The 21st Annual Venice Surf-A-Thon was went down on Saturday, December 20th. It's the longest running annual surf contest in the Los Angeles area. Held at Venice Beach, just south of the Breakwater.
Unlike many surf contests, the Venice Surf-A-Thon is really laid back. There was a heat schedule, but the contest started when it started, the heats started whenever people were ready. There was an entry fee ($25), but if you didn't have it, it was okay, you could still surf in it, probably wouldn't have got one of the cool contest t-shirts, but you were able to surf in the contest. Speaking of the t-shirts, every year there's a new version by a local artist. The awards are given out at a party later on in the evening.
Unlike last year, there were some better than average waves this year. The contest "area" slowly moved north throughout the day following the waves. The finales ended up being held right next to the breakwater rocks, a first for the Surf-A-Thon.
A total of 46 surfers surfed in the Surf-A-Thon, with ages ranging from 3 years old to 55 years young. Most locals, but some from as far as Brazil and Japan. One surfer, Sol, rode his bike up to Venice Beach from Redondo Beach, surfed the contest, placed second, rode back home, then came back to Venice again later that evening for the awards party where he preformed with his band, STD's.
It's been a labor of love for contest's founder Ger-I Lewis, who also helped make the famous Venice Beach Skatepark a reality. "I Founded the Venice Surf-A-Thon in 1993 after returning home from military service. I wished to do something for the children, young adults and the community in general that is fun and has a positive influence on everyone" says Ger-I. "For sure back in the day the contest was edgy, as so was I! Instead of handing out trophies at the beach like most contests, I incorporated the awards party to give everyone a chance to shine. Inviting local talent as well." In addition to the awards after party held at a venue off the beach, the early years of the Surf-A-Thon also hosted a bikini contest. "The bikini contest was also a strategy to enhance and create a Venice culture showcase. Well times have changed and folks have mellowed, the bikini contest is no longer a part of the event as many of the original contestants are grandparents now!" And as in previous years, proceeds from the contest went to the MLD Elementary School in the Philippines. This year $800 was raised.
As for the contest results, "Unfortunately, as Peck and I where cleaning up the awards party location after all the revelry, I forgot the contest results on the clipboard and they got tossed in the trash!" So here are the results from Ger-I's memory:
Girls
1.Oshi Massy
2.Vegas Massy
3.Jennifer D
Boys
1.Beck Adler
2 & 3. The rippers from Huntington Beach
Longboard
1. Norm Antonio
2. Brock
3. C S
Mens
1. Jack from Santa Cruz
2. Slo from the STD's
3. Sam
Masters
1. Jimmy Papik
2. Tex from Dana Point
3. DJ Jaques
Girls
1.Oshi Massy
2.Vegas Massy
3.Jennifer D
Boys
1.Beck Adler
2 & 3. The rippers from Huntington Beach
Longboard
1. Norm Antonio
2. Brock
3. C S
Mens
1. Jack from Santa Cruz
2. Slo from the STD's
3. Sam
Masters
1. Jimmy Papik
2. Tex from Dana Point
3. DJ Jaques
Venice Surf-A-Thon Photo Gallery
