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Welcome to the 2012 Rincon Classic
Stars shining brightly in the pre-dawn sky, the sounds of crashing waves detonating in the dark, the cool morning tradewinds blowing offshore through the rivermouth into the empty lineup, coffee being swigged while the final preparations are made for yet another Rincon Classic to begin.
Twelve years, a dozen collections of 365 days gone by, lifetimes lived. Somehow, the excitement and emotions of this incredible journey, the sights, sounds, and nostalgia, are nearly the same, even as the times of life change.
My dawn patrols now commonly begin between 3:30 and 4:30 a.m. with the rousing cries of my six-month-old son, Maddox James. After an hour we take a walk to check the waves and watch the sun rise. Meanwhile, men and women in their early- to mid-20s, who were children when I began running the Rincon Classic are finding their way in the world.
The generation that I grew up with are now the adults. It is so exciting to see where everyone heads on their life’s path and the Classic brings us all together to catch up every year. Where else can you watch your pastor (Britt Merrick), take the top off of a beautiful set wave? What other lineups feature world champions, WQS standouts and future title contenders, all of whom you know personally?
Not many, but for all those that participate in this event and surf Rincon on every swell, this is where we are raised and the place we call home.
Welcome to the 2012 Quiksilver Rincon Classic presented by Channel Islands Surfboards. The 29th annual event’s first waiting weekend is right around the corner on January 21 and 22.
The vision of Surf Happens is to bring a world class surfing competition to California’s premier point break while preserving the original ideals of the Rincon Classic as a locals only, community-based event. Through community and sponsorship support, we have built the Rincon Classic from the roots up, now featuring computerized scoring, live commentating, ASP judges, an all star local water patrol, a professional division, an expression session, and more.
In addition, contestants are treated to free food and drinks, massage and chiropractic care as well as a professional trainer and warm up area. By combining these details with a six-week waiting period and a crew of world class surfers who call our area home, we aim to bring the 29th annual 2012 Quiksilver Rincon Classic to new heights.
Through contest proceeds we are raising funds for the Surf Happens Foundation and First Descents, our charitable partners, in an effort to share the healing powers of the ocean with youth and young adult cancer survivors. Camp Healing Wave is our joint endeavor with partners The Teddy Bear Foundation and Hugs For Cubs to host free week-long surf camps for local children afflicted by cancer in the summer of 2012.
Chris Keet
Rincon Classic Organizer |
