History of Huntington Beach Surf Clubs Written by Bruce Gabrielson in 1991 Ten Year President (1967-1977) Huntington Beach Surfing Association Note: My thanks to Barry Shapiro, former president of Bay Cities Surf Club, for his input to this paper (Dec 97). During the early 1960's, there were three clubs in the Huntington Beach area. Huntington Beach Surfing Association (HBSA), primarily for pier oriented surfers, South Sea Surf Club, a group of Huntington Cliffs surfers, and a small loosely organized club called Warner Street Surf Club at the foot of Warner Street. The long board picture shows a group of South Sea surfers, including myself, at the cliffs in the fall of 1964. South Sea Surf Club at HB Cliffs Other local clubs which were around at that time included Newport Beach Surfing Association, Long Beach Surf Club, Laguna Beach Surfing Association, San Clemente Surf Club, Point South Surf Club, and San Onofre Surf Club. Bay Cities Surf Club (and Hermosa Beach Surfing Association in the late 60's), Malibu Surf Club, Wind and Sea Surf Club, and Menehune Ka Kai of Northridge also existed in other parts of Southern California. The figure shows an award I won in a meet between South Sea Surf Club and Point South dated December 7, 1966. It's difficult to trace the origin of HBSA itself. The club was originally called Huntington Beach Surf Club and had some rowdy types as members in the early 1960s. About 1965 when I first got involved with the club there was a contest and keg party at a vetrans hall in Huntington, between Newport Beach Surfing Association and HBSA. The party got a little wild and basically we wrote the place off. A story got into the paper about the club being made up of bad guys, and at that time it was invited to never have a contest again. Nothing lasts forever except the surf in Surf City. HBSA didn't fold but its members did start keeping a low profile. While some clubs basically were made up of people who all surfed in one area and had no officers or meetings, several of the clubs were well organized with dues and regular meetings. The clubs with dues or sponsors usually also had jackets, T-shirts, patches, board and window decals, and other similar identifiers. However, major changes took place beginning around 1966, both in surfing and in individual thinking, which severely effected the established surfing organizations. With the coming of shorter boards, a great many of the older, more organized individuals who kept these clubs together simply refused to transition. Also, young hot-shot surfers could not identify with most of these older surfers, and thus refused to get involved with many clubs. Another problem was the mental attitude of the country during those years, which also effected the surfing community. This was the time of anti-establishment movements, anti-war demonstrations, and do your own thing. College age surfers didn't want to be involved, or went away in the services, leaving few to take over and coordinate the existing clubs. These conditions created a situation within the surfing community where only the strongest clubs could survive. In Huntington Beach by about 1966, HBSA was in total disarray with most of the older surfers going away to college or, like Jim Angeley, being drafted, and only a few of the early members still sticking together. South Sea was down to about twelve members, and Warner Street, except for Raul Duarte and maybe Robert August (if he was actually a member), was pretty well gone. With interest in clubs falling, some surfers like myself decided to see if something could be done. Since I was a member of HBSA and also president of South Sea, I contacted nearly every member of all the clubs still active and held a formal meeting at a HBSA member's home in early 1967. The purpose was to locate all past members left and still interested in clubs, and then decide what to do about the remaining organizations. The meeting was held in Surfside, and I believe Pete Kobsev may have been president of HBSA at that time. Only a handful of surfers showed up, representing HBSA, South Sea, and a few other interested people. Some of those at the meeting besides myself included Sam Dusatko and the illustrious Murphy of Kanvas by Katan fame. I don't remember much about the meeting other then the general concern that something had to be done and that I ended up as president (I don't think I volunteered). I do remember receiving all the existing HBSA and South Sea club records in a cardboard box from the secretaries, most of which I still have. From this meeting, one club, Huntington Beach Surfing Association emerged as the primary club for Huntington Beach. All surfers, the older surfers who had made the short board transition, young hot-shots, and long boarders, both past and current members were welcome at meetings. My one major responsibility as the newly elected president was the task of