Pier Plaza was packed to the brim for the 7th annual Spyder Surf Fest. PHOTO: B3RKY
Thousands of people converged on Hermosa Beach’s Pier Plaza for the seventh consecutive year to celebrate all things surf. It was a couple of Saturdays back, on April 5, and the industry’s best brands were out in force sharing the stoke with their loyal South Bay supporters. Tents lined the packed plaza showcasing new products and hosting games and giveaways.
The day started with the induction of John McFarlane and Sparky Hudson into the Hermosa Beach Surfer’s Walk of Fame. The focus then moved from the base of their pier across the strand to the pier plaza, where several local bands played in front of ever growing crowds — the Fallen Riviera, Sand Section with Kevin Sousa, and Hoist the Colors all played as the Bixby Dicks closed out the day. A fashion show featuring current trends in women’s surf and swimwear as well the first annual LA Surf Awards broke up these musical acts in between. Mike Balzer was awarded the Vanguard Surf Photography award, having created images of multiple generations of South Bay surf stars and documented the rise of the Momentum Generation. He also started the South Bay Boardriders Club — his current labor of love. Ted Robinson was awarded the California Icon Surf Award for being one of the greatest ambassadors the sport has ever seen, along with being ranked 15th on the world tour at one point. Breakout brand of the year was awarded to Hurley, for their fanatical dedication to boardshort technology, for continuing to do their best to support independent retail, and for amassing one of the best surf teams ever seen to date.
Alex Gray accepts his Breakout Surfer of the Year award. PHOTO: B3RKY
Finally, Alex Gray was awarded the “Breakout Surfer of the Year” Award for continuing to push the limits of big wave riding as well as winning the first Big Wave World Tour event he entered, the Dive ‘n’ Surf Oregon Pro.
By the end of the day, everyone was tired and stoked, but still managed to grab a beer over at Waterman’s to celebrate another successful Surf Fest. See ya next year!
You know they’ll be there at the eighth annual Spyder Surf Fest. Photo: B3RKY
