WET ‘N’ WILD WITH ROCKIN’ FIG:

Coming up in Surf City this week is the ASP two-star Vans Pier Classic presented by Jack’s Surfboards. A total purse of $25,000 is at stake with more than $11,000 in the final and $5,000 for the win. Some of Huntington’s big-time talent will be turning out, like former winner Shaun Ward, who leads the list of hot locals ready to cut loose. The Macy’s overall Trifecta champ last season, Micah Byrne, is in. Other hometown shredders include Michael Hoisington and Brandon Guilmette, and up and comers like Jason Harris and Brazilian transplant Bruno Rodrigues.

Just down the road, from Newport, legendary veteran surfer Ritchie Collins is still ripping and entered along with new guard, numerous-time national champ Andrew Doheny. Plus Hawaii’s vertical assault man, Jesse Merle-Jones, Santa Cruz’s Jason “Ratboy” Collins, known for his air tactics, big wave stand out Peter Mel, East Coaster former championship tour surfer Asher Nolan, along with Ventura’s shredding Cory Arrambide, and San Clemente’s Mike Losness to name a few. Check it out.

The Salsa Surf Contest, a fundraiser for the ALS Assn. had a great turn as more than 120 surfers entered. Catherine Vasquez, the Edison High surf team member and student, was the main person whose idea put this whole fundraiser together after having a friend suffering from the disease. Catherine judged some heats, announced, and even beach marshaled a few. The contest had a good vibe, good waves with surf in the 3- to 7-foot zone.

Lots of prizes were donated by Hurley, Body Glove, Quicksilver, True West and more. Some of the winners included: Tony Bartovich from Dywer winning boys; Edison’s Jesse Steelman ripping it up in juniors; and former Edison High surfer Sean Oates taking men’s. In long board under 21, Huntington High’s Wade Carden did some fancy foot work for the victory, and in 21 and over, Josh Rapoza busted a big lipper, air drop for an eight-point ride to take it. Joe Schuck won seniors’, Charlene Beck won gals’, and Brittany Marsh came in first in the novice division.

Pro women’s surfer Holly Beck was signing some posters while surfing movie star from “Endless Summer” Robert August made a personal appearance, and movie producer, and hot surfer as well, Timmy Turner was seen hanging out too. More than $10,000 was raised and donated. The awards were Chile Pepper trophies, and Catherine says she’ll probably do it again next year.

Brandon Larson has gotten an unbelievable 11 surfing shots in the last three months. Big air Brett Simpson, the high-flying Chris Waring, barrel master Junga Ralph, the always ripping Teddy Navarro, and the amateur record-setter Kainoa Igarashi.

But where’s the Fig shot, Brandon? Figgy over and out.

RICK FIGNETTI is a 10-time West Coast champion and a longtime KROQ-FM surfologist. He owns a surf shop on Main Street. You can reach him at (714) 536-1058.