IT'S NOT EASY BEING BLONDE

I'm so glad that the Union Tribune published that great article about the Tourmaline Tailgaters on October 6. I knew they were a bunch of really nice guys, but previous to that I had no idea how influential they had been to surfing, PB and the world. I was born in San Diego, graduated from UCSD and have been surfing Tourmaline for well over 20 years and am president of the PB Surf Club, but I guess I was woefully misinformed about many things. I thought that the PB Surf Club donated the emergency phone and kiosk down at Tourmaline. That's what the sign over the phone says, right? I remember Dawn Moore and Dr. Derek Lodico planning the benefit for Allie. After Skeeter died, I recall Tom Armstrong and Ron St. John selling T-shirts to pay for the Skeeter bench. There's one of the T's hanging in my closet now. Must be a figment of my imagination, because apparently all those things were actually done by the Tourmaline Tailgaters. I'm blonde, so I guess I remembered those things all wrong. Silly me.

This vexed me terribly. My minor in college was American History, so it got me thinking. What else had these wonderful guys done that I didn't know about? In a flash I was off to the library to get to the bottom of the mystery of the Tourmaline Tailgaters. The more dusty volumes I pored through, the more I realized how influential they are. Not only did they make Skeeter's bench, grant Allie's last wish, donate the emergency phone and kiosk, but they have done so much more for San Diego and for all of humanity. Through my industrious research I have discovered that they are actually a loose knit band of immortal locals travelling through time and doing good deeds. You laugh, but it's true.

My research showed that San Diego was actually discovered in 1596 by a mysterious, silver-streaked band of do-gooders. For those not fluent in Spanish, Diego means Tailgater. So the literal meaning of our lovely city is Saint Tailgater. Gosh. It makes me all warm and fuzzy. Not only did they discover and found our fair city, they have done so many other things: the Golden Gate Bridge, Eiffel Tower, Big Ben, the Great Wall of China and the Sydney Opera House are all courtesy of the Tourmaline Tailgaters. Ditto for Just For Men, Depends and Viagra. Thanks guys. Do you think Marvin Gaye was a tremendously gifted singer? He was, but he was actually a robot created by the Tailgater's super secret lab in Santee.

I'd like to formally apologize for not realizing all they have done for us all. I'm truly sorry and am forever your humble servant, you Tourmaline Tailgater Overlords. God bless you, each and every one!

Hugs & Kisses,

Torrey Brown
President 2007

THE SWAMI'S CLUB RETURNS TO CARDIFF REEF FOR THEIR
16TH ANNUAL COALITION CONTEST AND P.B. WAS THERE

Saturday's First Rounds

By Richard Steadham

To set the stage: the day before the contest took place it was "Victory at Sea" conditions in the waters off the coast, featuring wind-whipped whitecaps powered by wind gusts of up to 40 miles per hour as far as the eye could see. Throw in big NW windswells with a hefty dose of southern hemi SW and it looked like the Coalition clubs converging on this stretch of beach would see their riders really put to the challenge this year. However, in the following morning hours just before dawn as Jane Mold, Travis Long and myself assembled the tents which would become our home for the next 48 hours, we could see that the conditions had improved somewhat. At least the breeze that was still blowing wasn't strong enough to produce whitecaps any longer, but the waves were still roiling on the outside and it would soon become evident that the paddle to get outside to the lineup would test all competitors' mettle.

Testing that mettle first for PB was Alex Greene surfing in a Jr. Men's 15-19 longboard heat which was taking place on the north site. Though challenging to be sure, he put together a fine round and managed a 3rd place. A bit later the multi-talented Greene would find himself on the south site surfing in an Open Shortboard heat, equaling there his 3rd place finish earlier. Not given to idleness, he would later in the afternoon earn a 2nd place in a Global Surf Industries Specialty Board round. When you're his age, the energy level is boundless.

Surfing next was Barney Sullivan, a longtime club member who's been absent from competition for us recently. Choosing his waves wisely from the heaving bombs being offered up during his heat, he notched a 2nd place showing in his round. Barney, where have you been lately? Glad you're back.

Next was Mr. Laid-back himself, Matt Dalton in the Men's 20-29 division. Taking ques from the stylemasters from an earlier era, he employed precision drop-knee cutbacks and effortless cross-stepping maneuvers, earning a well-deserved 1st place from the judges.

