Newport Might Put a Leash on Surfing Contests

A growing number of requests to hold surf competitions has prompted Newport Beach officials concerned about trash and traffic to consider limiting the events.

“This is not in response to complaints,” said Melissa Adams of Newport Beach Community Services. “It’s because of an increase in applications from seven in 1997 to 13 this year.”

Tonight the City Council will consider banning surf competitions on Memorial Day and from June 15 through Sept. 10, and limiting the number of contests to eight a year along the most popular stretch of beach: between 54th and 58th streets near the northwestern edge of the city.

Bill Sharp, publisher of Costa Mesa-based Surf News magazine, said he is not surprised that Newport Beach officials want to rein in the number of contests, which have multiplied in recent years as surfing has grown in popularity.

Until the mid-1980s, surf competitions were not allowed in Newport Beach, Sharp said. The City Council lifted the ban in 1983. Most of the contests since have been small and have not brought in the money or media attention generated by international competitions like Sunday’s Bluetorch Pro 2000 in Huntington Beach.

Newport Beach’s biggest event is the Rusty Pro Am, sponsored in September by the surfing gear maker.

Sharp, who lives in Newport Beach, said, “At some point things evolved and they began allowing them, but there’s been a proliferation since then. It’s a fun thing for the kids, but it’s not like it’s bringing in millions of tax dollars like Huntington. It wears on the patience of local surfers.”

Sharp predicted that there will be little opposition except from contest promoters such as surf wear manufacturers who might view limits as an infringement on their business.

Indeed, some residents said restrictions are long overdue.

“I’ve been here 40 years and can’t believe the city gets anything out of it apart from the trash,” said surfer Pete Hoffman, who lives on 54th Street. “It’s disturbing to the people who pay taxes. This used to be a nice community.”

Scott Hulet, editor of San Clemente-based Surfer’s Journal, said the competitions should be limited because they interfere with public access to the beaches.

“In general it’s a good idea,” he said. “In San Clemente there is a contest sitting on the best waves every weekend.”

Others, though, said restrictions might deprive young surfers of a chance to hone their skills.

“Surfing is such a popular sport, and Newport Beach needs to step up to the plate,” said Marianne Towersey, whose son Patrick began competing in local contests when he was 9 and is now a semiprofessional. “I think Patrick’s seen the benefit of having local contests. I really think surfing gets a bad rap. It keeps the kids focused.”

The City Council meets at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 3300 Newport Blvd.