2006 San Simeon Contest (GREAT TIMES!)

Being from the San Simeon Area I know Pico Creek. It can be a bit unpredictable and is really not the prime surf spot in the area. But, leave it up to Morlee Griswold to put on another contest with not only great waves, but an incredible group of people to hang out with. Great vibe!

Arriving on Friday, mid morning, I arrived to Pico Creek throwing out perfect 4-8 foot left handers into the river mouth. Jarod Noceti, Kate and Demany, and I were stoked and paddled out. The rest of the early crowd decided to go to Sanddollar and we actually were in heaven, because, well, we just could not figure out why they left! The waves were insane. I, like I do most contests, tire myself out in the pre-surfing sessions and this contest was no different. It was worth it though. Great Friday surfing!

Saturday morning, the first day of the comp saw about the same conditions, but a bit smaller and less consistant. Still, sets did roll in. Swell was probably only running 3-5 feet in the area, but Pico still sucked in the swell (although small, still alot of power) and the waves were actually really contestable. Some great surfing going on also.

I was stoked to see guys like Jarod Noceti again plus, Kris Soderman, who came out of hiding to just rip his Prowler and take 2 first places that Saturday. Then Fletcher hit the water. The show began. He was absolutely tearing it up. His first heat didnt go so well, but, I think that motivated him because it was all over for the rest of the waveskiers from that point forward. Everyone was truly inspired. Great job, Fletcher. That Dekka Ski is awesome!

Sunday rolled around with another heat to go for all competitors (we all surfed 3 heats) then the top 8 would go on to the semi finals then the finals. I came in after that third heat in top seed and got extremely lucky in the semi final heat (Jarod surfed great, as per usual, and I got lucky, as per usual!) then off to the finals. Extremely tired, I went up against Demany (who just on fire Sunday!), Galen (thats a no brainer!), and Matt Radis in the final. The waves seemed to fizzle out in that final. Everyone got some okay waves, and Demany definantly deserved 1st place. The lefts into the river mouth were really the best...but I was just too tired to paddle down there...guess I should have! Great job to all.

So, once again, Morlee and the crew, threw a contest that had it all. Waves, great judging, and the venue was awesome. Plus, the contests are just more fun now. I personally am having a great time and am really excited about the future of the events on the West Coast. Great job! Demany and Morlee, when is the next one?