Also finding his way back to competition for the club this year was Isaac Wood surfing in the Men's 20-29. Once again, one of our old members now back with the club turned in a nice performance and landed in 3rd place. Welcome back Isaac.

Perennial finalist, Quintin Macklin was up next and he did what he always does: shreds. Recently moving to the Sr. Men's 30-39 division, the older guys in this group know they now have to move over and make way for a real star and trophy vacuum. Sorry guys, get use to it for the next decade.

By the 13th heat it was about time to mix some much needed estrogen in the water. The Women's 20-34 division saw our Debra Hoyt go out do some shredding herself, earning 1st place in the process. This surf sister knows her way around a lineup and makes the best of it every time she paddles out. Sweet.

The next rider for the club was Joe Rigby in the Grand Masters' 50-59 division. Joe has some old tricks up his sleeve and he likes to pull them out during competitions, so when he came back in after his heat I asked him how he thought he had done. "Not very well," he said. "No tricks in that stuff today," referring to the still-windy conditions. His pessimism evaporated in that wind later however when he learned he had placed 3rd. Have more faith Joe!

Two Grand Masters' heats later, Ron Greene paddled out to battle with the wind-driven waves. Talking with him after the heat he said he had only caught four waves (out of a maximum of six) and two of them were... well, let's say it rhymes with "hit." He placed 5th and had the dubious distinction of being our first rider of the day unable to advance. Usually it's the other way around: Ron moving nicely through all of his heats to the finals and a sizable number of other team riders out after the first round. A topsy-turvy turn of events for one of our veterans this time.

Travis Long and Valerie Duprat paired as a Tandem team this go around giving Halley Burd a rest. Conditions were still not good, of course, especially for tandem surfing. They went out and gave it their best shot though, but it wouldn't be until the finalists were announced the following day before we would know their fate.

Pete Robson's turn was next, surfing in the Masters' 40-49 division. After several disappointing outtings in the previous few contests, he took it out on the guys in his heat and finished 1st. Way to persevere Pete! We knew you could do it.

Matt Melin followed next surfing in the same Masters' division. He surfed a fine round but came up just a little short by placing 4th, the same dreaded position that afflicts a lot of our riders in contest after contest. It would be back to camera duty for him now, joining Ron, the two of whom always capture our contests for us visually.

Next it would be Pete Robson again, this time competing in the Stand Up Paddle (SUP) division. Once again, he surfed a great round on one of those big boards and scored a 2nd place. Nice Paddling Pete! You're really finding your groove.

The paddle relay race came next and this time it was to be led off by a 7th person, a Stand Up Paddler. Pete would have been our man for this event, but he had just finished surfing his own SUP round. We needed someone fresh. We turned to the assistance of Dan Gavier, one of the other SUP competitors who had come down from Oregon, then garnered the help of Mike Douglas, who just happened to be hanging around our tent and would now be presssed into service with the rest of our team composing of: Alex Greene, Matt Melin, Jane Mold, Richard Steadham and Barney Sullivan.

Alex got us off to a good start, but with each team member taking to the water just a little further behind each time, we found ourselves in last place at the end once again. I swear, this is one area this club needs to buckle down and get more serious about in the future by develping a dedicated paddle team that meets regularly for practice heats. We really have to focus on this aspect of our game if we want to be considered Coalition champions at the end of any given year. Contact me if you want to be on this team.

Celia Treamer, our second woman competitor, took her turn in the breezy conditions next. She surfed in the Sr. Women's 35+ division heat and found herself in the all-too-familiar position of 4th place by the end. With her heat now over, she could turn her attention to her girls and their contributions to the club later at the Karaoke-for-points match.

It was the Legends' turn next and our man of the hour this time was Bob Greene in the 60-69 category. Finding the right combination of waves and riding them with style was no problem for Bob as he turned in another 1st place showing for the club that day. There's a saying that goes: "The older I get, the better I used to be." That certainly doesn't apply to him or Bobby Challenger, both excellent examples of how we can still tear it apart out there, even as we get older.

By late afternoon it was time for the Presidents' heat. Our Prez, Torrey Brown was on hand, but thought she would sit this one out. In steps your humble editor (also the club's secretary and thus, an officer) and proceeds to get trounced by the other heads of state. Last place was my fate, but hey, I got a cool goodie bag for my trouble. I'm down with that.

