Hello sister surf

Mike Sciacca

Holly Beck’s words grabbed the attention of a group of young girls

seated on the sand at the south side of the Huntington Beach Pier on

a stormy Sunday.

The circle of girls hung on every word Beck uttered, listening

intently for any advice that might help them be able to ride the same

wave of success the professional surfer from Palos Verdes has

enjoyed.

In the background of the group were professional surfers from

around the world competing for cash and prizes.

It was all part of the first Hello Kitty Boardfest in Surf City --

with Beck as the headliner.

Hello Kitty Boardfest featured a family-oriented beach exposition

that showcased games, surf clinics, skateboarding demonstrations and

live music, all against the backdrop of the boardfest’s jewel: a

four-star, World Qualifying Series-rated surf competition.

Beck not only surfed the competition, but also headed the three

daily surf clinics that began Friday.

Some of the sport’s top women competitors had a hands-on role in

educating and instructing local young girls of all ages on how to

take their surfing skills to the next level.

The HB Wahine All-Girl Surf School lent its staff for the clinics.

Each of the three daily clinics concluded with a tag-team event --

which Beck said was the “best part” of the clinics -- using the same

judges and announcers who worked the pro contest.

The Hello Kitty Boardfest held its only other event in late August

in Manhattan Beach.

“It was a trial run, in a sense, and it went pretty good, but this

here in Huntington is our main event,” said the 24-year-old Beck.

“I’m proud to be a part of this weekend. It’s our goal to provide

more contests, provide training to the young girls and in the

process, allow beginners in the sport and professional surfers to

mingle together. It’s cool to be able to give something back to the

younger generation.”

The surf clinic curriculum consisted of teaching advanced skills,

contest strategies and how to get sponsored.

Beck’s talks were set up to inspire and guide youngsters who might

want to take surfing to the next level.

Colbie Wilson and Brooke Parker, a pair of 13-year-olds who are

friends and students at Sowers Middle School, took part in Sunday’s

clinic.

Both have surfed local waters -- including Old Man’s at San Onofre

-- but found the benefits of the clinic enticing.

“I like being here because you get to get in the water with the

pros,” Brooke said. “I’ve learned a lot here today, but mainly I

learned a lot about being confident in the water.”

Colbie agreed.

“I like getting help and information on competitions,” she said.

“I sometimes get nervous when I compete, and I’m learning here how

not to get nervous. It’s all about going out and having fun.”

The girls, who admitted to being excited about receiving their

Hello Kitty gift bags, were able to take in the professional surfing

contests.

Australia’s Claire Bevilacqua successfully battled her way through

3-to- 5-foot waves and a strong current Sunday to win the $20,000

Hello Kitty Boardfest held at the Huntington Beach Pier.

Bevilacqua scored 9.85 points to overtake second-place Melanie

Bartels (8.80) of Hawaii.

Florida’s Karina Petroni (8.30) was third and Australia’s Rebecca

Woods (7.35) finished fourth.

Twelve-year-old Courtney Conlogue of Santa Ana had her amazing run

ended during Sunday’s second semifinal, when she finished fourth

behind Bartels, Bevilacqua and Prue Jeffries of Australia.

The elated local youngster went on to anchor one of the clinic tag

team events at day’s end.

Showcasing beautiful nose rides and fancy footwork, California’s

Summer Romero won the $1,500 Hello Kitty Boardfest Longboard

Saturday.

* MIKE SCIACCA covers sports and features. He can be reached at

(714) 966-4611 or by e-mail at michael.sciacca@latimes.com.