On Saturday, October 25th, the South Bay High School Surf League kick’s off at 26th St., Manhattan Beach.
“The Kick Off Classic is the perfect contest for each high school team coach to evaluate the team’s talent, “said Chris Broman, Head Judge. “It factors in their decision on who’s surfing in the contests for the season.”
After the retirement of League Director, John Joseph, at the end of 2013 season, the surf league was in turmoil with no one to man the helm. Joseph ran the league for 15 years. During his tenure, the number of participating schools grew from four to as many as 13 and the number of girl surfers increased from fewer than a dozen annually to over 100. With rumors of the collapse circulating, Spyder Surf’s Dennis Jarvis and Dickie O’Reilly saved the league.
“Spyder Surf was stoked on the opportunity to take over the league,” Broman said.
In the past, the league’s surf meets were one team versus the other. With nine of the South Bay’s competing, multiple contests were run throughout the weeks of the surf season. The problem with the unpredictableness of the ocean, the surf dictates if the contest goes on. As a result, make-up meets and contests in undesirable condition occurred.
“We condensed the schedule into eleven contests with North and South surf areas,” Broman said. “We now have four schools competing against each other at a time.”
Conditions for this Saturday look ideal. The forecast calls for three to five foot waves in abnormally warm water for October, 70 degrees. Competing schools include: San Pedro High, Palos Verdes High, Peninsula High, Chadwick, North High, Bishop Montgomery, South High, West High, Redondo Union, Mira Costa High, and El Segundo High.
“The Kick Off Classic is one of the few events where we have all schools competing at once,” Broman said. “It’s a great contest to come check out and support your school and your alma mater.” ER