Sunday's Advancing Rounds

By Kathy Austin

Day two of Swami's Surfing Association’s 2007 contest opened to cold, clean, offshore conditions at Cardiff Reef. This in dramatic contrast to the thumping, wind-blown surf the day before. Mid morning warmed dramatically making ideal beach and surf conditions for longboard, shortboard and menehune events running simultaneously on three reef venues. The level of surfing heated up as semis gave way to finals. The groms showed more than usual skill and enthusiasm due to sponsorship from several local businesses awarding new boards to winners in each Menehune division. This pack of young surfers showed skills way beyond their years.

If it’s true that we surfers tune ourselves into the energy and rhythm of the waves, than I think the competitors were building on each other’s energy on Sunday. The surfing just got better and better. We saw mid-wave 360s, landed aerials and sustained critical section noserides to rival a pro contest. I spent a lot of time on the judges' stand where enthusiastic comment is discouraged, but the praise and appreciation bubbled up frequently.

Anyone who made it to a semi-final should be proud. Pacific Beach Surf Club team riders hit a new level with six riders making it to the finals and two riders finaled in two events. But first, I have to mention the Saturday evening festivities and karaoke at the Elks Lodge. Swami's fed us well and the karaoke was part of overall team points along with the paddle board race. Celia Treamer's daughters, Coral and Chloe showed poise and vocal skills beyond their years, Patrick O’Connor rallied the groms, Travis Long rocked the house and Matt Dalton got everyone up and dancing to Johnny Cash. Who knew we had such dry land talent?

Sunday morning, Joe Rigby got 4th in the Master’s semi-final. Jane Mold brought a 4th in her Sr. Women’s semi-final. Patrick O’Connor took 4th in his Menehune semi-final. Matt Dalton (Johnny Cash) took 4th in Men’s semi-final. Alex Greene scored 6th in Jr. Men’s semi-final and 4th in the GSI semi-final.

So, what does it take to get to the finals at a Coalition event? Some say luck, a cool head, experience, talent, practice and wave selection. Well, yes all that and maybe just a little magic, too. Our magicians are as follows:

Barney Sullivan: 1st Men's
Isaac Wood: 3rd Men's
Quinton Macklin: 1st Sr. Men's Longboard; 1st Sr. Men's Shortboard
Bob Greene: 4th Legends
Deborah Hoyt: 4th Jr. Women’s Longboard; 4th Women’s Shortboard
Pete Robson: 6th Stand Up Paddle

Overall team rating out of twelve strong teams: Pacific Beach Surf Club won 3rd! That happened one rider at a time, not just our outstanding finalists. Thank you to everyone who surfed—you all earned points. Thank you to Richard Steadham who stepped in for Torrey and surfed the Presidents' heat on a borrowed board. Thanks to Dan Gavier the Stand Up Paddle Man who led off and innocent bystander, Mike Douglas, who anchored our paddle team.

PB Surf Club rocks!

RECOGNIZING LEADERSHIP

On October 7th the California Surf Museum in Oceanside celebrated two giants in the surfboard building industry: Larry Gordon and Floyd Smith. And with the exception of our competition team battling for points down the coast at Cardiff the same day, the rest of the gang from Pacific Beach were all there to share in the aloha spirit generated by these two gentlemen.

As Jane Schmauss, the director of the museum said in her remarks prior to introducing Larry and Floyd, "If you grew up in San Diego, you owned at least one Gordon and Smith at one time or another in your life." Surfboards, Skateboards, clothing and more, they've had a hand in it all. Their impact on the surf culture in San Diego for certain—and beyond in some respects—is unparalleled. Other legends such as Skip Frye and Bobby Challenger Thomas were there to celebrate the day with them as well, for each had begun their own shaping careers under their tutlege.

The event actually took place across the street from the museum in the Oceanside Civic Center Library's Community Room, which was filled with classic G&S surfboards, photos and other memorabilia. It was truly a feast for the eyes for Gordon and Smith aficionados and I proudly count myself among its numerous ranks.

Creating the perfect ambiance, the Moonlight Beach Strummers and Dancers provided a festive backdrop to a Hawaiian-themed buffet and luau out in the courtyard, which was enjoyed by all. Thank you CSM for making this day special for not only the two being honored, but the rest of us who find inspiration in their accomplishments.

