|
Big crowd turns out for 2012 NBVC Point Mugu Surf Contest
By Anonymous — Tuesday, August 21st, 2012
NAVAL BASE VENTURA COUNTY, Point Mugu, CA - Good waves and sunny weather kept smiles on the faces of 142 competitors and 7,500 spectators at the Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC) Point Mugu Surf Contest Presented by Navy Recycling Aug 18-19, 2012. NBVC Commanding Officer Captain Larry Vasquez opened the gates to the public, allowing rare access to one of Southern California’s best waves. The event benefits the NBVC Morale, Welfare and Recreation department, a Quality of Life program for military and their families. Matt Merel won the Military Men’s division for the fourth straight year, edging out Kuilee Murphy, Chris Stacy and Simon Blanco. It was a tough challenge with Murphy scoring a perfect 10 score earlier in the competition and ending with the best average heat points at 18, compared to Merel’s 15.90. Justin Hawkins, serving with VR-55 at NBVC Point Mugu, was the hometown favorite that went furthest in the competition, making it to the semi-finals. The military division featured competitors from the U.S, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marines and Navy. In the Women’s division, Angelita Noche was the first military woman to make the finals in the 5-year history of the event. She finished 2nd in challenging conditions with Demi Boelsterli in 1st, and Kloee Openshaw in 3rd; the Women surf in one combined division that included professional, amateur, junior, and military women. Jake Kelley defended his title in the Junior’s division (17 and under), winning for the third consecutive year. Jake will have to leave the Hat Trick behind, as the age requirements will move him into the open for next year’s event. Dane Reynolds scored a couple of perfect 10 scores on his way to winning the Men’s Open division. Ventura local Reynolds was inducted into the Surfing Hall of Fame earlier this month in Huntington Beach, CA. Cory Arrambide, Jeremy Ryan, and Mike McCabe also made the finals as they progressed through a stacked field of over 80 professionals and amateurs. Past World Champion Tom Curren surfed along with son Pat, aerial innovator Christian Fletcher, Surfing Magazine Shaper of the Year Robert Weiner, and local pros Arrambide, Sean Hayes, and Adam Virs; they were the crowd favorites, drawing big cheers during their heats. Even announcer Todd Kline joined the fun, advancing to the Quarterfinals Live music both days featured Bret Jensen, Banned from the Beach, Groove Persona, and Big Junior Little on Saturday; Sunday was reggae day with local bands Jah Mon Soul, Rising Son, The Divine Crime, and Reggae Hall of Fame artist Pato Banton. The event was presented by Navy Region Southwest Sustainable Solid Waste Program, who filled the beach with a message to “reduce, reuse, recycle” on everything from competitor jerseys to the main stage featuring live music. Thank you to all the Sponsors: Revolution Surf Co., Domino’s Pizza, Chiquita, Channel Islands Logistics, PODS, SCOSHE, Matuna’s, Red Bull, Lincoln Military Housing, USAA Insurance, VC Star. August 19, 2012 NBVC Point Mugu Surf Contest Presented by Navy Recycling Final Results Women’s Junior’s Military Men’s Men’s Open |
