PRESS RELEASE: The Rincon Classic (Sports, Surfing)

FROM: Surf Happens (mhkew1@earthink.net)
For Immediate Release
January 20, 2004

Double the Swell, Double the Classic
21st Annual Rincon Classic Provides Stellar Waves and Action

The waiting period paid off for the 21st annual Surf N’ Wear Rincon Classic, originally slated for the year’s first weekend, but held January 17-18.

Small, junky waves postponed the event two weeks, and it was well worth it, to say the least: as predicted, a large west swell buffeted the Santa Barbara coastline, building late Saturday and peaking Sunday with solid double-overhead sets and non-stop action. The conditions remained clean for the duration of the two-day contest, and everybody on-hand Sunday couldn’t quite believe how could the waves were.

“In the 10,000+ heats I’ve judged worldwide,” said judge Matt Malone, “these are the best conditions I’ve ever seen for a surfing contest.”

Approximately 150 competitors battled it out in the epic waves in the two-day event, vying for valuable points and bragging rights for Santa Barbara’s most prestigious surfing contest. Many surfers rode waves from the top of the point all the way into the cove—a formidable feat and ultimate formula for high-scoring rides.

“Just when we thought the conditions couldn’t get any better on Saturday,” said Surf Happens President Chris Keet, “Sunday dawned with a bomb of a swell, double the size and double the power. The Classic was indeed another classic.”

The event raised $200 for BrandenWave.com, a fundraiser for Santa Barbara’s Branden Yates’ ongoing struggle with cancer. Despite chemotherapy and more than nine operations, Yates managed to excel on his backhand with finesse and power in both the Mens and Professional divisions.

“We all get blessed year after year for this event,” Keet said, “and the whole Santa Barbara surfing community comes together to celebrate our sport at the Queen of the Coast.”

As presenting sponsors, Surf Happens would to thank Clyde Beatty Surfboards, Elephant Bar Restaurant, Surf ‘N Wear Beach House, and Freestyle Watches. Other sponsors included Rip Curl, Indo Board, A-Frame Surf Shop, Rincon Designs, Aaron Chang Clothing, and KJEE-FM 92.9.

Next up is 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 Surf Happens and the Santa Barbara Surf Series, check out www.surfhappens.com or call 966-3613.