Gallery 1 by Ken Pagliaro
Check out more of Ken’s work at his website.
WBC Weekend
Oceanside Pier- Saturday Aug. 20th 6am:
Local buoys read 6ft. at 16 seconds from the SSW. The beach on both sides of the Pier quickly filled with tents and bodysurf fins as an international contingent prepared to kickoff the 40th Annual World Bodysurfing Championships.
Competitors ranged from 12 to 75 years old and from California, New York, Hawaii, Brazil, Australia, France and Britain. They discussed strategies and the inevitable, dreaded current. Solid south swells tend to create strong longshore currents at open beachbreaks like Oceanside. The contest weekend certainly had plenty. Competitors on the south side started their heats 200-400 yards down the beach, expecting the strong drift. Some heats saw numerous competitors wash through the Pier. But the surf remained good to very good throughout the entire weekend.
With Team Kaha Nalu Hawaii making the trip, the unexpected appearance of Mike Stewart, first time contestants from around the world and California’s best…the overall level of bodysurfing was extraordinarily high at the 2016 WBC.
On Saturday night, Swell Lines hosted an event at the nearby Spring Hill Marriott. Tim Burnham screened his fantastic documentary “Dirty Old Wedge” to the delight of the crowd. They laughed, gasped, cried and sat on the edge of their seats. We also planned to honor Viper Surf Fin inventor, Fred Simpson, for his contributions to bodysurfing and the World Bodysurfing Contest.
After the movie, we called a panel of seminal bodysurf figures to the front for a question and answer session. Including Fred Simpson, Mark Cunningham, Mike Stewart, Tim Burnham, JT Nickelson, and Teddy Bandaruk. For us here at Swell Lines Inc, the opportunity to bring Fred, Mark, Mike and an international crew of bodysurfers together to celebrate bodysurfing and the Ocean was a dream come true.
Somebody asked Mark about bodysurfing Teahupoo. “Eh there’s just too much water moving for it to be a great bodysurfing wave.” Mike sharply interrupted, “It’s a perfect bodysurf wave. So much potential.” We all see the Ocean a but different, but certainly Mike’s perspective is especially unique.
Next, Scott Hubbell honored Fred for his years of dedication to the WBC with a beautiful ceramic bowl lined with breaking waves. Tim Burnham gave Fred a one of kind, gold plated Viper Fin plaque. Then an older gentleman rushed to the stage, took the microphone in an impromptu moment of honor. He introduced himself as a friend and former coworker of Fred’s at Xerox. He told the story of Fred’s revolutionary Wedge bodysurfing style. Apparently, in the late 60’s, Fred was rushing through the Xerox offices, slipped on the floor, his necktie then caught in a filing cabinet, one of his hands reached out to break his fall and his other hand formed the now classic chicken wing from his hip. “The Fred” was born.
Men’s Age Group Winners:
12-14 Alexander Makshanoff
15-17 Dylan Biggerstaff
18-24 Cole Margo
25-34 Alexander Vicente
35-44 Matt Solomon
45-54 Mike Stewart
55-64 Mark Cunningham
65+ Jim Isaac
Women’s Age Group Winners:
12-17 Lauren Padilla
18-29 Makena Magro
30-44 Scotti Shafer
45+ Briguette Wiedemeyer
Men’s Grand Champion: Mike Stewart
Women’s Grand Champion: Makena Magro Photo: Philip Kitamura
Men’s Grand Champion
Mike Stewart
Women’s Grand Champion
Makena Magro
Team Champion (7th straight)
Pine Street
*Special thanks to Tim Cassinelli, Scott Hubbell and their crews for an excellent contest!
Matt Solomon Photo: Philip Kitamura
Angela Oschmann
Mike Stewart Photo: Philip Kitamura
Eric Joyce
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WBC 2016: The People
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Team Kaha Nalu Hawaii in SoCal
When we first heard that Team Kaha Nalu Hawaii was traveling to California in late August for the World Bodysurfing Championship, we immediately crossed our fingers for swell. We hoped that for all competitors traveling to Oceanside. We wanted to show off our home break.
After a slow start to August, a bump showed up on the long range forecast and sure enough the weekend of the contest saw one of the best swells of the summer.
