thedrifter
07-23-09, 06:37 AM
Pendleton wave-catching competition attracts thousands
7/22/2009 By Pfc. Daniel Boothe , Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. —
More than 60 Marines and sailors competed in Camp Pendleton’s 5th annual Surfing & Body Boarding Competition at Del Mar Beach, July 22.
The surfing contest was free and conducted as a portion of the base’s year-long USAA Camp Pendleton Cup Series competition.
“Camp Pendleton has two of the best surf breaks in Southern California,” said Master Sgt. Steven D. Pipes, surfing team coach and unit representative. “No where else can have this much fun and build camaraderie.”
With only a handful of initial contenders in 2005, the annual event now attracts thousands of spectators and has more than tripled the number of its participants.
“We started out with only 20 surfers our first year and now have more than 60,” said Phillip M. Bryant, athletics coordinator, Marine Corps Community Services, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.
During the competition, four contenders would surf for 15 minutes as judges scored possible waves.
The day-long competition was judged by four local surfing experts including a national surf champion Alex Altamirano and California’s second highest rank surfer, Blake Humann. Eighteen trophies were awarded to the top three men and women in the long, short and body boarding categories.
“I want to encourage everyone that is interested to come out here and surf,” said Humann. “Even the worst day on the beach is better than the best day behind a desk.”
Ellie
7/22/2009 By Pfc. Daniel Boothe , Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. —
More than 60 Marines and sailors competed in Camp Pendleton’s 5th annual Surfing & Body Boarding Competition at Del Mar Beach, July 22.
The surfing contest was free and conducted as a portion of the base’s year-long USAA Camp Pendleton Cup Series competition.
“Camp Pendleton has two of the best surf breaks in Southern California,” said Master Sgt. Steven D. Pipes, surfing team coach and unit representative. “No where else can have this much fun and build camaraderie.”
With only a handful of initial contenders in 2005, the annual event now attracts thousands of spectators and has more than tripled the number of its participants.
“We started out with only 20 surfers our first year and now have more than 60,” said Phillip M. Bryant, athletics coordinator, Marine Corps Community Services, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.
During the competition, four contenders would surf for 15 minutes as judges scored possible waves.
The day-long competition was judged by four local surfing experts including a national surf champion Alex Altamirano and California’s second highest rank surfer, Blake Humann. Eighteen trophies were awarded to the top three men and women in the long, short and body boarding categories.
“I want to encourage everyone that is interested to come out here and surf,” said Humann. “Even the worst day on the beach is better than the best day behind a desk.”
Ellie