One of the many insane rides during the 2010 Nelscott Big wave Classic. Photo © Parkin

With an 80% chance that the Mavericks Invitational 2012/2013 presented by GoPro will run this Sunday, January 20th, John Forse, Founder and Contest Director of the Nelscott Reef Big Wave Classic issued this statement.

“As much as we hate to pass on a good swell, We have decided in the interest of cohesiveness of the big wave brotherhood and the Big Wave World to not run the Nelscott Reef Big Wave Classic this weekend and throw all our support behind the Mavericks Invitational that should have great waves for the best big wave surfers in the world. We still have 2+ more months in the waiting period and hope the surf gods will reward us with our own epic swell.”

John Forse Founder/Director NRBWC

Photo©Richard Hallman

Write up sent to us by Tim West.
Check out Tim’s rider profile here

SUNDAY MORNING INSPIRATION
-a message to the next generation Coastsiders-
by: Tim West

Sunday morning usually goes hand in hand with a hot cup of coffee from our favorite local café in town. As we make our way to that cup of joe, the mind wakes up with thoughts of how we plan on proceeding with the gift of another day. My game plan is usually a cup of the medium roast from Café Classique, a drive out to Pillar Point, and a short walk up the bluffs to check the ocean conditions. Many Sunday mornings have gone by in my 32 years and that same view overlooking the Half Moon Bay coastline inspires me every time. It is my happy place, a moment to reflect on the positive things in life, the positive things in my community, and how I can make it even better. So I write this after a cup of coffee on that bluff top, and hope that after reading it, you too will take a Sunday walk of inspiration to make Half Moon Bay an even happier place in and out of the water.

One time as a teenager I was surfing the bluffs and enjoying the waves when out paddled an older guy whom I had never seen before. As the session went by this wave comes through with both of us in position to catch it, only the older guy was deeper. ‘Who the heck is this guy’, I thought as I completely stuffed him and we both went down after bumping rails. This older guy is Mike Kimsey, one of the most respected underground locals to grace the waters around Half Moon Bay. As I paddle back out, the established crew gave me the history of who this guy was and that he was one of the first surfers to surf the spot. I gave an immediate apology and to this day we are friends with mutual respect. I learned a life lesson that day: People cross our paths every day, friends, family, acquaintances, and total strangers, whether it’s at a local surf break, or in the coffee shop on a Sunday morning. That stranger, who is in line behind you to pay for that cup of coffee or catch that wave, might be somebody who has paved the path for you to get where you are. They may have paved a path to allow you to walk it and pave it further. That goes the same for a random guy with a mullet and mustache surfing a single fin driving a muffler dragging-mazda. Your first impressions might be, ‘who the heck is this kook’, but he’s probably the nicest guy from a land rich with perfect waves who can share a wealth of knowledge. Respect others and treat people as you wish to be treated, in and out of the water. You will gain knowledge and respect.

One person out of the many who tops the list of inspirations in my life is Jay Moriarty. He had respect for a person whether that person could pull into a 40-foot wave at Maverick’s or ride the whitewater at the Jetty. He is the definition of a role model to many, a man who went out of his way to help people no matter what their ability level. What some people don’t realize in the moment while watching a surfer struggle in the whitewater, is that surfer will soon be catching waves in the peak with the best of ‘em. Never count somebody out. I was counted out by a lot of people even friends when I was a kid, regarding surf ability. That just turned into motivation to push it harder for bigger and bigger waves through the years. In 2009 that motivation translated to an invitation in the Maverick’s Surf Contest representing our Coastside and representing the people who doubted me a decade before. I see the next generation of kids surfing around here and know they are the future of this coast. You can count them out in the moment and be a Negative Nancy that nobody likes to surf with, or you can reach out like Jay to help propel them to the next level. It goes both ways too, with the youth like Konrad Wallace, Adam Bloomer, and the Pannesi brothers influencing generations like mine with good attitudes and great surfing.

Being the future generation that these kids are, they learn by example. Picking up trash off the beach on the way back is a habit I hope everyone follows, especially the youth. They see other respected surfers doing so and follow that lead. Another example is Ion Banner, who loans out Maverick’s boards and shares his local knowledge with others who wish to challenge our big wave spots. Now our community has numerous other surfers doing the same, loaning out or even giving boards to groms in hope that they get the wave of their life. The number of people who surf the area is so minimal compared to other surf towns, so why not band together and help each other out in any way possible? The HMB Surf Club is a perfect example of bringing our surfing community together and should be recognized for that. Leading by example is a good way to put it. Every surf community has those surfers with bad etiquette who nobody wants to surf with. They yell at others for no reason and go for every wave with no respect. That’s not an example of being a leader like Ion Banner or Jay Moriarty. Ion and Jay are the guys to take notes from who have paved the road in this community in and out of the water. The groms who look to go further down that road are the ones who will be smiling every surf session and excel to be not only good surfers, but also community leaders. They are also possibly future invites to represent us in our Maverick’s Contest.

