Surfing Laguna: At Brooks Street

One of the best things about the Brooks Street Classic surf contest arguably is that it brings the entire Laguna surf tribe together to celebrate and revel in our rich surfing heritage. Old timers, young groms, high school teammates, and much more are intertwined in a two-day surfing ritual.

This year’s event was what many legends are calling one of the best in the long and storied history of the contest “” now in its 48th year.

One of the stand-out performers was style master Sean Brown, who managed to win the very competitive Senior Men’s Division with his graceful yet powerful carves.

Surfing Laguna caught up with Sean to get his take on the 2009 Brooks Street Classic.

Q: Sean, tell us about how long you’ve been surfing Brooks street and what it is about the wave that keeps you coming back?

A: About 24 years. Wow, doesn’t feel that long. I think it’s the same for most surfers, you always have a special attachment to the surf spot you learned at. Brooks is that place for me. It also has a lot of character “” the random reef ledges create unique peaks and sections that always seem a little different from wave to wave. I can always find a challenge out there and all of the quirky sections of the wave grow on you. It doesn’t get much better for me than riding Brooks on a pumping summer south swell.

Q: So much talk about this year’s event with the huge crowd and new seating area. Share your thoughts on this year’s event compared with previous Brooks streets.

A: This definitely has to go down as one of the best I have witnessed. The new seating area and large swell brought out a great crowd that was sustained throughout the entire two days of competition. With all of the excitement and electricity of crowd and competitors, it reminded me of my grom days when I first entered the contest. It was great to have it after so many dry years and to see all the locals having such a good time.

This type of event really reminds me of what a special surfing experience we have in Laguna and what surfing here is all about.

Only one downside to this year’s contest “” no color commentary! It’s not a totally complete Brooks Street contest without somebody grabbing the mic and calling the play-by-play.

A final note to city leaders: Allowing color commentary for this special Laguna event is essential to recognize our town’s sons and daughters who are out their putting on a great show.

Please reconsider the current ban on amplified sound for this once a year city-sanctioned event.

CHRIS WILLIAMS is a surfing coach and Laguna Beach resident, and father of four surf-crazy sons. He can be reached at chris@soulsurfingschool.com or (949) 497-5918.