by Will Watson
South Bay Boardriders
During the South Bay Boardriders (SBBC) first live webcast, Mother Nature took center stage, sending six easy up tents flying down the beach.Β But despite the winds, competitors in the Subaru Pacific/SBBC ET Surf contest still made the waves look good early on, and very good as the tide dropped.
The day began with waves in the head-high range with good shape. As the tide got higher, the outside sand bars of El Porto became submerged, forcing surfers to ride the inside sections. However, once the tide dropped again, the outer bars improved in time for the finals.Β
The Hoshino brothers scored back-to-back wins, and once again claimed the Grom, Micro Grom & Micro Grom Assist divisions.Β Luke Hoshino won the Micro Grom Assist division with a 8.90 ride (the highest single wave score of the day thanks in part to Father Max Hoshino for his wave selection).Β Jake Hoshino celebrated his birthday by taking home both the Grom and Micro Grom division titles.
Tyler Lin won his first Juniors contest, beating out 40 other competitors in his division.Β He even edged out Charlie Keese, who went on to win the Open Menβs Division thanks to an excellent 8.50 ride.
Open Womenβs division winner, Lisa Boos, won all of her heats, and scored 13-points (8.0 and 5.0) in the finals to take first place.
Liam Ginevan had the highest heat score total of the day (14.50) in the Boys and Girls divisions, though Lucien De Saint-Aignan went on to win.Β Longboarders Eva Mota and Eric Cedano won their respective Long Board divisions.
In a showcase of veteran competitors, Warren Kushner and Todd Jacobs won all their heats to stand at the top of the podium in the Masters Division (Men 50+) and Legends Division (Men 60+), respectively.
Β Huge thanks to Reese Ecklund, the ET Surf family, shop, team riders and crew who have been representing the South Bay since 1972.Β The gift bags they presented to all the finalists include sick gear from Bn3th, 686, Municipal, Dakine, Ritual Vision, Veia, Parkit, slowtide, FCS, Octopus, Vast, Creatures, Volcom, Instinct, Electric, Sector Nine, Sun Bum, and VonZipper.Β Β
Lastly, a special thanks to Chilli Surfboards for giving away a custom shaped surfboard to Jerry Finegan for having the best positive attitude throughout the day, and X31 (Cruz) for producing all the Shreddy Kruger themed swag, which included T-shirts, hoodies, and trophies.
All results can be viewed on liveheats.com. Streaming on YouTube at Black Line video.Β Β
The SBBC will return to El Porto on April 18 with Surf Series #6 sponsored by Wave Rave.
For more information visit SouthBayBoardriders.org. ER
