2014

PHOTO: BRANDEN AROYAN

PRESENTED BY

PRODUCED BY

38 DEEP SURF MAGAZINE February 2014 DEEPZINE.com 39

The cobblestones at Rincon Point have had the feet of many great

men and women walk upon them over the years. Each has their own unique story as they follow their path as a surfer in search of destiny, the perfect wave, adventure, love, and the next step in the journey of life.

Over time, little feet grow into big feet, while the big feet that came before them leave imprints in the sand to follow and learn from.

When we are young it seems like tomorrow will never come, but that’s when we are young. As we grow older we realize the importance of family, friends, faith, the circle of life, and honoring one another.

Surfing Rincon on a good day always seems to embody that journey, putting life back into a state of slow motion where friends connect like the lines of the Indicator to the bottom of the Cove. There will always be the locals that call the curves of the Queen home, waiting to greet her and one another year after year when the water comes to play.

From the elders who sit out the back selecting only the best set waves, to the groms who search for anything on the inside, to the hipsters that can ride on anything, the mom’s who surf in the morning, and everyone else, in between sets is the time we catch up.

What a blessing it is to have this community as our home.

DEEP: Describe your first surf session at Rincon.DS: Can’t really remember the first session. There have been some memorable sessions out there though. Rennie Yater paddling out at indicator without getting his hair wet catching a wave to the freeway stepping off on the sand and walking to his car with you guessed it, dry hair. Hanko’s blistering backhand at the Rincon Classic … “mental.” Of course, Brando and his speedo. I haven’t seen him that purple since he was born, and he still killed it! Oh, I do remember one day it was too big for me, when I was about 10. I was sitting on the beach humiliated, because I was scared. I felt something warm on my back and turned around and this dog was taking a leak on me. Surfing it on a full moon, and there were 30 guys out!

DEEP: Best memory of the Rincon Classic? DS: That’s easy. Brando in a Speedo!

DEEP: What is it about the Rincon Classic that makes it so special?

DS: It’s the best non-contest contest around. It’s great to see all the generations of amazing surfers that show up. The sense that everybody is doing what they love to do, hanging out with family and friends and their dogs while surfing all day long; that’s what makes it great.

DEEP: Words to live by? DS: John 3:16.

DEEP: Career highlights? DS: Never really thought about it that way. Always considered surfing as an adventure, a way of pioneering new things like surf spots, surfboard design, drawing different lines on a wave, and so on.

DEEP:Best professional result?DS: When I lost my trunks in the semis of the Pipe Masters. Nothing like swimming around naked in front of 5,000 people.

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THE 2014 CHANNEL ISLANDS SURFBOARDS RINCON CLASSIC PRESENTED BY HURLEY FIRST WAITING WEEKEND

KICKS OFF ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, JANUARY 18-19, WITH A TOTAL OF EIGHT CONSECUTIVE WEEKENDS IN

THE WAITING PERIOD IN ORDER TO WAIT FOR IDEAL SWELL AND WEATHER CONDITIONS. SURF HAPPENS IS

HONORED TO PRODUCE THE RINCON CLASSIC, NOW IN ITS 31ST SEASON, FOR THE 14TH CONSECUTIVE YEAR.

JEFF WHITE ALOHA AWARD/ LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT 2014 RECIPIENT DAVEY SMITH

Davey Smith is a living legend whose contributions to our sport and local community span over 35 years. As a professional surfer in the late ’70s and ’80s, Smith was accredited with being one of the great innovators of both the floater and the modern aerial, which are commonplace today. His powerful compact style, punctuated by explosive airs and never-before-seen moves,

was showcased on an international level in surf movies and magazines. Although his surfing gathered the attention of the media, he was more interested in pushing the limits of the sport than competing

in contests. Working closely with Al Merrick, he became a test pilot in the early years, helping to develop board designs that are still used today. As his professional surfing career wound down, he founded Davey Smith’s Surf Academy as a local surf school where he shared his depth of knowledge and life experiences for over 20 years. As mentor and coach, he guided such prominent local surfers as Christian Enns, Bobby Martinez, Tarik Khashoggi, Aaron Ernst, myself and many more.

