OMBAC to Host Classic Longboard Surfing Contest in Pacific Beach
One of the most anticipated events in the longboard surfing community is nearly upon us. Enter the OMBAC Classic Longboard Surfing Contest.
Held at the North Side of Crystal Pier in the Pacific Beach neighborhood of San Diego, the OMBAC Classic Longboard Surfing Contest is a competition where all participants surf on vintage longboards at least 9-feet-long, shaped in 1969 or earlier, and with no leash.
Designed to be an inclusive surf event that brings the community together, the competition features categories for men, women, and juniors.
Better yet for vintage longboard purists is the fact that the judges base their criteria on traditional longboarding techniques — including focusing more on style and grace than high-performance maneuvers.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a community gathering without good vibes, so the Classic Longboard Surfing Contest will also feature a festive, family-friendly atmosphere with live music, food, and beachside entertainment.
Held by the Old Mission Beach Athletic Club, the competition is also for a good cause. Proceeds go to the Drowning Prevention Foundation of San Diego, which is also known as the San Diego Junior Lifeguards.
For fans of all things vintage and beachy, the roots of the contest also extend back to the 1960s. According to OMBAC, the contest has evolved over the decades, but “has always strayed true to its original spirit” as a nod to the golden era of surfing.
For additional information, or to sign up for the competition, check out this link.
Want to sharpen your own longboard skills? Check out our guide to the best surf lessons in PB.
Media credit: Images courtesy of ombac.org
Mike Peterson is a writer, editor, and strategist based in San Diego. When he’s not writing and editing the La Jolla news, you can often find him practicing yoga, rock climbing, or exploring the outdoors with his wife and dog.
