A clear crisp winter morning greeted the hundreds of frothing pier rats intent on winning bragging rights for the year in the Midget Smith Pier Rat Challenge. The rack of 70’s retro surfboards glistened in the morning sun. A big fat high tide swamped the surf in the early morning. Just as the heats were scheduled to start, the tide began to ebb and the surf on either side of the pier crawled to life.Midget held court at the pier, as he has done most of his life in San Clemente, surveying all the activity around him. He was pleased.The surf community had been extremely generous in helping Midget with his battle with cancer. The medical bills are daunting but his spirits are high, as he marvels and is humbled by the generosity of his friends and community.
Dozens of sponsors donated product or raffle prizes, including Ice 9, Hobie, Western Surfing Association, Rainbow Sandals, Fox, IZZE, Arrowhead Water, O’Neill.
Many people volunteered their efforts including ASP Judges - Eric Krammer and Tim Marshall, WSA Staff – Mary Lou Drummy, Andrea Swayne, Madi Swayne, Tom Bujno, Carolyn Krammer, Tracey Turbeville and Greg Cruse, Expert Commentators – Ryan Simmons and Henry Ford, Hobie’s Sean Haggar, Chris and Patrick Drummy, and many, many more.
A congenial, fun atmosphere prevailed throughout the day of friendly competition. The most inspiring performance was from Newport Beach’s Kenny Clark in the Men’s 40+ Shortboard division. Kenny took a 3rd place in the final in the tough closed out afternoon conditions. This, despite having undergone aggressive treatment for throat cancer the last 18 months. His last procedure was just over two weeks prior to the contest where he had surgery to remove tissue in his neck and part of his tongue. His fearless attitude and will to live got him through his ordeal. He was an inspiration to everyone on the beach, especially Midget. To see a short video paste the following address into your browser:
Results:
Men’s Shortboard 40+:
1. Glenn Rilly – Capo Beach
2. Jeff Jones – San Clemente
3. Kenny Clark – Newport Beach
4. Michael Skelly – Dana Point
5. Javier Huarcaya - Oceanside
6. Perry Faanes – San Clemente
8 & Under Boys and Girls
1 .Sam Wickwire – Seal Beach
2. Michael Tilly – Capo Beach
3. Ashley Beeson – Trabuco Canyon
4. Tanner Deveze – San Clemente
Girls Short Board 14 – 17
1. Mackenzie Kessler
Girls Longboard 17 and under
1. Hallie Rohr – San Clemente
2. Bryn Lutz – Carlsbad
3. Tory Gilkerson – San Clemente
4. Haley Powell – San Clemente
5. Alexandra Adolph – San Clemente
Women’s Shortboard 18 – 25
1. Jenny Quam – Dana Point
2. Hether Carrick – San Anselmo
Women’s Longboard 30+
1. Wanda Smanz – Los Angeles
2. Sherri Crummer – San Clemente
Boy’s Longboard 17 and under
1. Dennis Whitw – San Clemente
2. Scott Brandenburg – San Clemente
3. Cody Ulrich – San Clemente
4. Eli Gillis – San Clemente
5. Casey Powell – San Clemente
6. Dean Hyland – Dove Canyon
Men’s Shortboard 26 – 29
1. Chris Drummy – Tustin
2. Chris Cabeza – San Clemente
3. Micah Mullen – San Clemente
4. Kelly O’Connell – San Clemente
5. Pat Drummy – San Clemente
6. Brian Hill – San Clemente
Men’s Longboard 30+
1. Bryan Ballard – San Clemente
2. Sean Haggar – San Clemente
3. Kelly O’Connell – San Clemente
4. Skeeter DiRusso – Oregon
5. Biff Cooper – San Clemente
6. Michael Skelly – Dana Poiint
Boy’s Shortboard 14 – 17
1. Dennis White – San Clemente
2. Sam Branker – San Clemente
3. Randy Gilkerson – San Clemente
4. Levi Gregory – San Clemente
5. Jacob Graff – San Clemente
6. Zach Lyons – San Clemente
Men’s Shortboard 18 – 25
1. Brandon Ragenovich – San Clemente
2. Brandt Bacha – San Clemente
3. Jeff Mull – Aliso Viejo
4. Chase Stavron – San Clemente
Boy’s Shortboard 13 and under
1. Braden Taylor – San Clemente
2. Jonah Carter – San Clemente
3. Trevor Thornton – San Clemente
4. Zach Stabley – San Clemente
5. Ryan Graves – San Clemente
6. Kevin Schulz – San Clemente
Girl’s Shortboard 13 and under
1. Bryn Lutz – Carlsbad
2. Shelby Detmers – Costa Mesa
3. Madi Swayne – Orange
4. Anna Gillis – San Clemente
5. Kaerina Rozunko – San Clemente
Men’s Longboard 18 – 29
1. Tommy Lloy – Dana Point
2. Tommy Witt – San Clemente
3. Kevin Osborne – San Clemente
4. Tyler Warren – Dana Point
5. Josh Rapozo – Laguna Niguel
6. Bobby Foster – San Clemente
Retro Shortboard Open Division
1. Brandon Ragenovich – San Clemente
2. Scott Finn – San Clemente
3. Brandt Bacha – San Clemente
4. Chris Cabeza – San Clemente
5. Tyler Warren – Dana Point
6. Tommy Lloy – Dana Point
Stand-Up Paddle Relay
1. Bryce Sagman and TJ Sagman – Dana Point
2. Eric Diamond – Dana Point ancd Chris Koerner - Capo Beach
3. Gary Larson – Dana Point and Boston Titensoz – Capo Beach
4. Sean Haggar – San Clemente and Tyler Warren – Dana Point
5. Tim Mellars and Dave Mellars – Capo Beach
