The Rincon Classic has achieved, peacefully, what 50 years of violence and localism couldn’t. A middle-aged white male with no appearance of malice, Chris Keet has made possible for the blessed 805 representatives 48 hours of intimacy with their beloved point. “The potential competitors are granted a slot in the event based off the proximity in which they live to the cove,” stated Contest Director Chris Keet. They, by right, gather once a year to pay homage to The Queen. The royal lineage of past victors is a stylish lot, including the likes of Conner Coffin, Demi Boelsterli, Dane Reynolds and Tom Curren representing Santa Barbara and Ventura, respectively.
The cultural significance of The Classic is evident in the attendance and participation of locals and surrounding businesses. This year, Channel Islands, Hurley and Surf Happens were able to throw a flawless event with the blessings of the “Rincon Homeowners Society.” The Classic was gifted with a building swell and picturesque weather conditions solidifying Keets’ decision to run the event midway through its holding period,while the highlights of the weekend were well announced by 13-year-old Matty Pierce. The outspoken grom got the chance of a lifetime to commentate a perfectly surfed 10.0 by the fan favorite, Dane Reynolds. He was able to couple the score with a mid-9 that would see him win the Skosh and Rhythm Award–a $500 prize for the highest heat total.
The Pro Division final showcased the best the 805 has to offer. Cory Arrambide, Dane Reynolds and Kellen Ellison took on the near-impossible task of beating the events second most winning surfer, Killian Garland. Dane and Garland had the frontside advantage, sending ungodly amounts of spray on the anxious hordes of non-competitors. By far the dark horse of the final, Ellison waited patiently for his turn to awe and used his powerful backside surfing to steal the heat win in the dying seconds.
The awards presentation unfolded at the maritime museum in downtown Santa Barbara. While 49ers fans cursed their luck in the bar upstairs, the good vibe tribe of surfers banded together in unison to congratulate their fellow competitors. No punches to the facemask were given. The crowd’s applause was the loudest when Demi Boelsterli was announced to have convincingly won for her tenth consecutive year. The Rincon phenom demonstrated, once again, that given the financial backing, she has the tools to take down the top 17.
The Classic is an iconic event that shows the benefits of keeping contests exclusive for local surfers. It is similar to the Boardriders’ Club system of Australia; friendly competition, confined within the local area, fosters talent and camaraderie. Every competitor leaves a victor having spent some quality time at The Queen without the hassle of her legions of admirers.
