Photos by Ciley Carrington
Waterman’s Restaurant Bar and Safe House for Surfers’ owner Jeff Bellandi burnished his waterman’s reputation by winning the 2012 Hermosa Beach Fourth of July Ironman. The annual event on the beach in north Hermosa attracted over 100 competitors and several hundred spectators.
Competitors are required to run a mile, paddle a mile and chug a six pack of beer. Bellandi and Andrea Bates won their respective division by completing all three disciplines without upchucking, which is grounds for disqualification.
Jamie Meistrell finished second and Davis Smith finished third in the men’s division. Annie Seawright and Stephanie Norburg finished second and third in the women’s division. Aaron “Road Dog” Billor took Best Puke honors.
Shelby Benz, 11, daughter of veteran competitor and former Hermosa Council Bob “Burgie” Benz, opened the event by singing the “American Anthem” and “America the Beautiful.” Punk band Special C closed the event with the Ironman anthem Pennywise’s “Bro Hymn.”
