2024 Rincon Classic
Third time is a charm as the Rincon Classic scores stellar conditions on the third waiting weekend of the event.
With a series of west swells on the rise, a high pressure system that would bring the warmest weather to the region since July, and optimal wind conditions projected it was an easy decision to call on the 2024 Channel Islands Surfboards Rincon Classic presented by Merrick Lager for the third waiting weekend of the period. Well, relatively easy. With an El Nino season everyone is hoping for large conditions, but the Rincon Classic is more than a surfing contest, it is a community gathering that celebrates the local surfing heritage providing the forum for everyone to gather, talk story, and enjoy the glory of the Queen. The conditions didn't disappoint with buttery 3-6' surf all weekend long…
Everything runs in patterns and this season has been two weeks on and two weeks off. When Surfline forecasters projected fun waves with great conditions for the weekend and unstable weather patterns with rain and wind developing for the remainder of the waiting period we made the call and it proved to offer the perfect weekend for the event.
There are always story lines within the fabric of the contest in every division. The Rincon Classic is the National Championship of SB and Ventura county as a surf contest, and throwing in that it is held at Rincon Point, the Queen of the coast, the best right hand point break in North America, when the waves are good, you have a storied event in a storied community. Highlights included "Be Green To The Queen" the daily beach clean ups supported by Hydroflask and the beach ended up cleaner than before the event. The Dream Cast Media group Live Webcast gave friends and family and online viewers the incredible opportunity to watch from around the world. The raffle raised funds for local Haden Garfield supporting his fight against cancer and showcased how our tribe supports one another.
The Rincon Brewery Pro division featured some of the most prolific surfers in the sport from our region going head to head for a $5,000 cash purse, the passion of surfing empty Rincon, and the pride of holding the Queen's crown for an entire year…
Help us, help Haden Garfield!
Raffle and silent auction proceeds are going to benefit his battle with cancer.
My name is Hayden Garfield, a surfer and photographer from Santa Barbara. Recently, I received a diagnosis of a rare bone cancer known as Adamantinoma. Unlike traditional chemotherapy or radiation treatments, this cancer requires surgical removal. Currently, I am in the recovery phase after undergoing my second surgery. The discovery of cancer within me over the past two years was a frightening experience, but fortunately, I had my mom, who had battled cancer herself, to guide me through the entire process.
The cancer was located on my left tibia, leading to the removal of a substantial portion of my bone. In its place, a cadaver bone, along with plates and screws, was implanted. As I recuperate at home, the hope is that my bone will fuse seamlessly with the new graft, a status I will learn about through scans in two months. Over the next few years, routine checkups will be crucial to ensuring the cancer doesn't resurface in any part of my body.
Financial contributions are immensely appreciated and will be utilized for medical bills and the ongoing healing process. If all progresses according to the doctor's plan, I anticipate walking again in approximately six months, following dedicated work with a Physical Trainer. Every donation, big or small, plays a significant role in supporting my journey to recovery.
Expressing my heartfelt gratitude to our Santa Barbara community for the unwavering support you've extended. I am incredibly thankful to be a part of such a remarkable group of people here. To stay updated on my journey and receive regular updates, you can find links to my social media below: