Surfing Event to Benefit Charities

More than a year ago Jason Shook and Sean Collins figured they could get surfers and lifeguards involved in a local surf competition and benefit charities at the same time.

They organized the Surfline Surfing Competition, and, with more than 275 participants, it was the largest amateur surfing event in North America, according to a National Scholastic Surfing Assn. judge.

As a result, organizers donated $1,000 to a battered women’s shelter and $1,000 to the Surfrider Foundation.

After next month’s event, organizers plan to present checks to Quicksilver Eyewear and Surfline for funds to be given to the charities of the co-sponsors’ choice.

The second Surfline Surfing Competition will be held Jan. 8-9 next to the pier and is open to Los Alamitos School District residents.

A special feature of the two-day event will be surfing lessons for mentally and physically challenged third-, fourth- and fifth-graders.

Afterward, the youngsters will compete in a mock surfing heat.

Shook, a surfer for more than 20 years and a Seal Beach lifeguard, said the annual event helps to dispel “that drop-out, derelict, ‘70s stereotypical ‘Hey, dude’ kind of image and give back to the community at the same time.”

Information: (562) 431-3567.

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Alex Murashko can be reached at (714) 966-5974.