific Coast Entertainment and Director Tour Racing Info/Logistics. “I cannot tell you how honored we are to have Shawn and her team of professionals on board, as the safety for our riders is paramount.”
Alladio currently enjoys sponsorship from Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A, who is her exclusive PWC supplier. For 2006 she is using the STX tm I5F JET SKI ® watercraft in her classes and rescue events. Ms. Alladio wishes to thank Liquid Militia Core Wear (www.liquidmilitia.com) and JetPilot (http://jetpilot.com ) for their ongoing support of her professional endeavors. For more information on Ms. Alladio, please go to: www.ShawnAlladio.com
.
Shawn is joined on the water this weekend by her team of rescue experts who include: BJ Lovan, a well respected water rescue professional who has worked tirelessly for several years in Region 2 and at the IJSBA World Finals as a Course Marshall. Daniel Kiuhia, a certified Open and Swift Water Rescue instructor for K38 Rescue, and professional surfer. Lisa Price, certified Swift Water, Open Water and Tow-In Surf Rescuer. Lisa has received her training and certifications from K38 Rescue. The Kent Kawasaki Castaic Shootout will take place at beautiful Castaic Lake on April 7-9, 2006. For up to date information about the 2006 Western States Cup Tour go to www.WesternStatesCup.com.
Posted May 2006 Blue Edge Magazine. All rights reserved.
May News
Meeting of the Tribes 2006
This is an event between the Oxnard Wave Riders, SB Surf Club, and Ventura Surf Club
1st Place - Oxnard Waveriders
Total Points – 64
2nd Place - Ventura Surf Club
Total Points – 58
3rd Place - Santa Barbara Surf Club
Total Points - 51
Women 29 & Under
-1. Ming Jun
-1. Chelsea R.
-1. Ming Wei
-1. Lindsey Dal Pozzo
-1. Katie Anderson
-1. Amanda H.
Women 30 +
-1. Sally Saenger
-1. Karen Yoon
-1. Debbie Trantvein
-1. Janette R.
-1. Carrie Green
-1. Erin Caird
12 & Under
1. Clay F.
2. Cecil Page
3. Brandon Baucom
4. Kevin C.
5. Ashton
Juniors 13-17
-1. Tony Stevens
-1. Spencer Hayes
-1. Shane Elder
-1. Kevin McNickol
-1. Joey Mereno
-1. Joe Rickenbaugh
Young Men 18-34
-1. Wes Smallwood
-1. Tim Nisbit
-1. Brandon Aroyan
-1. Jack Findley
-1. Tony Mereno
-1. George Granger
Men 35-49
-1. Wayne Rich
-1. Pat Calipong
-1. Ichi Harata
-1. Bob Zahuta
-1. Ian Stewart
-1. Mark Bier
Senior Men
-1. Tom Kunz
-1. Bobo Douglas
-1. Clyde Beatty
-1. Tom Trauntvein
-1. Jimmy Grey
-1. Art Simmons
Golden Breed (men 60+)
-1. Steve Bigler
-1. Jim Nash
-1. Frayne Higgens
-1. Butch Linden
-1. Daryll Easter
-1. John B.
Shawn Alladio, Director of K38 Rescue
Signed as Official Western States Cup Tour
Water Safety Manager
For Immediate Release: April 3, 2006
Shawn Alladio, founder of K38 Water Safety, and co-founder of K38 Maritime Security Training has been named the official Water Safety Manager for the 2006 Western States Cup Tour. With over 10,000 hours of instruction time, Shawn is the original creator of Personal Watercraft Rescue Boat course. She’s trained over 700 public and federal safety agencies, and hundreds of individual rescue personnel, including nearly all the Water Safety Staff for the Western States Cup.
Shawn and her team of experts have provided water safety management to IJSBA and APBA Watercross events nationwide, and big-wave contests around the world. In 2005, Alladio was awarded the National Award of the National Water Safety Congress for superior efforts in boating safety education. An active and valued member of California Department of Boating and Waterways PWC Task Force since 1994, Shawn has also served on the California State Boating Safety Advisory Committee Member since 1998. She is an active member of the National Safe Boating Council, and the National Water Safety Congress, and headed the Water Safety program for the X-Games in 1998.