reorganizing the club and building it back to its earlier status. Nearly every top surfer in the region joined or returned to the club by mid-summer. David Nuuhiwa, one of the top surfers in the world at that time, led the list to super stars. Regular meetings and contests were held, new members were voted into the club, social activities were hosted, and the club competed as a group in most major events throughout the late 60's until about 1976. David Nuuhiwa Not only were most of the local surfers members of the club, but a large number of outsiders also supported or joined the club. Surprisingly, at least six South Bay surfers were very active, seldom missing a club championship or other club event. Rusty Johnston, Dana Kimbrow, Tim Wirick, Bernie Keech, and Jack Sahakian were actual club members. Tim Wirick, A Friend, Myself, Lonnie Buhn, and John VanOrnum During a Break in One of the Two HB vs Menehune Ka Kai Challenge Competitions (this one at Hollywood by the Sea in 1972) Mike Purpus (left), while never becoming an official member, entered five of the six club championships held by HBSA. After reviewing heat sheets for these events, it turns out only four members besides Mike entered this many club championship events. Another funny story about Mike should be told. Mike was/is a great surfer and also a fun person. Knowing we had a habit of announcing club standings on a regular basis at our championships, one year Mike entered a club called Charley and the Horny Cougars. Every time we announced his club the spectators and surfers on the beach roared their approval. The real heyday of surf clubs came around 1970 or 71. Most every recognized surfer in not only Huntington Beach but throughout Southern California was a member of one club or another. Some of the clubs around by then included Brooks St Surf Club, 17th St Ducks, Offshore (Oceanside), Suncraft, and the Californian. San Fernando Valley Surf Club was big about 1972. HBSA was the dominant club in Southern California during this era. At one time it had won 35 straight club events, taking on virtually anyone who wanted to compete, either in open contests or one-on-one, and at their home site or any other location. The attached newspaper article is typical of HBSA dominance in the club challenge events of the time. Organized contests also recognized the importance of surf clubs during this era, with most WSA contests offering both surf club and manufacturer's surf team awards. Even international surf contests got into the club events. A small HBSA group went to the International Surf Festival at Makaha around 1971 or 72, with two members, Jeff Smith and myself reaching quarter final rounds and one member, Laroy Dennis, reaching the semi- finals. The club finished third overall with this effort. The club also took several "surfing safaris" to Mexico and other great locations. Among the trips were Santa Cruz (the party at Pat O'Neal's place), Santa Barbara (remember the girl's dorm), Hollywood by the Sea (can't mention that one), Malibu (George Segetti and company), K39 (remember the locals), and 3Ms. San Miguel held an annual club contest which, until HBSA showed up, was almost always won by Encinada Surf Club. The HBSA/ESC competition created so much friction, that a challenge match, one on one, was held at 3-M Beach about 1972 or 73. A number of club members who were also members of Huntington Beach High School's first varsity surf team went on this trip, and I am sure they will never forget it, especially our fireworks display and "bombardment" of the other surfers (remember the perfect tent shot) plus the other activities that went on in town. We also got to enjoy a wind-up tent that didn't during that trip. Part of the Crew at 3Ms HBSA dominated the meet, much to the consternation of the locals who managed to get all US surfers barred from surfing at the Cannery shortly thereafter. I also personally got into a lot of hot water from Huntington Beach High School officials as a result of this trip. Me on a Left During the 3M Contest One year the members decided we needed club shirts, jackets and decals for our boards. After several designs were evaluated, Robert "Sniffer" Milfield, a local member and artist, designed and hand cut a silk screen for the club. Featuring the pier at sunset, the design embodied the real sense of pride the membership had in our club. The screen still exists and has been donated to the International Surfing Museum in Huntington. Many members used this screen over the years. Another screen featuring the letters HBSA in script was also cut by Robert, and has recently been used by this author on shirts for some of the old time members. A HBSA club flag (see below) was also designed and put up on the beach whenever a club or open competition was held and the team was competing. It was about 3 feet by 4 feet, with a white background and green lettering. The banner