Our Memorial Contest went off in head high storm surf today. Despite the lightning and rip currents the event was well attended. Several West Coast Mexican Nationals even showed up out of respect for Texas surfers they have known.
Congratulations to Kito Holtzman for taking a well deserved first in the kneeboard riding a Blast. Kito is a true waterman riding longboards, stand up paddle boards, and kneeboards.
I took second and was surprised to be inducted into the South Texas Surfing Hall of Fame. Good to be recognized as a kneeboarder.
Memorial Expression Session Texas
Moderator: Moderator
http://www.seagypsysphotographs.com/kage wrote:Congratulations!!
Any pics or press?
That is Kito on the white board and with the little baby. Go to "Last Swell". Local press should pick up the results Tuesday.
Surf Hard Live Slow
From Island Breeze Newspaper
Expression Session set for Sunday on SPI
By THERESA NAJERA
Island Breeze
More than 120 surfers will catch some great waves and weather this weekend in honor of the lives of the area’s past surfers.
Fifty-seven Texas surfers will be remembered Sunday at the 8th annual Memorial Surfing Expression Session on South Padre Island.
Participants will meet at the north jetties in Isla Blanca Park at 7:30 a.m. Sunday for an hour-long memorial followed by surfing.
The Memorial Expression Session will include prayers, silent meditations and a homily by Rio Grande Valley surfers.
“It is a sort of celebration of the sport and the people,” said Mike J. Gonzalez, manager of public relations for Southern Texas Title Company, an event sponsor. “We feel that this expression session is a fun and positive event.
“Whether you know a surfer who has passed on or not, it makes you feel good to remember them. Surfers are a special group of people.”
Gonzalez, an active surfer, said camaraderie is built through shared interest and sportsmanship.
“We spend so much time in the parking lot together that you form bonds with people you ordinarily would not,” Gonzalez said.
Event director Scott Gangel said he had not planned on holding the memorial event this year, but unfortunate events changed his mind.
His good friend and sponsor of last year’s session, Bill Ellison of Laguna Vista died in August, providing Gangel a reason to carry on the surfing memorial.
“Bill always said the event was a good cause,” Gangel said.
This year’s memorial will feature seven competitions, including men’s and women’s divisions judged by veteran judges.
The Expression Session is more of an event than a contest as participants are not divided into heats or are monitored on wave counts, Gangel said.
Surfers are able to ride waves for more than an hour while being judged on a scale of fair to excellent wave riding.
Trophies will be awarded for the best tube wave rider and the surfer who shows the best air attack.
A knee board division has been added this year.
“The knee board event should be a dog fight,” Gangel said.
With world qualifiers competing against other professionals, Gangel believes the challenge for local participants will be tough.
“I have invited 100 local participants and 25 surfers from out of town that should give them some competition,” he said.
And participants will be competing for more than just bragging rights. More than $5,000 worth of prizes will be awarded. The 1st place men’s short board winner will also be named the grand champion of the event, Gangel said.
“Judges are looking for the person who can surf with ‘60s classic style moves along with the modern-day tricks,” he said.
Judging will be based at the second pavilion inside Isla Blanca County Park.
Now, Gangel said he hopes to carry on the memorial as long as he’s in the area.
“I know all those on the list of surfers that are gone,” Gangel said. “I’ve learned that life is short but sweet.”
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By THERESA NAJERA
Island Breeze
More than 120 surfers will catch some great waves and weather this weekend in honor of the lives of the area’s past surfers.
Fifty-seven Texas surfers will be remembered Sunday at the 8th annual Memorial Surfing Expression Session on South Padre Island.
Participants will meet at the north jetties in Isla Blanca Park at 7:30 a.m. Sunday for an hour-long memorial followed by surfing.
The Memorial Expression Session will include prayers, silent meditations and a homily by Rio Grande Valley surfers.
“It is a sort of celebration of the sport and the people,” said Mike J. Gonzalez, manager of public relations for Southern Texas Title Company, an event sponsor. “We feel that this expression session is a fun and positive event.
“Whether you know a surfer who has passed on or not, it makes you feel good to remember them. Surfers are a special group of people.”
Gonzalez, an active surfer, said camaraderie is built through shared interest and sportsmanship.
“We spend so much time in the parking lot together that you form bonds with people you ordinarily would not,” Gonzalez said.
Event director Scott Gangel said he had not planned on holding the memorial event this year, but unfortunate events changed his mind.
His good friend and sponsor of last year’s session, Bill Ellison of Laguna Vista died in August, providing Gangel a reason to carry on the surfing memorial.
“Bill always said the event was a good cause,” Gangel said.
This year’s memorial will feature seven competitions, including men’s and women’s divisions judged by veteran judges.
The Expression Session is more of an event than a contest as participants are not divided into heats or are monitored on wave counts, Gangel said.
Surfers are able to ride waves for more than an hour while being judged on a scale of fair to excellent wave riding.
Trophies will be awarded for the best tube wave rider and the surfer who shows the best air attack.
A knee board division has been added this year.
“The knee board event should be a dog fight,” Gangel said.
With world qualifiers competing against other professionals, Gangel believes the challenge for local participants will be tough.
“I have invited 100 local participants and 25 surfers from out of town that should give them some competition,” he said.
And participants will be competing for more than just bragging rights. More than $5,000 worth of prizes will be awarded. The 1st place men’s short board winner will also be named the grand champion of the event, Gangel said.
“Judges are looking for the person who can surf with ‘60s classic style moves along with the modern-day tricks,” he said.
Judging will be based at the second pavilion inside Isla Blanca County Park.
Now, Gangel said he hopes to carry on the memorial as long as he’s in the area.
“I know all those on the list of surfers that are gone,” Gangel said. “I’ve learned that life is short but sweet.”
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Surf Hard Live Slow