Contest brings waves of money, experience

Lolita Harper

WEST NEWPORT -- It may be viewed as just another fund-raiser, but

members of the Newport Harbor High School club surfing team gain more

than money from their annual surf contest -- they get experience in a

professional surfing atmosphere.

Surf team members hosted the third annual Winter Classic on Saturday

at 56th Street. The first day of the two-day event drew a total of about

80 entries and attracted professional surfers Jeff Moysa and Josh Hoyer.

For those who have not had as much experience in the water, the

contest provided a good training ground.

“These contests aren’t all about winning -- or even fund-raising --

they are about getting experience in a competitive setting,” said Erica

Hosseini, the favorite to win in the women’s division.

Hosseini, 14, has been surfing for three years and walked away with

the title last year. With the women’s competition not starting until

today, Hosseini spent Saturday wishing she was surfing in the high school

boy’s division. Still in middle school last year, Hosseini competed

against her male counter parts but thought better of it this year,

considering the age difference between her and the seniors.

“I kind of wish I signed up for the boy’s division now,” she said,

motioning toward her teammates in the ocean.

Five large tents housed the surf contest headquarters, set up on what

was otherwise a vacant beach. Each of the men’s divisions completed

preliminary competition Saturday, with each heat lasting 15 minutes.

Final heats are longer in order to give competitors more time to choose

better waves.

Quiksilver, Surfside Sports and Smith glasses sponsored the event,

allowing all the proceeds to go directly to the surf team.

“This is just our way of giving back and supporting the kids who have

continuously supported our company,” said Todd Kline, who manages the

surfing program for Quiksilver.

Professional surf judges were on hand, adding yet another expert

element to the high school event. Head judge Tim Milliken said the

winners would be the ones who exhibited the most progressive movements.

“We reward them for putting their abilities on the line. If they

attempt them and complete them, they’ll score high,” Milliken said.

“This gives the kids their own surfing experience and gives them a

chance to raise their own funds for trips,’ Milliken said, adding that

the club receives no funding from the school.

The event has raised more than $1,500 so far this year, said surf

coach Scott Morlan. And they are not done yet. Morlan anticipates a few

more entries today.

Final heats start about 9 a.m. today at 56th Street in Newport Beach.

Winners from the high school boys, mens, women’s, junior high,

elementary, long board and body board divisions will be announced in the

afternoon.

* Lolita Harper covers Costa Mesa. She may be reached at (949)

574-4275 or by e-mail at o7 lolita.harper@latimes.comf7 .