Always the consummate role model, Smith also shared his faith in Jesus and beliefs in living a clean life while hosting Bible studies and being active member of the Christian Surfers. He transitioned to full-time shaper at Channel Islands surfboards from his academy role in 1998 and continues to push the envelope of modern design today. The eternal grommet, Smith claims he is still “16, stuck in perpetual adolescence,” and continues to pursue advancing the sport through tow-in big wave surfing and being a dominant force as a kingpin at local spots.

BY CHRIS KEET

PHOTOS: L. PAUL MANN

PHOTO: DAVID PU'U

WELCOME TO THE 2014 RINCON CLASSIC

BY CHRIS KEET, CONTEST DIRECTOR

PHOTOS: BRANDEN AROYAN

DEEPZINE.com 39

That’s right, 30 years worth of Rincon Classics just blew by like a Killian Garland floater between the river mouth and the top of the cove. I can remember my first Classic in 1981 and the last one in 2012, but not much in between accept

the epic Classic of 2004 in perfect 6-to 10-foot surf. What competitors would have done

for crowd control during that Classic.So what will the next 30 years look like at the Rincon Classic? Well, here is a peek into

the future, a sort of prediction of things to come good or bad, for better or for worse. It would be a lot easier to take it one Classic at a time, but that wouldn’t be any fun either.

PHOTO: BRANDEN AROYAN

RINCON CLASSIC 30 YEARS DOWN THE ROAD-BY CHUCK GRAHAM-

1. I hope the transition from septic to sewer will be finished.

2. Garland will win another Pro Division title.

3. A Coffin brother, regular, goofy or both will win their fair share of Classics.

4. I won’t be surfing in the Classic 30 years from now.

5. There will be a new division on tap for those surfers that have moved away from the 805 region that used to surf Rincon regularly.

6. An Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) event will be held at the Queen.

7. It’s going to get more crowded.

8. Cell phones, surf reports and leashes will be banned forever.

9. It’s going to get less crowded.

10. There’s going to be more girls in the lineup.

11. Someone will spot a white shark.

12. The Queen will deliver killer waves like it did in 2004.

13. I’m going to surf in the Legends division so I can be a legend.

14. Demi Bolesteri will win another Women’s title.

15. Someone will win two divisions during the same Classic. Has that happened already?

16. In one Classic within the next 30 years all competitors will be required to surf on a single fin with no leashes.

17. In one Classic within the next 30 years all competitors will be required to surf on a longboard with no leashes.

18. I won’t be surfing in that one.

19. In one Classic within the next 30 years all competitors won’t be allowed to wear a wetsuit.

20. I won’t be surfing in the Classic 25 years from now.

21. The ASP will try to get a pile of permits to put on a Star event at Rincon and fail.

22. The surf at the 31st Rincon Classic will be small and the waiting period will go into the spring.

23. Contest director Chris Keet will need to ask Santa Barbara County for an extension of his permit just like in 2012.

24. Keet will be the director of the Rincon Classic 30 years from now bouncing off the crispy.

25. DEEP Surf Magazine will be a sponsor of the Rincon Classic 30 years from now.

26. Quiksilver will once again be a sponsor of the Rincon Classic.

27. Rincon will go down as the best spot in the world never to host an ASP event.

28. The surf at the 32nd Rincon Classic will be epic and Keet will run the event on the first waiting weekend.

29. I have no idea what I’m talking about.

30. I won’t be surfing in the Rincon Classic 20 years from now.

JEFF WHITE ALOHA AWARD/ LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT 2014 RECIPIENT DAVEY SMITH

center stage

This shot was taken from the parking lot on the northbound side of Highway 1 in late November 1969. Looks like less than 20 surfers out in the water, and maybe a few more on the beach. What a sight!

Very clean swell and some lucky souls out there enjoying the beauty that is Rincon. I believe I took this shot while I was on my way up to El Capitan Ranch.

In those days my friend Barry Berman’s father owned El Cap Ranch, and we would camp out in one of those four beach houses. Barry knew this kid whose father was an executive on the Macco Co., so Barry had a

pass for Hollister Ranch. We would get up at about 4 a.m. and drive his two-seater sports car up to the gate, lift up the lock set that was there and push our cars past the guard’s trailer near the side of the road to surf.

