Surfing Laguna: Contest season hits a high gear

As our sons and daughters prepare to shuffle off to school, many are also getting ready to participate in various school sports. One unique program Laguna students are privy to is a surf team.

Currently the prospective team members have been working out Tuesday and Thursday mornings at Thalia Street beach under the watchful eyes of head Coach Scott Finn and girls’ Coach Alisa Cairns.

The coaches are preparing the students for the upcoming tryout to see who will make it to the highly coveted position of Laguna Surf Team member and the honor of representing our town.

Returning this year to lead Laguna’s squad is last year’s South Coast league champ, Taylor Pitz, on the girls’ side, and standout competitor Porter Hogan for the boys.

Joining Taylor and Porter are several sophomores who had the privilege to compete last year as freshmen, which availed them much valuable experience in critical heat situations.

Among the sophomores looking to help the Laguna team to victory is the lightning-quick goofy-footer Adam Mejia.

When asked about heading into another contest season and how he plans to contribute, Adam said, “This year I plan to really focus on heat strategy and using the right boards for the surf conditions. Also just staying in the moment.

“Coach Finn is really helping our whole team get prepared with a super solid training program that includes stretching and proper diet. I’m amped!”

This season look for coverage of the highs and lows of Laguna’s surf team, including standout performances and also a bit of background on each team member and their respective surfing odysseys.

Tune in next week, as we should know who our official 2009-10 Laguna surf squad is. So until then, stay wet!

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.