SAN ONOFRE, Calif. –The Doheny Longboard Surfing Association is set to rack up another in a long line of firsts when the classic winter longboard event sets off the Coalition of Surfing Clubs 2009 competitive season.  The program offers a great mix of spectacular competitive longboarding, a variety beach activities and support for several worthwhile charities.

Held at the beginning of every year, the Gathering of the Tribes contest features two competitive surfing areas at the legendary Church Beach in San Onofre, Calif. This configuration enables more than 350 contestants, from more than 18 Longboard Coalition Teams, to battle their way to the finals, which will be held in the afternoon on Sunday, January 4th. The number of competitors makes this the largest competitive 2-day longboard event on the west coast.

In 2008, more than 350 competitors, and their families, enjoyed the rural setting of Church Beach, which is home to one of the premier point breaks in California.  The contest showcased a combination of traditional longboard styles along with newer more progressive moves.  The Gathering of the Tribes sets the tone for the coming year of club competitions. “We are excited to host the beginning of the 2009 coalition club series and we’re looking forward to this year’s competition,” said Jack Sutter, president of the Doheny club.

The Coalition of Surfing Clubs (CSC) is an international organization that represents the interests of surfing clubs throughout California and the world. It acts as a united voice to address issues related to coastal water quality, beach access, development, and legislative policy. The Coalition represents more than 10,000 surfers, of all ages, and exists for the betterment of the citizenship of the surfer, to improve clean water locally and globally and to promote the sport of surfing.

The Doheny Longboard Surfing Association (DLSA) is an organization comprised of individuals dedicated to the enjoyment of board surfing in a clean and natural environment. In relation to that philosophy, the DLSA acts as a support group to other organizations with similar views and objectives.  For additional information visit the Doheny Longboard Clubs website at www. dohosurf.org or contact Denny Michael at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Event Details:

Press Release and Photo submitted by Denny Michael
Mickey Munoz, George Carr and Gary Stellern, 2008 Gathering Of The Tribes
13th Annual Gathering of the Tribes Longboard Contest Dates Selected
Doheny Longboard Surfing Associations Annual Gathering of the Tribes Longboard Surf comes to Church Beach, San Onofre, January 3-4, 2009