This was one great contest. It was the annual MSA (Malibu Surfing Association) Classic Invitational, longboard coalition contest; and the waves? All time. Everything you would want a contest to be, minus a few hiccups along the way. Glassy three to four foot waves, positives vibes and only six people in Malibu’s famed First Point lineup at once. Sunny skies, peeling rights, early morning glass and to top it all off, surfing with longtime friends and idols. It was a longboarder’s wet dream, really. But for myself and most of the competitors the real story and fun comes the day before the event when everybody arrives in town, stoked to surf Bu. The parking lot fills up Thursday night so as not to miss a space for the weekend. And once you’re there you don’t leave for four days, so it’s best to get there early.
Coolers are filled, boards are waxed and jam sessions take place in the back of vans. Hammocks are hung from van to van while little campsites are made out of a few parking spaces. Everybody is there for the common goal of surfing Bu with their friends and the chance to sneak in midnight surf sessions. RVs line the street above with chairs and tables lined up for passers by to pop in and have a cold one or just a chat. Moving from van to car to bus to make new friends and chill with old ones. A knock on my bus window at 6 am wakes us up to put more money in the meter, because that darn parking attendant is back for more blood.
The surf itself is firing, with everybody making the mad dash for the beach. All day sessions with Joel Tudor, Devon Howard, Taylor Jenson, Tyler Warren make for a good photo opp. We’re all just out having fun, no contest BS, no pressure and no wave counts. Party waves galore – some planned some not so much. Big sisters helping little sisters noseride. Board swaps, beers shared, barrels ridden. Thats why I like the day before a contest. Being there means you’ve already won.
