Surfing Laguna: Family-friendly surf series set to launch

I’ve had a ton of fun the past seven years taking my sons and many of the young surfers from our neighborhood to many regional surf contests.

The one I’ve been involved with the most is set to kick off its biggest season ever in terms of fun and prizes, which has whipped many of the local surf groms into a frenzy.

From Laguna’s top young pros like Porter Hogan to the mini-shredders like my 6-year-old Burke, there’s something for everyone.

Here are the details:

This five-event series features a Pro-Am division with the winner taking home a cool $5,000 at each event and a shot at $20,000 for the season championships.

Running alongside the Pro-Am division will be the Da Kine Family Divisions, in which winners and finalists will receive thousands of dollars in Surf Ride store gift cards per event. All participants receive a hefty welcome backpack stuffed with more than $150 worth of surf gear compliments of our sponsors.

Also featuring:

?ASP trained/computer Judging Dragon Optics

?Weenie roast and family-style barbecue by Vans

?Surfboard demo center from Surf Ride

?Raffles and freebies galore from Billabong Camps

Proceeds benefit the Camp Pendleton Kids Surf Club-XS Energy Drinks

The goal of the Freedom Surf Series is to produce a stellar surf event with significant cash and prizes as well as provide for a worthy cause, our local military kids. Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, we’re looking forward to an exciting season.

Online registration is open for the Jan. 23 opening event at Seaside Reef, Encinitas.

Visit the Freedom Surf Series site, www.surfride.com, to sign up and get the details.

CHRIS WILLIAMS is a surfing coach and Laguna Beach resident, and father of four surf-crazy sons. He can be reached at chris@soulsurfingschool.com or (949) 497-5918.