Half Moon Bay and the surrounding area have a rich history when it comes to surf culture. The list is long: the Keatings in Pacifica, Jack O’Neill in San Francisco, and countless legends around here like Cal Tenny, Steve Iverson, Ward Walkup, Alex Matienzo, Jeff Clark, and Craig Macarthur. Our Coastside community is constantly evolving with new faces out in the lineup, creating new pages of history. Ever since that surf session with Mike Kimsey, I’ve gone out of my way to dig up the past history of this place. Just as the Hawaiians respect names of people who were local stand-outs in and out of the water like Duke Kahanamoku, Eddie Aikau, Mark Foo, and Sion Milosky, we too should do the same here in Half Moon Bay! The history of Maverick’s has been overlooked for all this time with many names and events that no one speaks of. For over two years I have been digging up research and stories from people on how it really went down. If nobody bothers to find out the details it will be lost forever as the days go by and it is also a vital part of this community history. It is our community. When you meet these pioneers or see one of them at the Jetty say hello instead of paddling around the old guy to get a wave. It might just be the most insightful conversation that is not taught in the schoolbooks.

There are a number of people in the community whom I would like to recognize as standing out and making a positive difference. These names are just a few of many who inspire me to be like them by living their dreams. I challenge the next generation of Coastsiders to build on these positive influences and make this special place that much better, not only for yourself, but for all of us as a community. Below is a list of links with captions that I would like to share. Please take the time to listen to their messages and see the positive energy emanating from them day after day. I would like to end this story with an Abraham Lincoln quote we as Coastsiders can all relate to:
“I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him”.

Jay Moriarty: This is one of the last interviews before he passed away. My hero.

http://jayrace.surftech.com/about-jay/

Mark ‘Maleko’ Weisberth: Maleko has been in the local hip-hop scene for years with lyrics that have 100% respect and insight on our community. His message is always the same whether it’s in songs like my two favorites here, or in a rap battle where he stands undefeated. You can find Maleko around the Coastside producing concerts and helping others at the music studio all with a true passion for making this place that much better.

Ion Banner: One of the pioneers from town to challenge Maverick’s in 1990 and a standout in surf up and down the coast. Representing our coast with a humble approach for years and always reaching out to others if they need a hand.

Eric Nelson and Curt Myers of Powerlines Productions: These guys have been surfing the coast since the 80’s and documenting it for a long time. Eric started out filming local spots and putting an edited show on channel 6 once a week. Curt got involved and together they expanded creating numerous big wave movies documenting historical surf sessions. They made this inspiration list because they make sure to include local talent in their movies instead of giving 100% attention to the guys with big sponsors. It’s very inspiring to see guys like Ragnar Johnson, Dom Spinardi, Pat Bollinger, Colin Dwyer, Travis Payne, and Ion Banner holding their own next to the best in the world.

http://mavfilm.com/

Brian Overfelt: The ‘Mayor’ of the Coastside as we like to call him. Brian has been involved with local issues as long as I’ve known him. He is currently pushing to get the Pillar Point Harbor dredged to help nourish the beaches of sand in turn fixing many problems. 2 years ago he bought the Old Princeton Landing and turned it into the attraction of the harbor for a night out in the local scene. His mother and him have a yarn and photo shop in the Harbor Village where you can see many of his photographs showcasing local waves and people. He is a big part of making this community function and is very respected for that.

http://coastviewsmag.com/happy-birthday-opl

Dom Spinardi: A very humble surfer from town who stands out in surf any size. One of the nicest guys I’ve ever met who carries that Jay mentality. Happy go lucky. An inspiration to many.

John Cardiel: A skateboarder from 8th St in Montara who turned his passion into a profession. He became one of the best to enter a skate park.

Kelly Slater: The way he approaches life is just as impressive as the way he approaches waves.

Todd Chesser: This guy amped me to explore the outer realm and go for bigger waves. He lived in the ‘power surfing’ era and pioneered a lot of outer reefs in Hawaii even coming to HMB to check out Maverick’s in the early 90’s.