disappeared during a contest, some say taken by a rival club, about 1972 or 73. Another club activity was presentation of the semi- annual Harris Kawata Memorial Award to the Outstanding HBSA Surfer. Harris Kawata was an active and popular surfer in the club who was killed in an automobile accident. This award, won by several of the top surfers in the area, was presented to the club surfer who during the previous six months had the most contest points gained through club and open competitions. The club championships was a mandatory event for members going for the award. Winning the award twice in succession retired the trophy. The trophy was retired after the last club championship about 1976 by myself. Randy Weeden and I had tied for first at the club championship, but I had more overall points having also placed 3rd at the US Championships. HBSA's annual Club Championships, open to all surfers, drew many of surfing's top names. The first club championship was held just to see if we could hold one in 1969. The first real organized official club championship was held the next year in 1970. The last big contest was held in 1975. A semi-final heat in 1971 contained David Nuuhiwa, Laroy Dennis, Leigh Martin, and Mike Wilson. The other semi-final heat featured Mike Purpus, Tim Wirick, John Van Ornum, and Randy Lewis, all top-notch competitors. Randy Lewis won the contest. In the junior division finals at that contest, Neils Osborne, David Van Druff, Lonnie Buhn, and Tim Whelan had a real shoot-out. The Open Women event featured Linda Bennish, Jan Gafney, Judi Monroe, and Mary Setterholm. These represented many of the top surfers anywhere in the U.S. back then. I have included an article about this event with this narration. HBSA was also a major political force shaping the destiny of big surfing events of the day, including the US Surfboard Championships held at Huntington Beach Pier. In 1970, a serious controversy regarding eligibility and local entry into the US Championships took place. Despite the high rankings of a number of locals, a regional quota was established, and only three resident Huntington Beach surfers, including myself, David Nuuhiwa, and Randy Lewis were invited to participate in mens events. Chris Catell was in the Air Force rather then being listed as a Huntington Beach resident, so was also invited. There may have been one or two others, but I only had a newspaper article and my own memory, not an official program, to research this subject. Outraged by this lack of regard for local talent, and reflecting views by those left out from other regions, the club, 55 members strong by then, held a meeting during the contest attended by nearly every top surfer in the world. Two letters were written at the meeting, one to Hoppy Swarts, Regional WSA Competition Director, and one to the City of Huntington Beach. Copies of these letters, signed by a great many of worlds best, are included in Appendix A of this history, as well as the city's reply sent by Vince Moorehouse. Many in the surfing world consider this action Surfing's "Declaration of Independence". As a result of the meeting and protest, the United States Surfing Association modified its rules to allow the top 2 place winners in each division from a local Huntington Beach contest to receive bids into the championships, plus modified other quota participation rules. The annual Huntington Beach Residents Contest, first held August 21, 1971, was the direct result of this action. Since I was responsible for the contest's creation, I was charged with running the event, which subsequently grew into a very popular local contest. Towards the mid to late-1970's, many surf clubs had left the scene. Several factors contributed to their demise. As boards and equipment grew more expensive, manufacturer surf teams and board sponsorship became more important then club activities to surfers. As such, competitors were too involved with their sponsor to compete for other teams. Another factor was the rise of organized college and high school competition teams. A surfer only has so much organizational time he can devote to the sport. A third factor was costs, both for awards and for contest insurance. Dues simply could not cover expenses. Insurance for a club event was very expensive, and the City of Huntington Beach, like other municipal organizations, was simply unwilling to issue a beach permit unless insurance was available. Insurance for a club contest ran around $150 per day minimum. Without the contest as a primary source of revenue for operation and awards, clubs simply could not afford compete with other more sponsored activities. The last big contest held by HBSA drew 126 entries and was held was during the spring of 1975. It was held at the foot of Golden West Street, and was judged by Chuck Linnen and Jerico Poppler, both HBSA members. Surfing was difficult with many heats being delayed