The Third Annual Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Surf Off was trashier than ever.  Thanks to over one hundred volunteers coming out to help clean the beach we collected over 120 lbs of trash. Additionally, we had 96 surfers (ranging in ages from 7 to 60) compete for the 2019 RRR Surf Off Title. Most competitors came with their families, making for an event that was full of laughs, silliness and lots of love for each other and the ocean. There were groms of all ages (toddlers, kids and teens,) moms, dads and grandparents – all coming together to share their stoke for the Huntington Beach community and helping to make our environment cleaner.  

While surfers competed and local families enjoyed the beautiful beach day, they were also able to learn a bit more about what this event was really about – coming together to recognize the harmful effects of litter in our ocean, over-use of single-use plastics and the impact it is having on our coastline and waterways.  In addition to Drains to Ocean having an education booth dedicated to cleaning up the beach and setting up a demonstration of what trash is actually washing up on our beaches, there were some amazing non-profits present sharing their messages. A huge thank you to 5 Gyres, Heirs To Our Ocean and The Bolsa Chica Land Trust for coming down and hanging out for the day.  

Despite a weather forecast of stormy conditions and 20 mph winds, the day turned out to be perfect for a family surf event. The skies cleared up, the winds died down and the waves rolled in at 3-5ft+ on a few sets throughout the day. During the event, our crowd of over 300 enjoyed complimentary acai bowls and juices from our amazing sponsors Sambazon and Suja Juice.

After 7 hours of high quality surf competition, the party moved from the sand over to our favorite local watering hole and pizza joint in downtown HB, Cruisers. In addition to being one of Drains to Oceans’ favorite sponsors, it is also a favorite amongst locals; a great place to enjoy good music, delicious food and soak in the beach vibes of Huntington Beach.  

1st Place Mens: Sage Guinaldo Photo: @bboopster

Photo: @bboopster

At the “after-party” kids ran around in excitement, awaiting the results of the contest and listening closely to see if their drawing number was pulled.  Drawing prizes were donated by Dukes, Volcom, Hydroflask, Elixicure, Slater Desigsn, Thunder Storage, D2O and mor...  The prize that most surfers had their eyes on was the Beater Board donated by the very generous Catch Surf. While the kids focused on drawing prizes and the shuffle board game, our more “mature” surf enthusiasts enjoyed 4 Sons Surf City Ale (which they donated to the cause for the evening) and The Ramsey Brothers Band that rocked us out in the main room, with delicious grub from Cruisers.

Cruisers Award Ceremonies

96 surfers competed for their custom made Eco Trophies and bag full of rad prizes. There were 6 winners from each of our 6 Divisions. Congratulations to you all!

Groms Finalists - RRR Surf Off

Grom Division (ages -11 & under): 1st Place: Petey Romaniuk, 2nd Place: Avery McDonald, 3rd Place: Saxon Baltzer, 4th Place: Sawyer Abing, 5th Place: Logan Moss, and 6th Place: Wyatt Halbmaier

Youth Finalists - RRR Surf Off

Youth Division (ages -12 -17): 1st Place: Cade Haakenson, 2nd Place:Max Lambert, 3rd Place: Reese Powers, 4th Place: Matt Undlin, 5th Place: Luke Guinaldo, and 6th Place: Mahteo Gonzales

Women’s Division (All ages): 1st Place: Juju Romaniuk, 2nd Place: Chiasa Maruyama, 3rd Place: Avery McDonald, 4th Place: Mara Morales, 5th Place: Abby Dixon, and 6th Place: Annie Lopez

Mens Finalists: RRR Surf Off

Men’s Division (18-29): 1st Place: Sage Guinaldo, 2nd Place: Jeremy Jennings, 3rd Place: Matt Undlin, 4th Place: Landon Randolph, 5th Place: Clint Stripling, and 6th Place: Cody Bertrand

‍

Masters Division: RRR Surf Off

Master’s Division (30 & up): 1st Place: Jason Haughey, 2nd Place: Jon Gorak, 3rd Place: Marcell Guinaldo, 4th Place: Barry Deffenbaugh, 5th Place: Noel Terrado, and 6th Place: Tommy Tear

Longboard Finalists: RRR Surf Off

Longboard Division (All Ages): 1st Place: Max Lambert, 2nd Place: Rick Blake, 3rd Place: Noel Terrado, 4th Place: Barry Deffenbaugh, 5th Place: Tommy Tear, and 6th Place: Shane Jones (no show)

Special Awards:
Best Maneuver: Sage Guinaldo
Best Attitude: Logan Moss
Environmental Award: Mentor Me Learning

Sponsor of the Year Awards:
Thunder Storage
Cruisers

This event would not have been possible without the support and hard work of many volunteers, sponsors and community organizations. A special thank you to you all…

Drains to Ocean’s next big event is an art show called SALTWATER, in honor of World Oceans Day. This art show features 20 plus ocean artists and photographers. Art proceeds will go directly towards D2O programs. The SALTWATER art show will held on June 8th at The Artery in Costa Mesa, California.  This event runs from 5-10pm.  This event will feature beverages and music to accompany some of the best ocean artists from Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego and more.

To learn more about Drains To Ocean, how to get involved or about our amazing sponsors, go to www.drainstoocean.org or follow us on Social Media @drainstoocean

Sound System setup by: Rawhide Productions - For all production needs

3 time Emmy winners, 12 time Grammy winners, 3 Tony awards, 4 nominations academy awards contact david.cepeda.a1@gmail.com

‍