Photos by Bill Waterman and Gorge Performance
The 17th annual Cape Kiwanda Longboard Classic completed Sunday the 20th and all signs lead to it being a huge success. Final numbers aren’t in yet, but it appears to have raised a solid amount for the construction of the Pacific City Skatepark!
Beginning Friday the 18th with the Registration Party sponsored by Volcom, the Bob Marley Tribute Band rocked out while competitors checked in, enjoyed a Teriyaki Plate Dinner, and a few beers. All the while, the waves were glassy, and warm, and offered a perfect warmup surf for many competitors.
Saturday’s morning events started up early, with heats commencing at 8:00 AM, starting with the Men’s 40-49 division. The waves were chest high and glassy, perfect for the contest. Contestants took full advantage of the conditions, and were showcasing some amazing surfing. As the day wound on, the conditions somehow improved, making for some amazing surfing, and great spectating as well. At 2:00, the Brewfest started, and beers started to flow from breweries around Oregon such as Buoy Beer, Fort George Brewery, Seaside Brewing, 10 Barrel Brewing, Two Kilts Brewing Company, Rev Nat’s Hard Cider, and of course Pelican Brewing Company. Beachgoers and contestants alike could sample a variety of beers from any of these fine brewing companies, all while watching the surf contest! A slight scare happened mid afternoon when an ultralight/parachute aircraft had an engine failure, and crash landed on the beach right next to the competition, however luckily no one was injured! To end out the day, the groms with parents stole the show with some rad surfing from Oregon’s future rippers.
The day rounded out with the Competition After-party sponsored by Pelican Brewery. The Retroactive Gamma Rays rocked the house, the Pelican poured beers all night, and a large group of partygoers danced the night away.
Sunday started early again at 8:00 AM, with a light mist and glassy, semi-foggy conditions, but perfectly contestable. Competitors surfed the business end of the contest with intent, making sure that they put everything on the line to reach the finals. After a brief foggy period mid-morning, the sun came out for the finals, and competitors had one last chance to prove their worth, battling it out for the win.
As the final results were tallied, the silent auction ended which was being held all weekend. The lucky high bidders came to claim their rewards and competitors and their families started to gather for the awards ceremony. Once the results had been sorted out, the winners were announced, and the raffle prizes were raffled off, including a lucky winner of a custom Rob Russo Surfboard! Overall, the weekend was a huge success, in both the contest, and our goals of raising funds for the Pacific City Skatepark. We can’t wait to do it again and see you next year!
A big thank you to all of the competitors, sponsors, vendors, breweries, and most importantly the volunteers who helped to make this a successful weekend!