because of the super calm inconsistent beach break surf. I won masters division, Mike Purpus won the open event, David Van Druff won juniors, and tiny Rusty Henderson won the boys event. Since so few surfers were still present, and since the weather was hot and accommodating with almost no wind, the club decided to hold one long super heat with each of the division winners competing against each other. With small beach break surf, riding a long wave or maneuvering much was very difficult. Rusty Henderson (Johnston), who couldn't have weighed more then 65 lbs, was perfect for the head (his head) high waves. He dazzled everyone watching with countless maneuvers and tricks, easily winning both the heat, and the Harris Kawata Memorial Trophy in the process. Mike, who lived near Rusty in Hermosa, wasn't happy about the results, particularly since he had to be around Rusty on a regular basis. Around the spring of 1976, HBSA tried to organize one last club championships. Only 46 surfers entered the meet, held at the foot of 23rd Street. The surf was about 4 feet, rough and inconsistent, causing long heat delays and poor scores. By afternoon the wind was bad and the surf had come up only slightly, making conditions extremely difficult. Winners of each age group included Randy Weeden in Open, myself in Masters, and Jeff Smith in juniors. Randy and I subsequently surfed to a dead even score in the overall after about 30 minutes in the water. Everyone wanted to go home so we both settled for the tie. The last social event widely attended by HBSA was in the spring of 1976 when I married Kim Way, daughter of Huntington's Beach Director, Jim Way. Most of the young and old HBSA crew attended either the wedding at the 10th Street Church, or the reception afterwards. I was still president of the club, close to eleven years worth as president of HB one club or another, and had notified everyone that I could no longer serve in that capacity. Although I was still a member and able to attend most events, particularly as a contest judge, this was pretty much the end of my HBSA organizational participation. I had become simply a member, surfer and a family man. The club held a few meetings after I retired as president a few months later and voted in new officers, but was nearly defunct regarding large active participation. I moved inland in 1977, and couldn't get to Huntington on a daily basis. Only a few club activities were held by then, mostly in conjunction with other events. I believe the club officially folded in early 1979. Back to Book Index Link to the HBSA 30-year Reunion Article To The Huntington Beach Snake's Surfing Page
History of Huntington Beach Surf Clubs
Written by Bruce Gabrielson in 1991 Ten Year President (1967-1977) Huntington Beach Surfing Association
During the early 1960's, there were three clubs in the Huntington Beach area. Huntington Beach Surfing Association (HBSA), primarily for pier oriented surfers, South Sea Surf Club, a group of Huntington Cliffs surfers, and a small loosely organized club called Warner Street Surf Club at the foot of Warner Street. The long board picture shows a group of South Sea surfers, including myself, at the cliffs in the fall of 1964.
South Sea Surf Club at HB Cliffs
Other local clubs which were around at that time included Newport Beach Surfing Association, Long Beach Surf Club, Laguna Beach Surfing Association, San Clemente Surf Club, Point South Surf Club, and San Onofre Surf Club. Bay Cities Surf Club (and Hermosa Beach Surfing Association in the late 60's), Malibu Surf Club, Wind and Sea Surf Club, and Menehune Ka Kai of Northridge also existed in other parts of Southern California. The figure shows an award I won in a meet between South Sea Surf Club and Point South dated December 7, 1966.
It's difficult to trace the origin of HBSA itself. The club was originally called Huntington Beach Surf Club and had some rowdy types as members in the early 1960s. About 1965 when I first got involved with the club there was a contest and keg party at a vetrans hall in Huntington, between Newport Beach Surfing Association and HBSA. The party got a little wild and basically we wrote the place off. A story got into the paper about the club being made up of bad guys, and at that time it was invited to never have a contest again. Nothing lasts forever except the surf in Surf City. HBSA didn't fold but its members did start keeping a low profile.
While some clubs basically were made up of people who all surfed in one area and had no officers or meetings, several of the clubs were well organized with dues and regular meetings. The clubs with dues or sponsors usually also had jackets, T-shirts, patches, board and window decals, and other similar identifiers. However, major changes took place beginning around 1966, both in surfing and in individual thinking, which severely effected the established surfing organizations.
