The last day of the surf contest started off with a bright note, as the waves were waist to chest high and glassy, perfect for serious competition.

The sun was out, and the winds were light offshore.

Paul West (right) and Jimbo Pierce, longboard master winner

Running various longboard heats in such good conditions showed the style that epitomizes the art of surfing: hanging five, cross steps, and long rides were the order of the day. Bobby Chenman took 3rd in his masters final, even though he was five minutes late getting into the water, and Jimbo Pierce took home the first place prize.

Further up the Beach was the Wareing’s Gym 3rd Annual Beach Bum Triathlon. This event combined a one mile soft sand beach run, a three mile bicycle race on beach cruisers with fixed single gears, and a ½ mile ocean paddle on surfboards. Local artist and musician Andy Harris joked, “I don’t care if I win or not, I just want to finish.”

Local athlete Andy Harris in red trunks at Beach Bum Triathalon

Mike Wareing was on the Boardwalk encouraging everyone to keep up the effort.  Sand was flying, water was spraying, and people were desperately scurrying about looking for their bikes and surfboards. It was a unique sporting contest that looked both fun and challenging. And all of the contestants looked remarkably fit.

Local artist Rick Romano on wave, riding SUP, and Grey Martin in background

Back at the Jetty, Rick Romano and Grey Martin put on an impressive exhibition on SUP’s (stand-up paddle surfboards), catching great waves to the amazement and pleasure of the spectators on the beach. They were playing to a tough crowd, as many prone surfers have not fully accepted the renaissance of the ancient Hawaiian tradition of standing up and paddling into waves. But the crowd reaction was positive and encouraging as many had never seen proficient surfers snag waves like Rick and Grey.

Meanwhile, Aaron Cormican won the men’s professional division for the 4th time, although the waves were less than perfect during the finals. One of these days the pro surfers will get to ride the best waves during their heats. Until then, they have to make do in the conditions that are present.

I never did make it to the bikini contest or any of the concerts, so I guess that there is still something to look forward to next year. Oh, and the waves of course.