Here is their perspective on the contest and their time in Southern California.
Team Kaha Nalu founder Sean Enoka:
“This year, the World Bodysurfing Championships really changed my outlook about the whole thing. There is always talk about it being more of a swim contest, and that the waves aren’t good or whatever. But this year there was highly challenging but very good surf, and by the time it narrowed down to the finals it was very clear that the talent level was world class, and ALL of the competitors in the finals were killers…and are in shape.
I think that this year the name World Championships fit the bill because people showed up from all over the world. France was in. Brazil was in. Australia in. California and truly bodysurfers from all over the world. I sat and watched some of the finals on Sunday and it was super impressive how hard everyone was working to get the victory. This year was awesome and I’ll definitely be back in years to come.
We just got lucky with swell and hopefully we can get blessed the next time. On a personal trip, I was disappointed that I didn’t make it out of the first round, but the current + cold + beach start and 15min heats did me in. But I got a chance to surf the North side of the pier and figure it out a little.
But for the contest itself, I think that all of the organizers and volunteers were awesome and it was a great contest. But I would change a couple of things like having the judges view from the beach, water starts from designated buoy markers, electronic scoring, and some other production stuff but mainly where you start and what the judges can see. I watched Kai’s heat start right as some sets were rolling in and by the time some of the guys made it out, there was like 9 mins left in the heat! I think the judges are really overloaded and view from the wrong angle. They can’t see anything once you pass them or if you are riding away. Plus, they have to write and look away for that split second that someone could be doing something incredible. Of course bodysurfing isn’t the NFL with replay, but I think that the number of competitors and world title designation justifies a bit of an upgrade. The back to back heat starts and early starts at 6:30am are just necessary in order to process that many people and it goes like clockwork right on time.
We were so lucky to arrive just at the same time as a decent Southern hemi swell. Thursday Wedge was about 2-4 and fun sized with the side wave working and then Friday got a little bigger and the main peak was working. It was great to all be together with the Wedge Crew and also the Frenchmen. That wave is definitely one of the best in the world for bodysurfing.
Team Kaha Nalu teamrider Kanealii Wilcox:
The contest was amazing! Things that really stood out to me include how many people it draws annually from all over the world and how efficient it runs with 370 competitors in 2 days. The bodysurf community never falls short of top notch camaraderie with everyone sharing the stoke.
We scored fun Wedge and as long as the Wedge boys are out, its going to be a blast. Whether its trading waves or trading laughs, you can always count on them for a good time. Also, those guys know how to host guests!
Best part of the whole trip for me was going as a group and experiencing such a great time together and to bring those memories home to reminisce about later!
Team Kaha Nalu teamrider Keali’i Punley:
The WBC was a great experience and a blessing to be a part of. Coming from Hawaii, we are not used to used to cold water. To be honest, I had a difficult time breathing and getting used to a full wetsuit. So I had to adapt and adjust. Fighting the strong current in just a 15 minute heat was hard but we managed. But we know our ability and what we can do on wave. When we got on set waves we ripped them with style. I learned a lot during my first time at the World Bodysurfing Championship. It was great uniting with bodysurfers from all over the world at one location and seeing different styles and techniques.
We had a blast during our Wedge session thanks to our fellow Wedge Crew members. Many of them watched us rip from the beach, “giving us an opportunity” to catch as many waves as possible.
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2015 WBC: Teams and Clubs
Team spirit is a big part of the WBC. Everyone enjoys representing their beach and swimming hard for the honor of their friends, family and community. The most hotly contested divisions at the World Bodysurfing Championships aren’t the 25-34s or the 55-64s. For the past 6 years, it is the Team Trophy. Since its inception in 2010 the Team Trophy has only been won by the Pine Street Bodysurfing Team from Carlsbad. In 2015, the Del Mar Bodysurfing Association made a serious run at the crown by recruiting internationally and signing up all the free agents that Vince could bribe with hats and t-shirts. But in the end, Pine Street had the two Grand Champions (James Fenney and Makena Magro) and their 6th Team Trophy.
Here is the story of some teams and clubs as told by their members:
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2015 World Bodysurf Championship
Kaha Nalu Ohana rider scoring style points in the semis.