With the coming of shorter boards, a great many of the older, more organized individuals who kept these clubs together simply refused to transition. Also, young hot-shot surfers could not identify with most of these older surfers, and thus refused to get involved with many clubs.
Another problem was the mental attitude of the country during those years, which also effected the surfing community. This was the time of anti-establishment movements, anti-war demonstrations, and do your own thing. College age surfers didn't want to be involved, or went away in the services, leaving few to take over and coordinate the existing clubs. These conditions created a situation within the surfing community where only the strongest clubs could survive.
In Huntington Beach by about 1966, HBSA was in total disarray with most of the older surfers going away to college or, like Jim Angeley, being drafted, and only a few of the early members still sticking together. South Sea was down to about twelve members, and Warner Street, except for Raul Duarte and maybe Robert August (if he was actually a member), was pretty well gone. With interest in clubs falling, some surfers like myself decided to see if something could be done.
Since I was a member of HBSA and also president of South Sea, I contacted nearly every member of all the clubs still active and held a formal meeting at a HBSA member's home in early 1967. The purpose was to locate all past members left and still interested in clubs, and then decide what to do about the remaining organizations.
The meeting was held in Surfside, and I believe Pete Kobsev may have been president of HBSA at that time. Only a handful of surfers showed up, representing HBSA, South Sea, and a few other interested people. Some of those at the meeting besides myself included Sam Dusatko and the illustrious Murphy of Kanvas by Katan fame. I don't remember much about the meeting other then the general concern that something had to be done and that I ended up as president (I don't think I volunteered). I do remember receiving all the existing HBSA and South Sea club records in a cardboard box from the secretaries, most of which I still have.
From this meeting, one club, Huntington Beach Surfing Association emerged as the primary club for Huntington Beach. All surfers, the older surfers who had made the short board transition, young hot-shots, and long boarders, both past and current members were welcome at meetings. My one major responsibility as the newly elected president was the task of reorganizing the club and building it back to its earlier status.
Nearly every top surfer in the region joined or returned to the club by mid-summer. David Nuuhiwa, one of the top surfers in the world at that time, led the list to super stars. Regular meetings and contests were held, new members were voted into the club, social activities were hosted, and the club competed as a group in most major events throughout the late 60's until about 1976.
David Nuuhiwa
Not only were most of the local surfers members of the club, but a large number of outsiders also supported or joined the club. Surprisingly, at least six South Bay surfers were very active, seldom missing a club championship or other club event. Rusty Johnston, Dana Kimbrow, Tim Wirick, Bernie Keech, and Jack Sahakian were actual club members.
Tim Wirick, A Friend, Myself, Lonnie Buhn, and John VanOrnum During a Break in One of the Two HB vs Menehune Ka Kai Challenge Competitions (this one at Hollywood by the Sea in 1972)
Mike Purpus (left), while never becoming an official member, entered five of the six club championships held by HBSA. After reviewing heat sheets for these events, it turns out only four members besides Mike entered this many club championship events.
Another funny story about Mike should be told. Mike was/is a great surfer and also a fun person. Knowing we had a habit of announcing club standings on a regular basis at our championships, one year Mike entered a club called Charley and the Horny Cougars. Every time we announced his club the spectators and surfers on the beach roared their approval.
The real heyday of surf clubs came around 1970 or 71. Most every recognized surfer in not only Huntington Beach but throughout Southern California was a member of one club or another. Some of the clubs around by then included Brooks St Surf Club, 17th St Ducks, Offshore (Oceanside), Suncraft, and the Californian. San Fernando Valley Surf Club was big about 1972.
HBSA was the dominant club in Southern California during this era. At one time it had won 35 straight club events, taking on virtually anyone who wanted to compete, either in open contests or one-on-one, and at their home site or any other location. The attached newspaper article is typical of HBSA dominance in the club challenge events of the time.