Friends: 2 years ago I helped organize a local session out at Maverick’s that had everyone coming together as a unified group. Since nobody from the Coastside is in the Maverick’s Contest this was our way of being involved and showcasing our local big wave chargers. In a small town it was great to see nearly 20 guys make the paddle and have the community cheering on the session. Look for an even better event to take place this season.

http://www.surfline.com/surf-news/hmb-local-wyatt-fields-wins-wildcard-into-mavs-event_51827/

The McCord Family: Two of the nicest friends I know always asking how your day is going. James has been pulling into South End barrels forever and Heather shreds Kirkwood powder like no chick I’ve ever seen! They recently had a baby, Cali McCord. Awesome family.

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=358105182971&set=t.1807127196&type=1&theater

The Dorn Family: Andrew and Kerri are two of the nicest outgoing people you’ll ever meet. They are very involved with their kid’s activities and seem to tackle every day to it’s fullest. Lance and Blake are standout athletes on the coast even when it comes to ping pong and fishing. 4 great personalities who contribute great things in this community.

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151094421515796&set=a.10151094421345796.432930.730210795&type=3&theater

http://craftbeerman.com/

World’s Best Big Wave Riders to Paddle Massive Oregon Waves at the third Stop of the 2011 Big Wave World Tour & Womens Exhibition
Liquid Militia started it up at this events inception 6 years ago, and we’re still at it with the Nelscott Reef Paddle in Classic! Big sharks, steep walls, the coldest water imaginable, heavy waves and the best big wave surfers the world has to offer. Nelscott is known for the elements and the action, and its consistency. The Nelscott Reef event has been held every year, as soon as the contest window opens, the contest closes with podium finishes. This all goes down in Lincoln City, Oregon.

Like most big wave breaks, getting to the location is part of the adventure. When a positive swell looms, a 48 hour notice is hailed, from across the globe when the contest light hits ‘green’, contestants and media will be packing, flying, driving and arriving in Lincoln City. That hits when the contest director John Forse makes the call. Mr. Consistent hasn’t let anyone down yet, six years and running! With the inclusion on the Big Wave World Tour (BWWT), lucky seven looms, keep yourself staged any day.

LM Founder Paul Schulte

LM partner Shawn Alladio of K38

Liquid Militia founder and co-owner Paul “Pablo” Schulte was one of the inaugural tow-in surfers for the first event ever held, and partner Shawn Alladio of K38 provided the event water safety. The top 12 surfers from the Big Wave World Tour, including World Champions Carlos Burle (Brazil) and Jamie Sterling (Hawaii) along with big wave stars like Greg Long (USA), Ramon Navarro (Chile) and Chile’s winner Marcos Monteiro (Brazil) will join 12 event invitees to compete in this year event.

Last year Nelscott was the first big wave competition to incorporate a womens exhibition heat which was won by Keala Kennely (Hawaii). This year again the top women big wave chargers will gather for an Exhibition Session. There will also be an award for the Biggest Wave surfed on Nelscott’s South Reef.

Event sponsors included Boz Wetsuits, Dakine, Liquid Militia, and Russo Surfboards, as well as Surfline.com – BWWT official forecaster and Maca SolRaiz Organics – BWWT sponsor.

The event is organized by Behemoth llc. 1820 N.E. West Devils Lake Road, Lincoln City, Oregon 97367.

Current Big Wave World Tour ranking 2011/2012:

1. Peter Mel (USA)
2. Ben Wilkinson (Australia)
3. Marcos Monteiro (Brazil)
4. Joao De Macedo (Portugal)
5. Ramon Navarro (Chile)
6. Felipe Cesarano (Brazil)

For more information please visit: www.nelscottreef.com

Check out below video clip featuring team rider Tim West at the 09 Nelscott Reef Tow In Classic:

Tim West Rider Profile

Support the underground of action sports: www.LiquidMilitia.com

Half Moon Bay’s own Ion Banner and Tim West will compete in the 2009 Mavericks Surf Contest.

Nelscott Reef Holding Period Opens

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PRESS CONTACTS:
Adam Wagner
Behemoth LLC
(503) 449-6558
info@actionsportsnw.com

HOLDING PERIOD OPENS FOR 2009 NELSCOTT REEF TOW IN CLASSIC AND BIG WAVE PADDLE IN

Behmoth announces this years Contestants and Sponsors

LINCOLN CITY, Oregon, October 1, 2009,
Today marks the opening of the holding period for the 2009 Nelscott Reef Tow In Classic and Big Wave Paddle In. The holding period opens today and extends through December 31, 2009. Organizers will be monitoring the conditions and will give 48 hours notice when the decision to hold the event is made.

