Wet and Wild with Rockin’ Fig -- Rick Fignetti

Rick Fignetti

The holidays are here, winter break for the groms, who are out of

school for a couple weeks. They’re already stoked ‘cause there was some

fun head high surf outta the north west, with clean offshore conditions

last week. That is, for some of us lucky enough to get out there with all

the hustle and bustle this time of year.

I’d have to say we have a lot to be thankful for, living in a place

like Huntington Beach, where we do our daily chores, and some fun things

too, and not have to worry about surviving day by day like some places in

the world. Sure the economy could be better, but as long as ya have good

health and good familyand friends I’d say you’re in good shape.

On another note, I’ve seen some of you sport’n your new presents

already, new boards and wetsuits shralping up the

surf.

It’s been awhile since I’ve checked in with our Huntington Beach High

School Surf Team coach Andy Verdone, who’s been pretty busy over the

holidays too.

First off, Seasons Greetings to Andy and the team of shredders, who

have been on quite a roll in the Sunset league, 10-0. The league consists of Edison who they are in battle with for the number two spot,

and Marina who they are going head to head with and Wilson and Fountain

Valley as well. The Oilers, who are on a break right now, will be surfing

it up against Wilson at Golden West Street, Jan 8.

In the perennial battle of the super powers, Huntington Beach High

School and San Clemente High, the national champs two years ago, split

the season at one win apiece, on opposite home turf wins.

San Clemente won at south side of the pier earlier this year while

Huntington won at San Clemente’s local break, T-Street. Carlsbad is last

years winner’s from down south.

Winning the Sunset league, two state meets in February and March and

capturing the national titles at Lowers in June are all possible feats of

this years squad. The Oiler’s have a remarkable record of 17 national

titles, 10 of which have come under the guidance of Verdone, who knows

his talent and coaches it well and has had the magic formula for many,

many, years. The team has some hotties, transfer Brett Simpson, who

Verdone says has natural talent and surfs for the love of surfing has

been doing well. Team captain Brad Ettinger has been surfing shortboard

and longboard and is known for his big airs. The gals on the team have

been ripping too, Eva Lewington, the Roberts sisters, Laura and Erin. And

bodyboarder Darren Moody has been having some great showings too. All

these divisionscount when adding up the total points at an event. The

other assistant coach, Barry Deffenbaugh, is in Costa Rica right now

getting some R and R -- rest and relaxation -- and surf. Together,

Verdone and D-Baugh and the Oiler surf team will tackle each event, one

at a time, and should have some impressive results in the end. But right

now Verdone has a few days off, in between going back to College, surfing

and hitting the slopes doing some snowboarding, to get ready for

thesecond half of the season. Good luck in the year 2002. Happy New Years

everyone, Fig over and out.

* RICK FIGNETTI is a six-time West Coast champion, has announced the

U.S. Open of Surfing the last eight years and has been the KROQ-FM

(106.7) surfologist for the last 15 years where he’s done morning surf

reports. He owns a surf shop on Main Street. You can reach him at (714)

536-1058.