Organized contests also recognized the importance of surf clubs during this era, with most WSA contests offering both surf club and manufacturer's surf team awards. Even international surf contests got into the club events. A small HBSA group went to the International Surf Festival at Makaha around 1971 or 72, with two members, Jeff Smith and myself reaching quarter final rounds and one member, Laroy Dennis, reaching the semi- finals. The club finished third overall with this effort.
The club also took several "surfing safaris" to Mexico and other great locations. Among the trips were Santa Cruz (the party at Pat O'Neal's place), Santa Barbara (remember the girl's dorm), Hollywood by the Sea (can't mention that one), Malibu (George Segetti and company), K39 (remember the locals), and 3Ms. San Miguel held an annual club contest which, until HBSA showed up, was almost always won by Encinada Surf Club. The HBSA/ESC competition created so much friction, that a challenge match, one on one, was held at 3-M Beach about 1972 or 73. A number of club members who were also members of Huntington Beach High School's first varsity surf team went on this trip, and I am sure they will never forget it, especially our fireworks display and "bombardment" of the other surfers (remember the perfect tent shot) plus the other activities that went on in town. We also got to enjoy a wind-up tent that didn't during that trip.
Part of the Crew at 3Ms
HBSA dominated the meet, much to the consternation of the locals who managed to get all US surfers barred from surfing at the Cannery shortly thereafter. I also personally got into a lot of hot water from Huntington Beach High School officials as a result of this trip.
Me on a Left During the 3M Contest
One year the members decided we needed club shirts, jackets and decals for our boards. After several designs were evaluated, Robert "Sniffer" Milfield, a local member and artist, designed and hand cut a silk screen for the club. Featuring the pier at sunset, the design embodied the real sense of pride the membership had in our club. The screen still exists and has been donated to the International Surfing Museum in Huntington. Many members used this screen over the years. Another screen featuring the letters HBSA in script was also cut by Robert, and has recently been used by this author on shirts for some of the old time members.
A HBSA club flag (see below) was also designed and put up on the beach whenever a club or open competition was held and the team was competing. It was about 3 feet by 4 feet, with a white background and green lettering. The banner disappeared during a contest, some say taken by a rival club, about 1972 or 73.
Another club activity was presentation of the semi- annual Harris Kawata Memorial Award to the Outstanding HBSA Surfer. Harris Kawata was an active and popular surfer in the club who was killed in an automobile accident. This award, won by several of the top surfers in the area, was presented to the club surfer who during the previous six months had the most contest points gained through club and open competitions. The club championships was a mandatory event for members going for the award. Winning the award twice in succession retired the trophy. The trophy was retired after the last club championship about 1976 by myself. Randy Weeden and I had tied for first at the club championship, but I had more overall points having also placed 3rd at the US Championships.
HBSA's annual Club Championships, open to all surfers, drew many of surfing's top names. The first club championship was held just to see if we could hold one in 1969. The first real organized official club championship was held the next year in 1970. The last big contest was held in 1975. A semi-final heat in 1971 contained David Nuuhiwa, Laroy Dennis, Leigh Martin, and Mike Wilson. The other semi-final heat featured Mike Purpus, Tim Wirick, John Van Ornum, and Randy Lewis, all top-notch competitors. Randy Lewis won the contest.
In the junior division finals at that contest, Neils Osborne, David Van Druff, Lonnie Buhn, and Tim Whelan had a real shoot-out. The Open Women event featured Linda Bennish, Jan Gafney, Judi Monroe, and Mary Setterholm. These represented many of the top surfers anywhere in the U.S. back then. I have included an article about this event with this narration.
HBSA was also a major political force shaping the destiny of big surfing events of the day, including the US Surfboard Championships held at Huntington Beach Pier. In 1970, a serious controversy regarding eligibility and local entry into the US Championships took place. Despite the high rankings of a number of locals, a regional quota was established, and only three resident Huntington Beach surfers, including myself, David Nuuhiwa, and Randy Lewis were invited to participate in mens events. Chris Catell was in the Air Force rather then being listed as a Huntington Beach resident, so was also invited. There may have been one or two others, but I only had a newspaper article and my own memory, not an official program, to research this subject.