Nelscott Reef Holding Period Opens
As is tradition with big wave contests, the Nelscott Reef Tow In Classic follows an open holding period and traffic light system. This allows organizers to monitor surf conditions and have the flexibility to hold the event in the best possible conditions. In Oregon, these conditions occur a couple of times a year and create a massive wave, which has been called one of the best high performance big waves in the world.

This is the fifth year for the Nelscott Reef Tow In Classic. The event has been held an unprecedented 4 out of 4 years, and organizers are hoping to continue the trend. “Weather is always unpredictable. I think we have been lucky for the past few years, but then again, it just shows how consistent this wave breaks up here”, said John Forse, event founder.

Once thought to be a tow in only wave, the 2008 contest proved that people could paddle in at Nelscott. The paddle in will continue this year with the Liquid Militia Paddle In Exhibition, as well as an additional paddle in element. This year, the event expands with the addition of a Kingfish award, a combination of tow in and paddle in scores.

2009 Confirmed Teams: 2009 Tow In Classic
Al Mennie-Andrew Cotton
Jeff Schmucker-Josiah Schmucker
Tyler Smith-Russel Smith
Zach Wormhoudt-Jake Wormhoudt
Kealii Mamala-Garrett McNamara
Tim West-Ion Banner
Peter Mel-Jamie Mitchell
Ross Clarke Jones-Tom Carroll
Jeff Kafka-Benji Darrow
Luiz Jardini-Scott Eggers
Greg Long-Twiggy Baker
Mike Parsons-Brad Gerlach
Jeremy Rasmussen-Tom Miller
Mark Healey-Rusty Long
Tarik BenHammou- Abdel El Harim
Jed Kelly-Tony Perez

2009 Liquid Militia Paddle In Exhibition:
Chris Bertish
Gary Linden
John Tipple
Geth Noble
Mike Parnel
More to be announced

Nelscott Reef Holding Period Opens
Behemoth, LLC also announced the sponsors for the 2009 Nelscott Reef Tow In Classic and Big Wave Paddle. An increase in sponsor participation keeps Nelscott event going for the fifth consecutive year. The Nelscott Reef Tow in Classic has grown to become one of the premier big wave events in the world, attracting surfers from every continent. The event has run for four consecutive years, an almost unheard of record in big wave events. This represents a great value for the sponsors that participate in the event. We are proud to have partners that continue to support the event and invest in its future. This year, Liquid Militia, an action sports apparel company, has stepped up to sponsor the Liquid Militia Paddle In Exhibition. “It is a perfect fit for us”, said Paul “Pablo” Shulte, founder of Liquid Militia. “After competing in the first Nelscott contest, we saw how well it was run and what a great event it was, and wanted to continue to stay involved”.

Additional returning sponsors for 2009 are Blowsion, manufacturer of the best aftermarket parts for PWCs, Oregon Sports Authority, dedicated to supporting professional sports events in Oregon, Russo Surfboards, a Lincoln City surfboard shaper, Westshore Motel, offering beachside accommodations with views of Nelscott Reef, and the Nelscott Reef Surf Shop, the best place in Lincoln City to get your surf gear. The trophies will again be supplied by the Lincoln City Glass Center. New sponsors joining the event are Surfline, the world’s most renowned surf forcasting company, Kona Brewing Company, makers of fine ales, including Longboard Lager, and Roudhouse 101, the center of Lincoln City night life.

The Nelscott Reef Tow In Classic is now in its fifth year. It operates on a threemonth holding period, October 1 through December 31st, and unofficially marks the opening of the North Pacific big wave season. The contest has amazingly been held each year it has operated, boasting a better record than any big wave event in history.

About Behemoth LLC.
Behemoth was started in 2005 for the purpose of promoting surf events at Nelscott Reef and other surf locations around the world. Founding member, John Forse, was the pioneer at Nelscott Reef and made his first attempt to ride the reef in 1995. Forse, along with Jim Kusz, safety coordinator for North Lincoln Fire and Rescue and veteran water rescue team leader, and Adam Wagner of Action Sports Northwest, operate Behemoth LLC out of Lincoln City, Oregon. Behemoth LLC organized and promoted the first annual Nelscott Reef Tow In Classic, bringing the sport of surfing to the professional level in Oregon for the first time.