OMBAC's Classic Longboard contest at Crystal Pier

The Classic Longboard Surfing Contest, held in the waves aside Crystal Pier this Saturday, is sponsored by the Old Mission Beach Athletic Club.

The club was formed and operated in the early 1950s, mostly as a beach volleyball club. From 1954 to 1958, OMBAC sponsored volleyball competitions and began the Over-The-Line tournament until they lost their turf, the old parking lot at Mission Beach. The club drifted apart for six years until 1964, when they reorganized around the Over-The-Line tournament

In 1993 the club began the Classic Longboard Surf Contest; the boards ridden must be classic 1969 or older longboards, at least nine feet in length and no leash. The 16 and under competing have to ride a board at least three feet longer than they are tall.

The first heat will paddle out at 8:15. The nostalgic competition will have two divisions other than youth — Men and Women’s Open and Wahines only (women). Loaner classic boards will be available prior to the contest from Bird’s Surf Shed at 1091 W Morena Blvd.