Her long list of accolades includes, but is certainly not limited to Pro racer status in IJSBA Competitions since 1989, IJSBA Water Safety Officiant for the 1998 and 1999 Tour and World Finals, and chief Course Marshall for the 2005 IJSBA World Finals. Ms. Alladio served as Water Safety Event Manager for the ISA/Reef Big Wave Surf Challenge in 1998 and 1999, and the Quicksilver “Men Who Ride Mountains - Mavericks Big Wave Surf Contest” in 1999. Shawn has also been profiled in Reader’s Digest for her miraculous ride and survival of several 50 foot rogue waves at Half Moon Bay’s notorious Maverick’s.
“To say we have secured the very best Water Safety Management for the Western States Cup is an understatement” said Evan Kilkus, owner of Pacific Coast Entertainment and Director Tour Racing Info/Logistics. “I cannot tell you how honored we are to have Shawn and her team of professionals on board, as the safety for our riders is paramount.”
Alladio currently enjoys sponsorship from Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A, who is her exclusive PWC supplier. For 2006 she is using the STX tm I5F JET SKI ® watercraft in her classes and rescue events. Ms. Alladio wishes to thank Liquid Militia Core Wear (www.liquidmilitia.com) and JetPilot (http://jetpilot.com ) for their ongoing support of her professional endeavors. For more information on Ms. Alladio, please go to: www.ShawnAlladio.com
Shawn is joined on the water this weekend by her team of rescue experts who include:
BJ Lovan, a well respected water rescue professional who has worked tirelessly for several years in Region 2 and at the IJSBA World Finals as a Course Marshall.
Daniel Kiuhia, a certified Open and Swift Water Rescue instructor for K38 Rescue, and professional surfer.
Lisa Price, certified Swift Water, Open Water and Tow-In Surf Rescuer. Lisa has received her training and certifications from K38 Rescue.
The Kent Kawasaki Castaic Shootout will take place at beautiful Castaic Lake on April 7-9, 2006. For up to date information about the 2006 Western States Cup Tour go to www.WesternStatesCup.com.
2006 Western States Cup Tour Schedule:
ROUND 1 & 2 -Lake Castaic -Castaic, CA -April 7-9
ROUND 3 & 4 -Lake Elsinore -Lake Elsinore, CA -June 3-4
ROUND 5 & 6 -Waterfront Festival -Benicia, CA -July 28-30
ROUND 7 -Herbst RV Park -Pahrump, NV -August 11-12
Posted May 2006 Blue Edge Magazine. All rights reserved.
May 2006 Issue
Environmental News
Heal the Ocean
By Hillary Hauser
The septic-to-sewer project at Rincon, Sandyland, Sand Point, and Padaro Lane is moving forward. On Tuesday, April 4, 2006, the Carpinteria Sanitary District (CSD) voted unanimously to circulate to the public the Supplemental Environmental Impact Report (SEIR) that had been prepared for the Rincon portion of the proposed sewer project. After a 45-day circulation, CSD can approve the project.
The additional work on the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for Rincon (approved April 4 by CSD) was undertaken due to lawsuits filed by oppositionists who cited the EIR as inadequate. Meanwhile, updated engineering, assessment, and annexation studies and reports are being prepared with funds received by Santa Barbara County Environmental Health Services as part of a $2 million grant brought into SB County by former assemblywoman Hannah-Beth Jackson for septic pollution work. Funds have also come to Heal the Ocean from generous homeowners within the project areas, HTO board members, singer Jack Johnson, and participants of the Rincon Clean Water Classic.
The next step is the CSD approval of the sewer project after the 45-day circulation of SEIR (late May or early June). Opposition then has 30 days to file a lawsuit. If they sue, Heal the Ocean is ready!
Gaviota Coast Conservancy
The Gaviota Coast Conservancy (GCC) is a private, non-profit organization that promotes the permanent protection of the Gaviota Coast's unique natural, scenic, agricultural, recreational, and cultural resources. Working through partnerships with other land conservation organizations, local landowners, resource agencies, and government entities, the GCC is promoting long-term strategies to protect the Gaviota Coast from the rapid urban expansion that threatens this region.
Since its inception, the GCC has spearheaded the effort to bring the various and diverse interests of the coast together to form a coastal preservation strategy. We supported the feasibility study by the National Park Service (NPS) to determine if the Gaviota Coast was suitable for inclusion in the National Park System. The NPS determined that the Gaviota Coast’s resources are nationally significant and suitable for inclusion in the National Park System, but that it is not feasible to add the area to the Park System.
