Pinto wins first title

Performing in near perfect weather and 2-4 foot waves with

occasional five-foot sets, San Diego County’s Dave Pinto on Sunday became

a first-time winner of the Huntington Beach Pro/Am Surf Series in the

series’ fifth competition held of the year, held at Ninth Street in

Huntington Beach.

Pinto impressed the judges with clean and crisp surfing in the final

and took home the Pro/Am Division’s top prize of $1,000.

“I’ll probably but a new guitar or some jogging shoes, or maybe even

go on a little vacation,” Pinto said, when asked about what he’d do with

his winnings.

Pinto beat out runner-up Peter Rangal, Chris Drummy (third), and

Richie Collins (fourth) to win the division.

Other division winners included Matt Mohagen (Super Grom), Chris

Waring (Boys), Todd Hutton (Juniors), Jon Wildfong (Mens), Jason Haughey

(Masters), Liz Kampen (Womens), and Mike Gillard (Longboard).

The next Huntington Beach Pro/Am Surf Series event will be held Aug.

24-25 at the south side of the Huntington Beach Pier. The double rated

event will feature a $2,000 first place Pro/Am prize. Competitors are

encouraged to register before the date in order to guarantee a spot in

the event. For more information, call Seth Matson of Forward Progress at

596-5019.