First time in, we pulled up to 4-to-6 foot perfect Rights and Lefts. There were about three other cars already there, but no one in the water. We came running down the trail with our Nuuhiwa, Corky Carroll Mini Model and one Yater Spoon, and who do we run into? Rennie Yater and some of his boys, but that’s another whole story!

- Brent LIeberman

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42 DEEP SURF MAGAZINE February 2014 DEEPZINE.com 43

Way back in 1968, a young man with a dream named Al Merrick borrowed $50 bucks for a foam blank, a drum of resin and a bolt of cloth. From those humble beginnings the landmark surfboard manufacturing dynasty of Channel Islands Surfboards has grown

to be a giant wave of design, innovation and quality production unmatched in the surfcraft industry.

While their products have had international distribution and influence, their core mission remains true to their local roots. To keep those roots nurtured and growing, Channel Isalnds (CI) is proud to be the lead sponsor for the only contest at Rincon that serves the locals first and foremost.

I caught up with Scott Anderson, the general manager, to get his take on why CI likes to keep it local.

CHANNEL ISLANDS SURFBOARDS KEEPS IT LOCAL AT THE RINCON CLASSIC

-BY GLENN DUBOCK-

DEEP: How has your proximity to Rincon affected the surfboard shapes that come out of CI?Scott Anderson: Being less than a mile from Rincon really does make it feel like we have a lab in the building. We can build in the morning and be testing in the afternoon. As Rincon can be machine-like, it gives a great baseline to test the designs.

DEEP: There are some great surfers in your building—Aaron Smith won the Masters Division in 2013. Are employees encouraged to get to know the products by using them?SA: Yes, we have a long roster of good surfers here. Not too much encouragement needed for that. Aside from testing with the pros we have the prototype designs make the rounds through the factory crew for feedback.

DEEP: Al is widely regarded as a Master Shaper. Does he gather input from employees as well as team members?SA: Absolutely, the boards need to work for others besides Kelly and Dane.

DEEP: How has CI changed with the times—computer shapes, new materials, and new designs?SA: The biggest evolution with CI is we went from Al originally having to sub-contract everything out besides his shaping, to being able to do everything under one roof. CAD design, CNC milling, shaping and glassing are all done here. The resulting quality and consistency of boards is phenomenal.

DEEP: Will there be any demo boards at the Rincon Classic to try out?SA: Yes. Please come by and give one a spin.

DEEP: Why does CI continue to support the Rincon Classic? What do you see as important about that relationship?SA: As long as the contest supports the community and the local surfers, CI will support the Rincon Classic. We are an international brand, but our community is first and foremost. Rincon is still a unique venue when you can see the world’s elite compete alongside the area’s best locals.

Conner Coffin, a longtime Channel Islands team rider, won the Pro Division title last year .

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DEFENDING MEN'S CHAMP

AARON SMITH-BY GLENN DUBOCK-

Aaron Smith has been on this earth for 36 years, 34 of them in close proximity to Rincon.

As Engineer Manager at Channel Islands Surfboards, his duties include running many operations plus surfboard product development. That keeps him in the water a lot, and that

keeps him ripping Rincon with the best of them, which he has done for about 26 years now.Aaron won the Men’s Division at the 2013 Rincon Classic, so we asked him a few questions about

the Queen of the Coast.

DEEP: What did you think of your first ride at Rincon?Aaron Smith: My first surf at Rincon was with Eric Dugan. He lived on the point and was in my fourth-grade class. I was a bit scared because I always envisioned this giant scary wave.

It was small and perfect. All that stands out was how long it was—this thing just kept going and going.

DEEP: What is your favorite board to ride at Rincon?AS: It’s hard to say because I ride so many boards. I rode a 5’8” New Flyer in the contest last year, and I actually rode that board all year no matter how big the waves got. and it worked in all conditions.

DEEP: What is your favorite part of the Rincon wave?AS: Low tide Cove is hard to beat but I also like the big stormy days when you find a diamond in the rough and get the wave of your winter.

