Spyder Surfboards King of the South Bay Surf Contest

Ryan Ulrich

Sports Writer

The South Bay Boardriders once again brought the local surfing community together with a sun-filled day of sand and surfing. 

The South Bay Boardriders Club is a local organization which holds events such as big wave surf contests, as well as South Bay Surf Series competitions. It held the seventh annual Spyder Surfboards King of the South Bay Surf Contest took place at El Porto on April 21st. 

“The contest was a super fun time and there was some really fun waves,” Mira Costa junior Alex Fry said. “The Boardriders Contests are always a good way to see how other kids in the South Bay are in comparison to your abilities.”

The competition included longboard and shortboard divisions for both men and women. Individuals can begin competing once they are five years old. This year both Mira Costa students and alumni competed in the event. 

“I compete in the boys division which is for male surfers who are 14 or under but I also compete in the open men’s division and there are around 10 other divisions,” Freshman Daniel Boos said.

The waves on the morning of the competition were were about two to four feet with peaky conditions. Throughout the day the onshore winds picked up and it became increasingly difficult for surfers to find good waves. 

“The waves were super fun and everyone was surfing well.” Freshman Joey Samuelian said. “In the morning it was super good and then it started to deteriorate in the afternoon but there was still some good ones. 

This year several Costa surf team members advanced to the finals in their respective divisions. Fry was able to win the Juniors division, while Boos took first in the Boys division Sophomore Megan Seth placed first in the open Women’s division and the Junior Women’s division.

“I was super stoked to win the event,” Fry said. “The waves were fun and I was able to get some good sets during all of my heats.”

All of the finalists received trophies as well as prize bags with goodies from event sponsors. Prizes included Spy sunglasses, Creature traction pads and Stance socks. All competitors also received a free lunch from El Gringo.

“It’s always an accomplishment to make the final because everyone is always ripping ,” Samuelian said. 

This event was the final contest in the South Bay Boardriders series. Points were awarded to finalists, winners will receive 1000 points for each event they win and and there was an award ceremony to finish the season of on April 21st at the Subaru Pacific dealership. 

“I was stoked to win the overall season,” Fry said. “I won multiple contests against some really talented surfers.”