PRESS RELEASE: JALAMA

FROM: SURF HAPPENS
NOVEMBER 19, 2003
SURF HAPPENS AT JALAMA

Rain fell but the swell rose fortuitously for Surf Happens’ Santa Barbara Surf Series AA-rated Clyde Beatty Surf-Off at Jalama Beach Saturday, Nov. 15.

Dawning virtually flat and slightly onshore with an ebbing tide, the day featured basically the opposite of desired conditions. Yet as the hours expired, a forecasted northwest swell filtered in over the surge tide and kick-started the performance levels in all divisions, from the Microminas to the Grandmasters.
“It seems like every time we stage a contest, the waves get good,” said Chris Keet, president of Surf Happens. “When the people come together here, the positive energy lifts spirits and the waves—we get blessed again and again.”

It was the event’s highest turnout (90 competitors) since its inception four years ago. New divisions included the Grominas (girls age 11-12), the Microminas (girls age 10 and under), and the Mini Chims (boys age 8 and under). The increasing swell led one one Gremlins division competitor to label the waves “double-overhead,” which they were for someone standing 4-foot-1, forced to face their fears as the surf quickly increased.

“The essence of our surfing youth is captured here in pure, innocent camaraderie,” Keet said. “It’s not even like they’re competing—instead, they’re undertaking a challenge together.”

Clyde Beatty, epoxy wizard and namesake of the event, earned second place in the Masters division despite a badly injured knee. Spirits hovered high in the face of rain, dampening the day’s early spurts of sun; despite the rain, nearly everyone stayed all day. Attempting to prove that they’re the best in their age divisions, the competitors vied for valuable Series ratings points, trophies, and sponsor-donated prizes, including watches and clothing.

Next up is the Surf Happens Ocean Festival, a softboard specialty charity event benefiting Christmas Unity, followed by the A-rated Surf ‘N Wear 21st Annual Rincon Classic January 3-4, the AA-rated Elephant Bar Campus Point Surf Challenge February 14, and the AAAA-rated Freestyle Surf Happens SBSS Season Championships at Tarpits March 13.

For more information about the 2003-2004 Santa Barbara Surf Series, check out www.surfhappens.com or call 805-966-3613.

(*Photos by Michael Kew)