Retro Surf Party

Vol. 1, Issue 19, June 13-19, 2008
By Denny Michael

Special to the Dana Point Times

Doheny Longboard Surfing Association holds annual Back to the ’60s Surf Classic

The grand tradition of longboarding came back to life for a brief moment Saturday, June 7 as the Doheny Longboard Surfing Association held its annual Back to the ’60s contest at Doheny State Park.

This year’s event was a fond look back at surfing history. Contestants were required to ride boards made before 1970, and no leashes were allowed. It was a great opportunity to see old-school surfing, a skillful style born of the 1960s era where big, heavy boards ruled the day. An interesting side note was seeing the surfers who actually rode back in the ’60s competing with younger surfers whose only recollection of the style are photos from magazines or old films.

The daylong event showcased an exciting range of classic hang-10s, drop-knee cutbacks and tandem-team competitions, coupled with spectacular wipeouts and assorted odd maneuvers that defied any type of naming convention. Contest conditions were tough with an onshore breeze and extreme tide changes at Doheny’s infamous river-mouth area.

The 70-degree weather, however, made up for the hard surf conditions.

Moving about the beach afforded a great opportunity to see many old boards up close. Some were in excellent condition while others had obviously seen better days. And there were surfboards of all kinds—from local Dana Point–shaped Hobies to boards built by Bob Bolen of the Greek label out of Huntington Beach.

Beyond the boards and classic-style surfboard competition, the event was also a fun way to circle back in time as many contestants wore traditional surf clothes from the ’60s. And after a full day of surfing in the sun, people involved enjoyed a post-event dinner and awards ceremony.

DLSA’S BACK TO THE ’60S SURF CLASSIC

June 7, Doheny Beach State Park


YOUNG GUNS (Ride Your Own): 1. Eli Gillis, San Clemente; 2. Perry Rohr, San Clemente; 3. Dean Michael, Dana Point; 4. Noah Cordoza, Dana Point; 5. Grant Huntington, Dana Point.

MEN 49-UNDER (Ride Your Own): 1. Ryan Reynolds, Dana Point; 2. Josh Rapozo, Laguna Niguel; 3. Doug Smith, San Juan Capistrano; 4. Jeff Parsons, N/A; 5. Jim DuCharme, Foothill Ranch; 6. Clay Huntington, Dana Point.

OPEN WOMEN (Ride Your Own): 1. Cheryl MacGregor, Dana Point; 2. Katie Calkins, Mission Viejo; 3. Lauren Ngan, Dana Point; 4. Rachael Calkins, San Clemente; 5. Hallie Rohr, San Clemente; 6. Jeanette Francis, San Clemente.

MEN 50-OVER (Ride Your Own): 1. Bobby Knox, Fountain Valley; 2. Mark Calkins, Mission Viejo; 3. Steve Stirrett, San Juan Capistrano; 4. Ed McMillen, Dana Point; 5. Chuck McElvain, Fullerton; 6. Jack Sutter, Dana Point.

49-UNDER (Pick A Stick): 1. Ryan Reynolds, Dana Point; 2. Hallie Rohr, San Clemente; 3. Doug Smith, San Juan Capistrano; 4. Andy Nieblas, Capistrano Beach; 5. Jim DuCharme, Foothill Ranch; 6. Perry Rohr, San Clemente.

50-OVER (Pick a Stick): 1. Mark Calkins, Mission Viejo; 2. Katie Calkins, Mission Viejo; 3. John Arvidson, Mont Clair; 4. Ed McMillen, Dana Point; 5. Denny Michael, Dana Point; 6. John Upp, Dana Point.

TANDEM (Pick a Chick/Grab A Guy): 1. Ryan Reynolds/Debbie Gale, Dana Point/San Clemente; 2. Mark Gale/Cassandra Ontiveros, San Clemente/San Juan Capistrano; 3. Travis Long/Jennifer Jacquez, San Diego/Dana Point; 4. Clay Huntington/Hallie Rohr, Dana Point/San Clemente; 5. Landon Yacobucci/Kristen Huntington, San Clemente/Dana Point; 6. Matt Kolodziejczyk/Jessica Gale, Valencia/San Clemente; 7. Brett Reinieg/Emilee Sutton, San Clemente/Laguna Niguel; 8. John Upp/Tina N/A, Dana Point/Dana Point.



Click here for original article