Blacks Gathering - Dec 27, 2003

Bryan Jackson · Post by **Bryan Jackson** » Sat Dec 06, 2003 10:05 am

Sounds great. I'm sure this Black's gathering will be better and a bit more coordinated than the one last year! Maybe we could have a central meeting spot either at the top of the road (and make the trek down enmasse) or somewhere on the beach. Make a sign and stick it in the sand so late arrivals would know where to meet. I still have the sign I made for the Seaside gathering.

One problem, the last time I went out at Black's (late August) the crowd was intense. Wall to wall people all up and down the line-up. Impossible to catch an outside wave and even if you did it was a total slalom course the whole way. I ended up riding inside close-outs just to catch a few waves.

By the way, there was a great article about the resurgence of kneeboarding in the Union-Tribune last week (Tues, Nov 25 Sports section) featuring Jack and his recent win. It even had a picture of Jack and mentioned Don Harris and the ksusa Web site. The only thing I didn't like about it was that the author, Terry Rodgers (who writes occasional articles about surfing for the U-T) referred to kneeboards as "stunted surfboards". I thought that to be a bit demeaning and once again showed the surfing world's ignorance and/or arrogance towards kneeboarding. But other than that the article was good. Maybe it could be posted on the ksusa Web site?

ando · Post by **ando** » Sat Dec 06, 2003 9:04 pm

Dude, I hear ya, but I am thinking stunted boards is pretty much what we ride...I am stoked on what little coverage we get and a little less thin skinned when it comes to any negative comments kneeboarding gets from the surfing world than I used to be. I am stoked I ride a stunted board because it keeps me from stunting my creativity. I do ride stand up boards, but when I feel I really need to break the mold, I kneeride...when the starbelly sneetches (Doctor Suess for playa hatas) throw their hate my way, I just tell them I dont feel like being a clone today... to that my fellow halfman..there is no reply. There is a lot of energy there. Instead of feeling down trodden, I now embrace the rebellious attitude of, god forbid, being different! I think about the surfers I know and the kneeboarders I know and the percentage of true characters in kneeboarding way out number surfing. Eric Shoelkopf alone should make you stoked to be a kneerider....the freak of all freaks (one day in his shaping bay and you would know what I mean). Berry Dinghis, Creature from Big Rock, Ler is classic, the Beresfords ( always competitive ) ... the list goes on... to many to mention. Get fired up! We are freaks...just in the coollest of ways....

Smokin Rock · Post by **Smokin Rock** » Sun Dec 07, 2003 11:27 am

Well said. it's all about individuality. long live the freaks!

doc · Post by **doc** » Sun Dec 07, 2003 11:53 am

Exactly. That's the charm of it all.

Best to ya

doc.....

Steeno · Post by **Steeno** » Sun Dec 07, 2003 12:53 pm

i agree.... if someone calls you a freak its a compliment

Jack Beresford · Post by **Jack Beresford** » Mon Dec 08, 2003 9:01 am

If it's good, count on Blacks being REAL crowded on 12/27 - since it's the holidays/Saturday and everyone will be out with their new toys from Santa. No need for signs, meeting spots - let's just focus on working the peaks at the north end of the beach. Similar to the Newport gathering, if there are enough of us we can set the pace ourselves. You may not get every set - but at least another kneelo will! just relax and enjoy the show.

A word of warning for anyone bringing family and/or planning to hang out at the beach: landslides happen often! Two weeks ago a boulder the size of a large SUV almost took out an NSSA contest. Better to leave the wife and kiddies at home for this gathering - then you won't have to hear them complain about the walk up the hill.

There is one relatively safe place down there - a spot we call "the island." I'll be set up there with a video camera. Leave your belongings there. The safest spot is in the water - so get in, get out and get on the road to Pizza Port. We can swap story there.

I'll post directions soon.

MTBarrels · Post by **MTBarrels** » Tue Dec 09, 2003 7:20 am

Re: "...REAL crowded..."

