Jeffrey “Midget” Smith passed away on Saturday, August 23, 2008. His legacy of promoting surfing to “groms” continues in his name.

Born in Michigan in 1952, Smith moved to San Clemente at age ten and was surfing by 1964. San Clemente High carried him through graduation in ’69 and onto the pro circuit, then in its infancy. He was named San Clemente’s top pro surfer of the 1970s. For over a decade he was pro surfing’s head judge in North America, then the head judge for professional longboarding. For over 35 years he shaped surfboards — first with Hobie, then for his own brand. In 1978, he opened his first surf shop in San Clemente.

In 2008, adrenal cancer took his life seven months after a surf contest dubbed the Pier Rat Challenge was held to raise funds for his medical bills. Six years later, the Midget Smith Memorial Pier Rat Challenge draws top young surfers to compete at San Clemente Pier on December 6 and 7.

Surfing Saturday are the boys under 16, boys under 18, girls under 18, all longboard divisions, all 18 and older, and open divisions.

Sunday’s surfing will feature all girls under 16, girls under 14, girls under 12, Boys/girls under 10, girls under 10 push-in, boys under 14, boys under 12, boys under 9 push-in.

Register at surfwsa.org.

WSA Championship Tour Event #5  — the annual “Midget Smith Memorial Pier Rat Challenge” and Toys for Tots event. The Western Surfing Association features professionally run, organized surfing competitions for all ages. Competitors receive a long-sleeve WSA  T-shirt if they bring a toy. No charge for spectators. Cost for surfers is $45 ages 11 and under, $55 12 and up.