The winner of the South Bay Boardriders Club Big Wave Challenge will be announced and legendary surfers Dick Mobley and Tom Rice will have their names placed on the Hermosa Beach Surfers Walk of Fame this weekend during the Hermosa Beach Legends of Surf celebration. Other weekend highlights include the Hennessey Cup South Bay High School Surf Championships and a performance by Grammy nominated Everclear, hosted by Spyder Surf on Pier Plaza.
The South Bay Big Wave Challenge Award will be presented Friday night at the Hermosa Beach Community Theater by Greg Long, winner of the Eddie Akiau and XXL big wave contests. The presentation will include a screening of surf photos from the past winter, prepared by Mike Balzer. This year’s Big Wave nominees include Derek Levy, Chris Rodriquez and Marcelo Malinco, all photographed at the Redondo Breakwall; and Tyler Hatzikian and Matt Mohagan photographed at Hammerland. Their photographers Brad Jacobson (Levy and Malinco), John Miller (Levy and Rodriquez), Jeff Farsai (Mohagan) and Tim Tindall (Hatzikian) will also be recognized.
The winner will receive $1,000 from Body Glove and a 10-foot gun shaped by Pat Riordan, glassed by Steve Mangiagli and airbrushed by Jose Brahona.
Prior to the Big Wave award, the Hermosa Beach Historical Society will host a dinner served by Sangria, an art show, a surf museum exhibit, and a silent auction with surf donations from Spyder Surf.
Following the Big Wave award, former professional surfer Donavan Frankenreiter will perform an acoustic set and surf filmmaker Wade Goodall will premiere his newest film “Creative Destruction.”
Saturday morning at 11 a.m. former Ski and Surf Shop owner and shaper Dick Mobley, and former lifeguard and Manhattan Beach firefighter Tom Rice will have their bronze plaques installed on Hermosa’s Surfers Walk of Fame.
Prior to the walk of fame ceremony, the South Bay’s top high school surfers will compete in the South Bay Surf League Individual Championships. Also Saturday morning, the Jimmy Miller Foundation will offer surf lessons to injured military vets from Wounded Warriors.
Following the Walk of Fame ceremony, Grammy nominated Clearwater will headline the Sun Bum Spyder Surf Fest on Pier Plaza. The Hermosa Beach All Stars (featuring former members of the Beach Boys), Suedehead, Whispering Eyes and Fortunate Youth will also perform.
Spyder Surf Fest will include a fashion show, surf industry give-aways, and a benefit for the Wounded Warriors.
Tickets for Friday at the Hermosa Community Center are $10 for adults and $5 for kids. They may be purchased in advance at Spyder Surf and Boccatto’s Grocery or at the box office. The Community Theatre is at 710 Pier Ave., Hermosa Beach. Saturday’s events are free. ER