DEEP: How did you win last year, and how does someone win against you?AS: I started off with a mid-range score, got two junk waves and decided to sit and wait for a set. My opponent, Gabe Venturelli, was sitting up top at the point and caught the first wave of a set. I was praying that there was one more, and sure enough, there was a swinger behind Gabe’s wave. I had to drop the hammer past a section and just pulled it off. To beat me, you would have to get a better wave.

DEEP: Any thoughts on the Rincon Classic?AS: I think the pro division has been a great addition to the contest. It is always fun to watch the world’s best light up the Con! It is good for the aspiring local rippers to get in a heat with their heroes.

DEFENDING GREMLIN'S CHAMP

TOMMY McKEOWN -BY GLENN DUBOCK-

At the young age of 12, Tommy McKeown has a lot of fans in the area of all ages.

Surfing a total of seven years, four of them at Rincon, Tommy took home the Gremlins Division trophy at the 2013 Rincon Classic on his trademark orange Roberts board.

We caught up with Tommy at his Oxnard home and tossed some questions his way.

DEEP: What did you think about Rincon after your first ride?Tommy McKeown: It was really fun and a long wave.

DEEP: What is your favorite board now and what did you ride to victory last year?TM: I ride a Roberts 4’9” short board and that is what I will ride in this year's contest. In the 2012 contest, I rode a 4’7”.

DEEP: What is your favorite type of Rincon wave?TM: I like it glassy, barreling and 8-foot.

DEEP: How did you win last year, and how does one win against you?TM: I tried to get the best waves and hit the lip. To win against me, you have to get better waves than me.

DEEP:Tell us your thoughts on the Rincon Classic.TM: The Rincon Classic is my favorite contest of the year! I love surfing there, and it’s my third year in the contest. The tradition is great because all the kids get to surf. Former champs plus pros like Dane Reynolds, Conner Coffin, and Bobby Martinez are there too. My favorite memory is winning the contest in my division and my dad making it into the finals of his division.

PHOTO: DUBOCK.COM

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WAITING PERIOD BEGINS...

CHECK RINCONCLASSIC.COM

44 DEEP SURF MAGAZINE February 2014 DEEPZINE.com 45

SPECIAL HAPPENINGS:Highlight Packages and

Finals Heats On Demand

COMPETITORS AREA: Alki Wellness Center – Massage,

Chiropractic, Warm Up.

WATER STATION & FOOD: Fresh cold water, plus food from

Whole Foods, Mad Dogs, Frooty Acai, Caribbean Coffee, and Lucky Llama.

BE GREEN TO THE QUEEN

Each year hundreds of local surfers, friends, family members, and spectators flock to the Rincon Classic to enjoy all the blessings

of the Queen. Our mission is to help spread environmental awareness and promote individual responsibility, while properly managing all waste from the event. We will have conveniently located waste and recycling containers courtesy of Marborg Industries spread throughout the contest site that are clearly marked for waste and recycling.

PLEASE REDUCE, REUSE, AND RECYCLE, AND IF YOU SEE TRASH PICK IT UP.

All contestants receive an official 2014 Rincon Classic organic re-usable bag courtesy of Surf Happens, and fresh cool water will be served from large ice-filled containers at the clearly marked water stations.

Join our daily beach clean ups at noon and 3:30 p.m. or join our High Five program by picking up five pieces of trash and bringing it to the announcers stand for prizes all weekend long.

Check out booths from environmental stewards from our area including; Save The Mermaids, Surfers Without Borders, and The Surfrider Foundation.

PHOTO: JON SHAFER PH

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1. Park in marked stalls only (Violators will be towed).

2. Follow directions of parking guards (Will be wearing green shirts).

3. Do not cut thorough the gated homeowners property on way to beach, or back to car, and stay off

of the ice plant, natural foliage, and private property.

