Brooks Street surf contest makes a comeback

The swells aligned this weekend, and the Brooks Street Pro-Am Surfing Classic was held for the first time since 2010.

“It went as good as expected,” event director Brandy Faber said Monday of the 50th surf contest for Laguna Beach residents ages 10 to 70.

About 150 surfers competed among 12 divisions, along with a Pro-Am (professional-amateur) category.

Tyler Cassil won the Cy Chambers award, while Victor Pakpour earned the Thom Chambers award, according to contest results provided by Faber.

The Cy Chambers award recognizes an entrant who excels in surfing, sportsmanship and academics. Cassil is a Laguna Beach High School senior, Faber said.

The Thom Chambers award recognizes an entrant who excels in surfing and the arts. Pakpour, 21, is a local filmmaker, according to Faber.

Winners in each division included: Ron Sizemore (bodyboard); Kayla Coscino (girls, 15 and younger); Alisa Cairns (women, 16 and older); Porter Hogan (paddleboard); Mike Klosterman (longboard); Jake Levine (boys, 13 and younger); Michael Chapman (junior men, 14 to 17); Eli Viszolay (men’s, 18 to 23); Bobby Chapman (senior men’s, 24 to 29); Mike Morrissey (masters, 30 to 39); Hans Hagen (senior masters, 40 to 49); and Chris Allard (grand masters, 50 and older).

Hagen also earned $1,000 for winning the Pro-Am event.

Officials canceled the contest the last two years due to lack of sizable waves.

“We need enough swells on the weekend to stage the competition,” Faber said.