Richard Steadham
Editor

Sacred Craft Surfboard Expo

Del Mar Fairgrounds
October 13-14

Over a two day weekend, Surfboard shapers from California, Hawaii and the Eastern Seaboard vied for a $1,000 winner-take-all cash prize in a "Tribute to the Masters Shape-off" at the fairgrounds Activity Center Expo Hall.

Over 100 surfboard shapers and manufacturers, which included the club's own two craftsmen: Josh Hall and Steve Mast, filled the hall with the latest in mouth-watering designs and retro favorites. The event was sponsored by Ice-9 Foam Works, Hobie Surfboards, Surfer magazine and Akeena Solar Company. Their stated goal was to put the surfboard and the modern day kahunas who craft them back at the forefront of surf culture.

In a special treat for surf history enthusiasts, the Saturday afternoon program featured, Bobby Challenger Thomas, who along with three others, took part in a panel discussion called "The Kahunas," about the history of of the industry and the guys who shaped it by hand, each from their own unique perspectives.

Tailgaters' Stomp

Masonic Lodge, Ocean Beach
October 13

The Tourmaline Tailgaters threw their 10th (almost!) annual Surf Stomp at the Masonic Lodge in OB. As in previous years, the Saturday night revelers enjoyed plenty of food and drink before taking to the dance floor. The band "Night Shift" provided the sounds once again and hit all the right musical genres. Raffled items such as t-shirts, hats and other goodies culminated in the evening's big prize, a beautiful 9'6" California Surfboards donated by Tailgater Bob Long, taken home by the big winner, Jim Gordon.

Greg Miller gave an update on the progress of the Tourmaline Memorial being spearheaded by the organization. Bobby Challenger got up and praised the Tailgaters for their efforts and said the Thomas family was in for five bricks ($1,000) and "challenged" everyone in the audience to do their part by buying at least one brick of their own.

Thanks again guys. You really know how to throw a party!

It's a Girl!

Somewhere in L.A.
October 18

Kate Hackert gave birth to her and Jeff's new daughter Edith 'Edie'. She has all her fingers and toes and is cute as a button. The little surf sister should be tearing it up out there in a couple of years. Congratulations to the proud parents!

Sponsor "Thank You" Party

Karl Strauss Brewery, Rose Canyon
October 18

To say "thank you" to our sponsors for their support of the Late Summer Longboard Classic held in September, we threw a party for them at the Karl Strauss Main Brewery, where we've done in years past. Club member John Snead is an executive at the brewery and always makes the facility available to us for this special event. It gave us the opportunity to present a check in person to this year's charity recipient, WildCoast, in the amound of $2,000. WildCoast is a clean water enviornmental group located in Imperial Beach and has several important campaigns going on down there related to the protection of our oceans and its wildlife. Representing WildCoast at the party was Ben McCue, Coastal Conservation Program Manager, who thanked the club for our gift to their organization and said the whole amount would be put to immediate use in their effort to address the environmental health problem of contaminated water and cross-border sewage in their communities on both sides of the international border.

After President Torry Brown and Treasurer Kathy Austin had acknowledged all sponsors, Celia Treamer fired up her computer and projector and showed the film, The Far Shore, featuring Kevin Naughton and Craig Peterson who together wrote a series of travel articles for Surfer magazine in the 1970s, documenting their incredible ten-year journey around the globe.

The big white wall outside the brewery made a fine screen, and when the sun had gone down, members put on their coats or snuggled up with a significant others to watch the flick and relive their own adventures from the '70s.

Event for "Hawaiian Mike"

Bahia Hotel, Mission Bay
October 21

Mike Palacio beamed and nodded as they came in droves, a never-ending parade of surfers, family, friends, all there to show their support for Mike.

Over 300 well wishers attended the fundraiser held at the Bahia Hotel 5th floor ballroom on Sunday, 21 October. Glenn Paculba said, “Ann Evans, owner of the Bahia Hotel, was very generous to donate the ballroom, the staff and all the hors d’oeuvres. Mike worked for the hotel for decades and now she took care of her employee at a time of need.” Another force behind the event was Kari McKone. She worked tirelessly in her efforts to make it a highly successful evening. It was from the beginning to the end a well orchestrated event. As Dave Gnade, surfer and friend said, “It is a soulful tribute to a soulful guy.”

