This article was published on News-n-Views
Southern California is world famous for its beautiful beaches and crashing waves. Surfers seek out this destination in hopes to catch a perfect ride. This weekend Billabong presented its 10th annual Cosmic Creek Challenge at Salt Creek in Dana Point.
Although this weekend was filled with various professional and amateur water sport competitions such as Rainbow Sandal’s Battle of the Paddle and the Surfing America Prime series, the Cosmic Creek Challenge stood out as the most unique competition. The competition celebrates the history and foundation of surfing by breaking out classic boards that rode their first waves decades before.
The games began when each contestant chose a number associated with an antique board they were to use during their heat. The surfers had to learn their boards quickly and show that their abilities could shine for the judges no matter what their ride was on. From single fin long boards to retro style short boards, the timeless water sport sprayed a trail of whitewater across the Salt Creek shore.
The summer break set the ground for the competition with water temperature averaging 70 degrees this weekend. Saturday’s qualifying round brought surfers of all ages to the beach, complimented by a Music and Art extravaganza which took place later in the evening.
The celebration took place at 7 Degrees in Laguna Beach. Famous artists, musicians and surf legends gathered together for a night of music and camaraderie. Concert tickets and charitable silent auction items raised funds to benefit the ongoing efforts of the Surfrider Foundation and its clean water testing in the local area.
Finals started early Sunday morning as the water began its ascent to high tide, peaking in the late morning. Waves up to ten feet crashed for the surfers battling out for the top spot in each of the seven divisions, named appropriately in cosmic terms: VZ Grems (ages 16 and under), Jr. Space Cadets (ages 17 to 24), Rocket Men (ages 25 to 34), Honolua Groove Masters (ages 35 to 44), and the Rolling Stones (45 and older).
Lulu Erkineff from Dana Point represented the local youth when she captured the title for the VZ Grems division. This immensely talented girl paddled through the same waters as Donovan Frankenreiter, a famous surfer who rode into first place in the pro category.
Other winning titles belong to Jensen Hassett, Space Cadet, Jeremy Hanson, Rocket Men, Tristram Miller, Groove Master, and Paul Thorsen, Rolling Stone. Congratulations to all Cosmic Creek competitors. The surfing community and Orange County thank Billabong and Killer Dana Surf Shop for sponsoring this stellar weekend.
