The Swamis Coalition Contest-which took place September 6 and 7 at Cardiff Reef-offered a variety of surf divisions and hosted highly talented surfers from all over Southern California, including surfers from Coronado, Long Beach, and Malibu. These were given the chance to display their skills on Cardiff's world-class waves, which broke especially well on Sunday during the morning offshore wind. The shore-dwelling spectators also were kept entertained with plenty of activities, ranging from a raffle to a historic car exposition.

The contest had myriad divisions, split up by age group and/or surf styles. From Jr. Women (15 - 19 years) to Super Legends (70+ years) to Paddle Race to Stand Up Paddle Surf, there was a division for virtually anything. This vast number of heats provided many of the surfers with almost too much to do. Some even had to surf multiple heats back to back. Caleb, for example, had to make a dash from the Stand Up to the Open Shortboard Final, and Deborah was forced to speed from the Women Longboard to the Women Shortboard Final.

Nevertheless, the hectic schedule in no way impeded the fun. Indeed, most surfers were stoked to enjoy Cardiff Reef's world-class surf, especially in light of Sunday's premier conditions. For by Sunday morning, the swell had cleaned up, the wind stayed offshore, and the waves were breaking in the waist-high range-no doubt enticing any surf-minded spectator who was sitting at the beach.

As to the caliber of the surfers present, it was remarkably high. In the Men's division, surfers like Taylor Jensen and Quintin Macklin guaranteed a good show. And so did quite a few other surfers in their respective divisions. As a testament to their high skill level, the list highlighting the exceptionally talented surfers would run well beyond the allotted scope of this report. Suffice it to say the scene in the water was a veritable showcase of expert surfing.

And although the waves were at center stage, the beach also featured its share of attractions. For those who were willing to spare a few bucks, there were plenty of options. There was the usual raffle with its attractive prizes, the always-inviting coffee cart, and numerous vendors (from Kettle Corn to Tom's Plumerias). And for those unwilling to shell out the cash, the beach scene was awash with free entertainment. As if the gaggle of nutty surfers knocking about didn't provide enough excitement and intrigue, many enjoyed checking out the incredibly long outrigger that was on display, as well as a panoply of historic cars.

In sum, the Swamis Coalition Contest was a remarkable event. A hectic race between heats, enticing waves rolling through, high caliber surfers coming down the line, and a host of entertainment options on the beach all coalesced to make for a special day and a successful contest.

Links:

   Videos - (click here)

   Photos - (click below)

•  jr. men
• jr. men
• men I
• men II
• men
• open noseriding
• open noseriding
• stand up paddle
• grand masters I
• grand masters II
• masters sb
• masters noseriding
• masters noseriding
• jr. women
• women
• women sb
• women sb
• historic car
• behind the scene