This guy came over from Hawaii after a week of celebrating his 60th birthday. He signs autographs, takes selfies with enthusiastic fans, promotes DaFins and competes wholeheartedly. But ultimately, Mark Cunningham just really likes to swim in the Ocean.
Competitor in the mens
Meredith Rose, eventual age group champion.
International flair on the Oceanside Pier.
Men’s 55-64 final fired off while waves were fading, so the boys had to fight for scraps.
Bruce Robbins
A few little tube visions popped up for the early heats. Photo: Rod Hepburn
The next generation of belly sliders were eager to unload their bag of tricks.
Unidentified competitors in the finals.
The young womens’ heats were stacked with capable waterwomen.
Meredith Rose looking to extend her ride.
Hal Handley demonstrates the finer points of butterfly take-offs on his way to an age-group win.
Bill “Froggy” Schildge. This guys enthusiasm for sharing waves and being a leading member of the community are inspiring. From his work with the California Surf Museum, to his international bodysurfing efforts, Froggy is a truly beloved character in our sport. Photo: Rod Hepburn
Unidentified rider laying it back in the pocket. The conditions exceeded forecasts for the early morning heats. Consistent and glassy stomach high waves allowed competitors to stretch out and show out on the open face. However, with a rising tide and increasing wind into the afternoon, conditions became more challenging. All competitors did what they could to get the judges attention. Underwater-butterfly takeoffs, lay-backs and of course spinners were on display. Photo: Rod Hepburn
Mark Cunningham
With smaller waves, the take-offs became a very big part of scoring potential.
Eventual age group champion Chris Lafferty takes a breath while the rest of his semi-final heat tries to catch up.
Spencer Ford takes a moment to admire the overcast sky during his semi-final.
Women’s Grand Champion Final with Meredith Rose, 12-17 winner, Calla Allison and Makena Magro.
Judges view. These guys sit on the Pier for hours watching people spin out of waves and milk white water as far as possible. Its a thankless job. Very few people say, “Hey thanks judges, you’re doing a great job!” Its mostly, “I got screwed!” Well, thanks judges!
The Mens Grand Champion Final. Don McCreadie, Paul Grieumard, Chris Lafferty, Hal Handley, Tom Marr, Joe Nickerson, James Fenney and Shayne McIntyre. All of these gentlemen swam hard all weekend and deservedly won their age group.
2014 Grand Champion Brett Templeman gliding right while planning a couple sections ahead. Templeman comes from the venerable South Jetty Swells team out of Ventura. Photo: Rod Hepburn
Bodysurfers are swim fin nerds. These unique fins came over from Europe with the French contingent. According to Patrice Paul Grieumard, they are designed for underwater hockey (yes, that is a real thing).
The performance level of the young women’s divisions was exemplary! Photo: Rod Hepburn
The Del Mar Bodysurfing Club. They swim and have a social gathering every single Saturday and Sunday at 17th Street in Del Mar. All are welcome. Their leader, Vince Askey, outdid himself this year with the recruitment of team riders. He snagged as many free agents as he could find and hosted bodysurfers from Australia, Brazil, France and New Zealand.
Vince Askey, of the Del Mar Bodysurfing Club, is awarded the Jack Thill Perpetual Bodysurfing Trophy for his tireless effort to promote bodysurfing. Vince works exceptionally hard to organize and expand his club beyond the Del Mar city limits. From Australian trips to hosting international competitors, he does a lot to enhance the bodysurfing community. Photo: Rod Hepburn
The Pine St. Bodysurfing Team from Carlsbad. In the most shocking moment of the weekend, Tim Casinelli announced the team championship with “And still team champions…” Most people on the beach had already concluded that the Del Mar Bodysurfing Club dethroned Pine St. for the team championship. But carrying the two Grand Champions, Pine St. came out ahead 700-680. The team trophy has been awarded for 6 years and Pine St. has won it all 6 years. Photo: Rod Hepburn
Grand Champions James Fenney and Makena Magro. A second championship for Fenney and a bright future for SDSU water polo player Magro. Their wins kept the team trophy with Pine St.
Whole Tribe. Great vibes all weekend.
Special thanks to Rod Hepburn for allowing us to share photos from his sharp eye.
Swell Lines 