Outraged by this lack of regard for local talent, and reflecting views by those left out from other regions, the club, 55 members strong by then, held a meeting during the contest attended by nearly every top surfer in the world. Two letters were written at the meeting, one to Hoppy Swarts, Regional WSA Competition Director, and one to the City of Huntington Beach. Copies of these letters, signed by a great many of worlds best, are included in Appendix A of this history, as well as the city's reply sent by Vince Moorehouse. Many in the surfing world consider this action Surfing's "Declaration of Independence".
As a result of the meeting and protest, the United States Surfing Association modified its rules to allow the top 2 place winners in each division from a local Huntington Beach contest to receive bids into the championships, plus modified other quota participation rules. The annual Huntington Beach Residents Contest, first held August 21, 1971, was the direct result of this action. Since I was responsible for the contest's creation, I was charged with running the event, which subsequently grew into a very popular local contest.
Towards the mid to late-1970's, many surf clubs had left the scene. Several factors contributed to their demise. As boards and equipment grew more expensive, manufacturer surf teams and board sponsorship became more important then club activities to surfers. As such, competitors were too involved with their sponsor to compete for other teams. Another factor was the rise of organized college and high school competition teams. A surfer only has so much organizational time he can devote to the sport.
A third factor was costs, both for awards and for contest insurance. Dues simply could not cover expenses. Insurance for a club event was very expensive, and the City of Huntington Beach, like other municipal organizations, was simply unwilling to issue a beach permit unless insurance was available. Insurance for a club contest ran around $150 per day minimum. Without the contest as a primary source of revenue for operation and awards, clubs simply could not afford compete with other more sponsored activities.
The last big contest held by HBSA drew 126 entries and was held was during the spring of 1975. It was held at the foot of Golden West Street, and was judged by Chuck Linnen and Jerico Poppler, both HBSA members. Surfing was difficult with many heats being delayed because of the super calm inconsistent beach break surf. I won masters division, Mike Purpus won the open event, David Van Druff won juniors, and tiny Rusty Henderson won the boys event.
Since so few surfers were still present, and since the weather was hot and accommodating with almost no wind, the club decided to hold one long super heat with each of the division winners competing against each other. With small beach break surf, riding a long wave or maneuvering much was very difficult. Rusty Henderson (Johnston), who couldn't have weighed more then 65 lbs, was perfect for the head (his head) high waves. He dazzled everyone watching with countless maneuvers and tricks, easily winning both the heat, and the Harris Kawata Memorial Trophy in the process. Mike, who lived near Rusty in Hermosa, wasn't happy about the results, particularly since he had to be around Rusty on a regular basis.
Around the spring of 1976, HBSA tried to organize one last club championships. Only 46 surfers entered the meet, held at the foot of 23rd Street. The surf was about 4 feet, rough and inconsistent, causing long heat delays and poor scores. By afternoon the wind was bad and the surf had come up only slightly, making conditions extremely difficult. Winners of each age group included Randy Weeden in Open, myself in Masters, and Jeff Smith in juniors. Randy and I subsequently surfed to a dead even score in the overall after about 30 minutes in the water. Everyone wanted to go home so we both settled for the tie.
The last social event widely attended by HBSA was in the spring of 1976 when I married Kim Way, daughter of Huntington's Beach Director, Jim Way. Most of the young and old HBSA crew attended either the wedding at the 10th Street Church, or the reception afterwards. I was still president of the club, close to eleven years worth as president of HB one club or another, and had notified everyone that I could no longer serve in that capacity. Although I was still a member and able to attend most events, particularly as a contest judge, this was pretty much the end of my HBSA organizational participation. I had become simply a member, surfer and a family man.
The club held a few meetings after I retired as president a few months later and voted in new officers, but was nearly defunct regarding large active participation. I moved inland in 1977, and couldn't get to Huntington on a daily basis. Only a few club activities were held by then, mostly in conjunction with other events. I believe the club officially folded in early 1979.
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