RMSS 07 - Pismo Beach

Words and Photos by Zach Hartley

View the Pismo Beach RMSS Video!

Pismo Beach was the second stop of the 2007 Rip my Shred Stick Tour. It was a beautiful summer day at the home of the infamous Pismo Clam, the fog had moved out to sea, and the sun took precedence. So did the grommets, as they gazed upon quivers of surfboards from their favorite Surfers. Boards from Pat O’Connell, Rob Machado, Timmy Curran, and a few INT soft tops littered the beach. Anticipation filled each young surfer’s mind as they imagined themselves riding what lay before them.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the way The Rip My Shred Stick Tour works, well…it’s all about fun!! The event is 16 and under, and it’s open to all levels of surfing. Whether you are a beginning surfer or an advanced surfer, it’s all about having fun, and riding your favorite pros surfboards. Yes, their boards!! You get to rip on their quiver of boards, meet them, and surf with them all day long!! The event is run in a contest format, but it is not your typical scene. Scores are rated on a “FUN” level, and the contestant that performs the highest level of “FUN” on his/her wave, is given the highest score. That is why RMSS is for all levels of surfing, period. Every surfer gets to surf at least twice during the event, and receives a free “goodie bag” just for showing up.

The waves were small but very contestable for our competitors. Smiles were on every youngsters face throughout the event, and they turned to huge grins as they watched Timmy Curran glide along side them. Timmy shredded some waves, pushed contestants into waves, signed autographs, and posted up on the beach all day long!! Six contestants ended up in the final, and did so having plenty of fun. Jordan Joseph, Tyler Gottsegen, Mikey Butler, Seven Adams, Cole Baksic, and Josh Printup rounded out the final. In the end it was Josh Printup taking first place, as well as Pat O’Connell surfboard and a Nixon tide watch!

The event also had some amazing co sponsors that include Surfing magazine, Surfline, Nixon, and Nike 6.0. Speaking of Nike 6.0, they donated some free shoes for the event, but you had to find the Nike 6.0 “Mutants” which were hidden around the beach. Each person who found one got a free pair of shoes!! Following the event we hosted an after party at Hoagies. Hoagie’s is the local spot for all of your favorites. Jason and his crew at Hoagies set us up with some custom made 6ft long Hoagies!! Everyone relaxed, ate, and even got to see all of the action from the day on video!! The Rip My Shred Stick Tour was a success for all who participated. If you haven’t experienced one yet, check http:// hurley.com for the next RMSS tour stop coming to you soon!!

A BIG thanks to all who helped throughout the event, Saxon Boucher, Lucas Wimer, Mikey Butler, Mikey Butler Jr., Joey Hutson, Rob Willis, Timmy Curran, and the crew at Hoagies for a great venue!! Next stop is Sebastian Inlet Fla. July 12th See ya’ there!