Last time I was at Blacks was the morning of 10/4. Modest sized waves, not very good form. I counted 204 persons out at the middle and south break, and estimated another 60 at the north break (plus another 20-30 on the beach waiting for their heat for the UCSD team trials).

Smokin Rock · Post by **Smokin Rock** » Tue Dec 09, 2003 7:40 am

kinda gives new meaning to a "gathering" eh

DavidW · Post by **DavidW** » Tue Dec 09, 2003 7:46 am

Guys/Gals, due to Surfline, etc... Blacks has become one of the most over crowded spots in San Diego if not So. Cal. And if it is 2-6' on the 27th. it will be packed. That being said, if we have 20-30 kneeboarders down there we can easily take over several peaks and shield ourselves from the crowd. Plus, if we're lucky it could be bombing down there and the waves will take care of the crowd.
Don't let the possibility of crowds keep you away, this could be a great time if a swell decides to participate.

Jack Beresford · Post by **Jack Beresford** » Tue Dec 16, 2003 12:35 pm

FYI - this message just sent via e-mail to the Blacks crew (yes, we're a sophisticated bunch). I think the locals will be very cool with this gathering - but please show respect!

Blacks Crew,

On Saturday, Dec. 27, from 7 a.m. until 10 a.m. there will be an informal gathering of Kneeboarders down at Blacks. No judges, flags or airhorns - just 20 or so kneelos hanging loose for a few hours. This is connected with the new kneelo association you may have read about in the newspaper a few weeks ago.

Similar gatherings have been held over the past year up and down the state, the North Shore, N. Baja and Cape Hatteras. Most of the locals have been very cool and seem stoked that guys are still pursuing this somewhat lost art. Since Saturdays have been pretty crowded lately anyway - you may decide to avoid the place. Or, come down and enjoy seeing a few guys still pushing the limits - extra boards will even be available if you want to give it a try! If it makes a difference, I'll likely be shooting video - so there's a bunch more waves up for grabs!

We can talk about my "penance" next time I see you in the water! Thanks.Jack

Jon Manss · Post by **Jon Manss** » Tue Dec 16, 2003 5:07 pm

Good move Jack!

Ler · Post by **Ler** » Wed Dec 17, 2003 9:24 am

Very fancy. The locals at Bolsa aint gots no computers. Once in while they ask how many more white people are coming. I lie and tell em not to many. I don't have the courage to tell that some day there land will be a mini mall. Smoke signals at Bolsa. It works OK I guess. I still mess up alot. I insulted Tower 16 last week. Something about the leaders momma.

southpeakbrad · Post by **southpeakbrad** » Wed Dec 17, 2003 10:12 pm

That's great Jack. But come on, part of the fun is watching you rip it up!..Brad

Jafo · Post by **Jafo** » Thu Dec 18, 2003 12:01 pm

Ler, how many times do I have to tell you, you don't inhale the smoke signals as you're sending them....

Jack Beresford · Post by **Jack Beresford** » Thu Dec 18, 2003 1:07 pm

All,

I got this reply to my Black's e-mail from Rex Huffman. For anyone who hasn't heard of Rex - he's a local Kneeboard legend who had many photos published in SURFER in the 80s charging insane Big Rock, Pipeline and crazy spots:

Broke 2 vertabrae and re cracked my hip 3 weeks ago so I am out, but
>sounds like fun!! Say hi to the surviving kneeboarders out there for
>me!! You guys really should be going to Tavarua on a mission, therer
is
>no better kneeboard wave I have ever ridden!! If I am able I am back
>there early march for my 30th trip!

Ironically - after several near-death experiences on his Kneeboard, Rex's latest injury happened while longboarding in the shorebreak at Windnsea.

We wish him a speedy recovery!

Kneeboard Surfing USA Community Forum

Blacks Gathering - Dec 27, 2003

freaks

Crowds

Crowds...

crowded

gathering

Hi jack

GATHERING

blacks