HB Surf Series’ sixth event begins today

The sixth event of the 2000 Huntington Beach Pro/Am Surf Series

opens today at the southside of the Huntington Beach Pier.

Usually, series competition is held one weekend each month. But the

sixth event will be held today, and conclude with Friday’s finals.

“We were forced to have an event on a weekday just to get another

event at the Pier,� Event Director Seth Matson said. “In the past couple

of years, a few “so-called� local surfers complained about too many surf

contests at the Pier. In response, the City of Huntington Beach has

supported them, and restrained the Huntington Beach Surf Series from

holding more than two events at the Pier, per year.

“Though we were given the OK to have an event at the Pier on a

weekday, the number of competitors have been cut in half, and we were

forced to cancel the Pro/Am Division competition this month, due to low

participation.�

Matson also said that the 2001 season’s future is undetermined due to

the fact, he says, that the city has notified the HB Surf Series that it

will once again be raising fees for the Pro Am/Surf Series, beginning

January 2001.

Fees for the two 1999/2000 series events held at the Pier were doubled

from the previous year, Matson also said.

Surfers competing today will be battling it out until the final event

of the series, which is scheduled Oct. 14-15, also at the southside of

the Pier. The overall rated surfer in the Pro/Am Division will win a

round trip ticket to Indonesia, plus $1,500 in cash and prizes. In

addition, the overall rated amateur surfer will win a round trip ticket

to Cabo San Lucas, plus other prizes.

Current division ratings leaders are as follows: Colin Schildhauer

(Groms); Brett Simpson (Boys); Brandon Guilmette (Juniors); Greg Eisele

(Mens); Jason Haughey (Masters); Liz Kampen (Womens); Mike Gillard

Longboards), and Newport Beach’s Richie Collins (Pro/Am).