4. Free surf in designated areas only.

5. Check in with the Shore Sheriff 15 minutes before your heat.

6. No alcohol allowed on beach.

PHOTO: MIKE KOTOW

SKI

ALL CONTESTANTS RECEIVE THE FOLLOWING WITH THEIR $75 ENTRY FEE

• Official 2014 Channel Islands Surfboards Rincon Classic T-shirt presented by Hurley

• 2014 Rincon Classic re-usable bag by Surf Happens

• Hurley Beanie• VIP access to all of the contest festivities• Competitor bracelet that provides lunch and

beverages for both days of the event, and

entry into the SIMA classic Sunday Awards ceremony at the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, complete with catering and drinks.

• Two raffle tickets and free entry into the Wave Hunters Grand Prize drawing for a dream surf trip for two to Las Flores Resort in El Salvador. (The beach raffle will be going on all weekend tickets are available for $5 each.)

RC 14 RULES:WHAT YOU GET:

• Bring your reusable mug for coffee, and drink tin for water.

• Dispose of waste and recyclables in proper containers.

• Carpool to the contest. • Ride your bike to the contest.• Look up schedule of events on

rinconclassic.com, allow

enough time to get to contest site, plan to stay all day.

• Participate in daily beach clean ups noon and 3:30 p.m. both days.

• Use designated restrooms only.• Stay off natural foliage.• Keep dogs on leashes and clean up

after your pet.

GREEN TIPS:

• Live Commentating & Computerized scoring

• ASP Certified Judging Panel• Expression Session featuring

area Pro surfers, past champions and legends.

• Scosche In-Rhythm Award

• Pro Division

• Wavehunters Dream Surf Trip Raffle: OVER $15,000 IN PRIZES IN THE RAFFLE! All proceeds go towards hosting free Grom Surf League, youth surfing contests.

DEMOS:

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS:

WETSUIT DEMOS BY HURLEY

SURBOARD DEMOS

LANIKAI UKULELE DEMOS

PHOTO: AROYAN

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2013 longboard champion Cole Robbins.

Lakey Peterson.

DEEPZINE.com 45

Born in Michigan and raised in Southern California, Branden Aroyan has traveled extensively to photograph and film nature, wildlife, people and the great outdoors. After graduating from Brooks Institute in

Santa Barbara, his passion for photography has carried him regularly from the beaten path to many exotic locations and helped foster an appreciation for Earth and its inhabitants.

In addition to group and solo art exhibitions; Aroyan’s work includes advertising and editorial work for environmentally minded companies and projects. The driving force behind his own organic clothing line, Low Tide Rising, is founded in his appreciation and desire to preserve the flow and beauty of nature. “I like to give a realistic impression of a place, person and activity so the viewer has a sense of being there,” said Aroyan.

A talented surfer in his own right, Aroyan can regularly be seen surfing Rincon flying down the line with a spark in his eyes and a huge grin on his face. In the spring of 2013 his infectious positive attitude, career as a water photographer and natural athletic abilities, landed him a role on the ABC television show “Wipe Out,” where he went on to win the grand prize.

DEEP: First session at Rincon? Branden Aroyan My first session at Rincon happened while I was in sixth grade visiting a friend who lived in Carpinteria. We saw the film “Big Wednesday” on a local television channel and then went down to the beach. It was a small session starting out at the backside beach break when I paddled down around the corner and saw the river mouth and top of the cove in the distance and was in awe of the magnitude of the infamous point. Years later, many other first surfs at Rincon included being swept across the point on a big day while trying to get out. First time I flooded my water housing. First time I night surfed and saw the moonlight shining bright through the top of the barrel. My first real quiver of many various types of boards was created for the many moods of Rincon.

DEEP: Tell us about the image you captured of Conner Coffin that is the iconic image for the 2014 Rincon Classic.BA: The poster shot of Conner was shot with a long lens from the water to stay out of his way during the contest. His style and power carving fits the wave, like other great surfers to emerge from the area. Conner has precise speed control and carries it through each turn for a seamless connection of sections throughout the point.

DEEP: Best memory of the Rincon Classic?BA: Best memory of the Classic is listening to Chris Brown’s play-by-play commentary of the action. His perspective and positive attitude cuts through crowd and keeps everyone grateful and stoked to surf.

DEEP: What do you love about the Rincon Classic?BA: Rincon Classic is great in the way it brings all the local shredders with all their different styles to one place to show the many different ways to enjoy it.

