Photo by Tim Hirsch

More than 235 competitors took to the surf fo the Cape Kiwanda Longboard Classic, Sept. 21-22 in Pacific City.

A Swell Time

Ideal surf provided great conditions for 25th annual running of the Cape Kiwanda Longbaord Classic

By TIM HIRSCH
of the Sun

The surf was up and the sun was shining overhead for two days of camaraderie and competition in the waters off Pacific City when the Cape Kiwanda Longboard Classic returned for its 25th annual event Sept. 21-22.

Started in 1998 by Bob and Michelle Ledbetter, the CKLC has grown to an event that this year hosted more than 235 competitors hailing from Oregon and beyond.

The event got started off with a celebratory party on Friday evening when participants picked up swag bags, reveled in the sounds of Groundswell and the inaugural showing of a commemorative video produced by Nate Holstedt at NH Films and sponsored by Moment Surf and Pelican Brewing.

On Saturday, the action turned to the surf with competition in 14 divisions.

“Clear skies, offshore winds, and a solid 4 to 6 foot swell greeted the contestants in the morning heats,” wrote Jeff Mollencop, owner of event sponsor Moment Surf in an official blog post. “Unbelievable surfing went on throughout the day, but it was these early morning rounds that were able to take advantage of the stellar conditions that really stood out.”

And the finals on Sunday also boasted ideal surf conditions and, according to Mollencop, “amazing surfing.”

“Every heat was so closely contested that it was a complete surprise when the winners were announced during the awards ceremony,” he added.

“The surfing was terrific from all divisions,” said event organizer Lisa Macy-Baker. “We had some very close heats that went down to the wire. It was exciting.”

Finals winners were: Taylor Christie (Women’s 18-29), Kate Barattini (Women’s 30-39), Hana Perlee (Women’s 40-49), Jeannine Mackie (Women’s 50-59), Michael Wedemeyer (Men’s 18-29), Sean Fagan (Men’s 30-39), Dane Perlee (Men’s 40-49), Brian Noji (Men’s 50-59), Michael Zeeman (Men’s 60+), Cameron Tara Baker (Girl’s 13-17), Anneliese Akretch (Girl’s 12 & under), Baker Stewart (Boy’s 12 & under), and Lachlan Meyer (Boy’s 13-17).

For more information on the Cape Kiwanda Longboard Classic, visit capekiwandalongboardclassic.com. Complete results are available at https://liveheats.com/events/243851.

“We had (the right) combination of everything — good weather, great waves and a good vibe,” Macy-Baker said. 

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