My family has always loved the ocean. When I was 2 months old, I was already on a buggieboard. My dad grew up in a surfing family in Santa Barbara and so he wanted my brother and I to learn how to surf. We would always have weekends where my dad would take my family all to the beach and push us into waves as kids. I am so greatful that I learned to surf at a young age because now it brings me so much happiness.
Recently, it was the 2020 Rincon Classic. This is where the entire community comes together to participate in a surf competition. They section off rincon for it and everyone gathers on the beach to watch the surfers competing. It was a really amazing event because I got to see people I knew surfing really good waves. My dad participated in the classic this year for his first time. He had never been in a surf competition before. He had always just surfed for fun but not competitively. “I started worrying about what the judges would think of me,” he said, “…but then I just focussed on what I wanted to do.” My dad ended up getting 3rd in the first heat and so he was able to surf in the semi finals as well. He caught 6 waves total in the classic. At the start of his first heat, he caught his first wave right as the buzzer went off. It was about 6 feet and he was able to ride it all the way through the cove and make a few turns on it.
My brothers friends all participated in the classic for the first time as well. Seeing the excitement behind their eyes as they cheered their friends on made me understand their love each other and surfing. Even if they didn’t make the whole wave, they were all so proud of each other for going out and competing.
One of my dad’s closest friends, Tony, got second place in the Rincon Classic for his division. He had gotten 3rd place in his first heat the previous day. Before my dad and Tony went out for their second heat, they were all smiles. Surfing does not only bring happiness to the individual who is surfing but also to the community.
Santa Barbara is located right on the coast so it is a very surf oriented community. I am so thankful that I have a family that loves to surf and live in a place where it is possible to.
What brings your community together?
Rachel’s Report 