DEEP: Favorite subjects to shoot? BA: Favorite subjects to shoot start with clean ocean conditions and crisp power surfing. When a surfer is flowing with the wave, it’s a graceful experience and a synchronized addition to nature’s elements working together.

DEEP: What is it about our region that produces such great surfers? BA: I think Santa Barbara produces world class surfers because it’s a world class place. It’s a humble town with high quality ingredients, the food the weather and the people. We don’t have waves all the time and for us to score really good ones requires a unique understanding of what it takes, and that makes us patient and hungry and wise.

DEEP: Words to live by?BA: Keep it clean, positive and grateful.

PROFESSIONAL BIO: BRANDEN AROYAN

-BY CHRIS KEET-

BRANDEN AROYAN HAS TRAVELED

EXTENSIVELY TO PHOTOGRAPH AND FILM NATURE,

WILDLIFE,

PEOPLE AND THE GREAT

OUTDOORS.

PHOTO: LESLIE HOLTZMAN

PHOTOS: BRANDEN AROYAN

46 DEEP SURF MAGAZINE February 2014

SCHEDULE AND HIGHLIGHTS Donnie Headen and Travers Adler: .....................................6:30-7:15 p.m.Dinner:........................................................................................6:30-7:30 p.m.Slideshow & Video Highlights: ............................................6:30-7:00 p.m.Silent Auction & Raffle: .........................................................6:30-8:30 p.m.Camp Hana Hou & Grom Surf League Video: ...................7:00-7:10 p.m.Video Contest Winners & Awards: ......................................7:15-7:30 p.m.2014 Rincon Classic Awards Ceremony: ............................7:30-8:45 p.m.Grand Prize Raffle Prize Giveaways: ..................................8:45-9:00 p.m.Donnie Headen and Travers Adler: .....................................9:00-9:30 p.m.

WHEN: Sunday, January 19*, 2014, 6:30-9:30 p.m. (*Date depends on Classic weekend. Will take place the Sunday of Classic weekend.)

WHERE: Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, 113 Harbor Way, Santa Barbara Harbor

DETAILS: The 31st annual Rincon Classic Sima Classic Sunday awards ceremony is an all ages event for Rincon Classic participants, their families, friends, and the community at large. In addition to honoring competitors and special award recipients, Classic Sunday proceeds from entry funds, raffle tickets, and auctions serve as a fundraiser for the Surf Happens Foundation to support local causes.TICKETS: Contestants get in free. $10 for all others (includes raffle ticket and meal bracelet). Buy tickets in advance at www.rinconclassic.com, at the contest site, or at the door.

SIMA CLASSIC SUNDAY RC 14 AWARDS CEREMONY

PHOTO: CATERINA CALIGIURI

ARBOR COLLECTION TROPHIES:This is the Rincon Classic, not the Rincon average so it was a natural evolution to drift away from standard plastic trophies in replacement for organic trophies that may be used as part of the surfing lifestyle. For the seventh year we have teamed up with local artists

to provide trophies fit for the winners of the Queen.

1ST PLACE TROPHIES: We have partnered with Arbor Collective to design one-of-a-kind 2014 Rincon Classic skateboard trophies for all divisional winners.

2ND PLACE TROPHIES: Lanikai Ukuleles has also teamed up with us for the second year to provide amazing ukuleles for all second place finishers.

FINALISTS TROPHIES: For the fourth year all finalists will receive gold, silver, and bronze belt buckle trophies.

31ST ANNUAL RINCON CLASSIC JEFF WHITE ALOHA AWARD / LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT:Created by legendary wood worker Skip Saenger. The Jeff White Aloha Award (JWAA) recognizes an individual whose community spirit and life path have shared aloha within our community. Saenger’s concept for the JWAA is one of a perpetual trophy where honorees’ names are added annually.

HONOREES 2012: Jed White • 2013: Roger Nance and Tom Curren 2014: Davey Smith

Andy Neumann.

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J.P. Garcia.

Come out and enjoy the weekend with us.

ALL PHOTOS BY BRANDEN AROYAN

9x women's champ, Demi Boelsterli.

ONE OF A KIND