Volunteer members of the GCC's Outreach Committee are available to speak to your civic organization, church, school, or neighborhood association through formal presentations or informal discussions to any size group. To schedule, leave a message at the GCC office at 563-7976, or email gavcoast@silcom.com. For more information about the GCC, visit www.gaviotacoastconservancy.org.
Groundswell Society
By Glenn Hening
As you may know, the Groundswell Society is about sharing the stoke of surfing, given that some of the worst pollution affecting surfers today has nothing to do with chemicals in the ocean – and everything to do with attitudes in the lineup. These days surfers aren’t getting sick from the water anywhere near as much as they are getting sick of each other. And the problem is not going away.
The rapidly expanding emphasis on competition for younger surfers is putting a whole new kind ofpressure on the surfing community, and in response the Society is proud to announce “The Rincon Invitational,” a surfing event planned by directors of the Society and members of the Santa Barbara Surf Club. The event will use the team surfing format we invented for the Clean Water Classic and will consist of eighteen slots, one hour each, for the two-day event.
If you are interested in learning more about what promises to be one of the most unique surfing events on the planet, we’ll be announcing details early next month on the Groundswell Society website and of course here, in Blue Edge. www.groundswellsociety.org.
Santa Barbara Surfrider
By Ben Preston
The Santa Barbara Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation is a critical force in environmental activism. Its members fight for coastal access and tackle development issues that affect surfers and the environment.
Currently, Santa Barbara Surfrider is protecting open space in Naples, a semi-remote and currently pristine habitat. The Santa Barbara Ranch development project will allow construction of seventy-three 8,000-13,000 square foot homes, some to be built on the environmentally sensitive coastal bluff. Santa Barbara Surfrider teamed up with the Sierra Club, League of Women Voters, and other organizations to create the Naples Coalition, which is dedicated to preserving the rural character of the Gaviota Coast. The Naples Coalition presents positive solutions, including transferring development rights to a higher-density urban zone, or allowing a land conservation group to purchase land and move development away from the coast. Naples Coalition and Surfrider members are lobbying the California Coastal Commission to oppose the developer’s plans and implement one of the solutions offered by the Naples Coalition.
Santa Barbara Surfrider meets the second Thursday of every month at the Watershed Resource Center at Arroyo Burro County Park. Glen Hening, co-founder of the Surfrider Foundation, will speak at the next meeting in June. www.rain.org/~srfrdrsb.
Community Environmental Council
By Sigrid Wright
The Community Environmental Council's David Brower Green Teens are a group of high school students who are concerned with the condition of our creeks and ocean. Students empower themselves and others to create change by restoring habitat and teaching the public about protecting natural resources. Recent Green Teens projects have focused on Devereaux Slough at Coal Oil Point Reserve, and Santa Cruz Island. They also help with beach cleanups and talk with visitors to CEC's South Coast Watershed Resource Center at Arroyo Burro Beach. For more information visit www.watershedresourcecenter.org or email Katie at kdeleuw@cecmail.org. For more information about CEC, visit www.communityenvironmentalcouncil.org.
Santa Barbara Channelkeeper
By Penny Owens
Santa Barbara Channelkeeper is a local, non-profit organization dedicated to protecting and restoring the Santa Barbara Channel and its watersheds through citizen action, education, and enforcement. Channelkeeper works on the water and in the community to monitor local waterways, restore aquatic ecosystems, advocate clean water, enforce environmental laws, and educate citizens in identifying and devising solutions to pollution problems. Channelkeeper’s clean water advocacy and enforcement efforts are currently striving to compel the SB Polo Club to cease the polluting of Padaro Beach, Halaco Engineering Co. to clean up its toxic waste on the Ormond Beach Wetland, the City of SB to enact a strong ordinance to address leaking sewer laterals, and local municipalities to implement programs to reduce storm water pollution.
Channelkeeper is also conducting monthly water quality monitoring in the Ventura River and Goleta Slough watersheds; restoring kelp and eelgrass in the Channel; and teaching youth about the importance of eelgrass beds, kelp forests, and water quality in twelve middle schools. Upcoming volunteer opportunities include water quality monitoring with Goleta Stream Team on the first Sunday of the month. For volunteer opportunities, please contact Ben Pitterle at ben@sbck.org. For more information www.sbck.org.
Posted May 2006 Blue Edge Magazine. All rights reserved.