The evening got off to a fast start as soon as the elevator door opened on the fifth floor. There, one was greeted by the broad smiles of Jim Cerone, Tom Davis, Greg Miller, John Pruitt and Glenn Paculba who were manning the dinner and raffle ticket tables. Then, stepping into the salon with its enormous chandeliers, one found tables decorated with beautiful Hawaiian flowers and fresh fruits and vegetables munchies with more familiar faces from Tourmaline popping up. It seemed to be an extension of our favorite beach. There in line for the delicious dinner prepared by Taco Surf were well known surfers, such as Skip Frye, Mike Doyle, Kevin Connely, Hank Warner, Rusty Farrell, old timers like Mac McClendon, young timers like Jacek and Caroline, as well as Mike Palacio’s family, friends of all ages and the great one man band B Natural. Also present were members of the OMBAC (Old Mission Beach Athletic Club) who donated a beautiful hand-made prayer blanket and funds to pay for most of the food. All were there to show solidarity to a good man and a good surfer.

The highlight of the evening came when three surfboards were auctioned off and two more surfboards were raffled off. The lucky winners left thrilled carrying their beautiful new boards. There were also surprises. Dave Hazlett donated a ukelele built and tuned by Mac McClendon that was auctioned off for $900. “We were hoping to get $200, we were very pleased with the results,” said Paculba. The generous group was well described by Dave Hazlett’s wife Pat. She said, “This is a very happy and friendly crowd.” —Inge Morton

Good Times at Tourmaline
 
I recently spent a lot of time surfing at Tourmaline Beach. As a traveling surfer from Torquay, Australia, I enjoyed meeting a lot of your members in the car park or out in the water. I found them to be cordial and not aggressive in the water. It made my surfs very enjoyable,
 
I would especially like to thank Jerome (Jerry) Hall who introduced me to Skip Frye and many other surfers, names I cannot remember.
 
I am now back surfing the waves at my local break, Torquay Point, in the cold waters of Victoria, Australia. I am continually telling people about the good atmosphere at Tourmaline. If any members are down under, be sure to look me up.
 
Thanks for the good times.
 
Brian Pepper
Founding Member
Torquay Pointers Longboard Club

Editor: From the parking lot to the lineup, Tourmaline and the locals who call it their home break is a rare gem where the spirit of aloha is always prevalant. On the occasion you find an agro-surfer in the water, they're more than likely bringing their agression from a place where you either "eat or be eaten." I don't believe you can find a break in California any mellower than our beloved "Tourmo." If there is such a place, it's a well-guarded secret, which would seem to be the antithesis of aloha.

Tooting One's Horn

Richard, the October issue was a superb e-newsletter with great graphic design and explicative captions. I liked the very clever caption, "An army of trophies..." I enjoyed all the photos and I especially appreciated the very good article Jerome wrote, "When the Student is Ready the Teacher Appears." As of Bobby's article, it reminded me of an old Army saying, "if you don't toot your own horn, someone is going to come around and piss in it."

Thank you so much for putting your talent into the Pacific Beach e-newsletter.

Aloha,

Inge Morton
San Diego

Editor: There's another saying that goes, "If you've got it, flaunt it."

When the Student Is Ready, the Teacher Appears

An excellent article by Jerome Lynn Hall on Skip Frye. However, I would like to know why there was no mention of what motivates Skip to do what he does. It seems like maybe you have missed the real story. How could that happen?

I have enjoyed your contests over the last three years and the recent clinic you held. I would like to do more competing in the 57-year-old category. I admire what your club is doing in the community.

May God bless you all.

David Beardwood
Oceanside

Editor: I talked with Skip about your letter and he said there were several reasons why he picks up trash either before or after a surf session. First and foremost: he is a Christian, and that's what should come natural for a steward of God's earth. Second: he's received so much from the world of surfing over the years that it's one of the ways he feels he can give something back, even something so simple. Lastly: as a roll model for a younger generation, it's giving them a positive example of how they should respect the natural environment they enjoy so much, just as he, and picking up trash is one way to show it.

Would you like to speak your mind about anything you've read in this newsletter? Send a Letter to the Editor and let us know how you feel: good, bad or otherwise.

Nov 7: PB Surf Club monthly meeting; 6pm-7pm, PB Recreation Center, 1405 Diamond Street.

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