Surfers from around the state, country and world will be battling it out on the south side of the Huntington Beach Pier in two competitions this week.
First on Wednesday, April 5, will be the Battle of the Board Riders, followed by the Jack’s Surfboard Pro, a World Surf League qualifying series event worth big points for up-and-coming surfers hoping to join the ranks of the world’s best.
The Battle of the Board Riders is expected to draw more than a dozen West Coast Board Riders clubs from San Diego to Santa Cruz to compete in a one-day surf off.
“It will be an exciting day,” said Chris Moreno, co-founder of the West Coast Board Riders.
Four surfers from each team will be competing; the surfing starts at 8 a.m.
There is a $1,000 prize purse, but the competition is about so much more, Moreno said.
“It’s bragging rights,” he said. “That’s what drives us. It’s a very fun, very competitive win for the bragging rights for who has the best surfers in California.”
Some of those surfers will also compete in the Jack’s Surfboard Pro, running Thursday, April 6, through Sunday, April 9.
This year’s event was upgraded in the qualifying series, meaning a win here will give top-finishers needed points to enter bigger, more valuable contests, including the upcoming U.S. Open of Surfing to be held at the same spot in July.
Ron Abdelfattah, co-owner of Jack’s Surfboards, said he hopes crowds will come down to the beach to watch the contest. It’s been a tough few months for tourism and business, with rain and cold weather keeping beachgoers away, he said.
“We’re hoping for good weather, we’re hoping for a bit of waves,” he said, noting the forecast is calling for surf in the 2- to 4-foot range. “We’ll see how it goes.”
San Clemente surfers Sawyer Lindblad and Crosby Colapinto are expected to compete, as is Hawaii’s Keanu Asing, hoping to again join the ranks of the World Tour.
Other well-known men competitors will include…
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