By Jack Brooks
Staff Writer
The Jimmy Miller Foundation hosted its 15th annual Surf Fiesta on 42nd St. in Manhattan Beach on Oct. 8. Hundreds of people came together to spread happiness through surfing and to have a good time at the beach.
The Jimmy Miller Surf Fiesta is an annual surf competition in honor of Costa alumnus Jimmy Miller, who passed away 15 years ago due to mental health issues. Miller was both a professional surfer and L.A. County lifegaurd.
“I’ve been going to the Jimmy probably for the past four or five years,” sophomore surf competitor Chase Gaffeny said. “It’s awesome to see everybody from all age groups surf together and be involved.”
In the competition, two teams faced each other in 15-minute heats. Competitors were judged based on their performance on each wave. Teams consisted of a beginner surfer, two intermediate surfers, an expert surfer, and a professional surfer.
“This is my first year doing this, and it is sick that kids from all levels and ages can participate,” sophomore surf competitor Bryce Nicholson said. “The event is a great way to get people involved in the surfing community and have a positive experience.”
The foundation started in 2005, one year after Miller passed away. For the past 15 years, the foundation has helped share the benefits of surfing and the therapeutic effects of the ocean.
“Jimmy, my son, used to do surf lessons on 42nd Street which was where his first company, Peer Surfing Experience, and later Jimmy Miller, started,” Jimmy’s mom, Nancy Miller, said. “It feels that this is the absolute right place to cherish his memories and keep his name heard.”
To raise money, the foundation hosts live and silent auctions each year, as well as many other interactive events that involve the community. Over the years, these events have taken place in both private homes and the beach.
“Over the course of the year, we usually have about three or four fundraisers,” Nancy Miller said. “The events can be anything from poker on the beach to a surf and turf event.”
According to Nancy Miller, the Jimmy Miller Foundation also holds nearly 50 ocean therapy sessions per year. This program is devised to serve underprivileged and abused children and veterans throughout Los Angeles.
“The therapy sessions always bring a smile to my face,” sophomore therapy session participant Dylan Fenton said. “I love seeing these kids have such a great experience on the beach surfing and interacting with one another. The annual Surf Fiesta is also a great way to bond and create memories that may last with these people for the rest of their lives.”
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