Matix/Sun Diego Surf Series

The eighth and final event of the Matix/Sun Diego Pro-Am Surf Series was held May 28th and 29th at Fletcher Cove in Solana Beach. Unfortunately the Surf Series' luck of having good waves for every single event finally ran out. After having seven events this season with great surf, Memorial Day weekend went almost flat. However the show must go on ... and it did.

With Event #8 being AAA-rated, there was a lot on the line for all the competitors. Overall points ratings would be determined at this final event, and anything was possible with so many points at stake. The waves were a meager 1-2 feet all weekend and June gloom was in full effect, but the unfavorable conditions didn't stop a ton of competitors from coming out and challenging the tiny waves for overall season titles and lots of prize money. For how tough the conditions were, these guys were absolutely killing it... they actually made the waves look fun.

Making it through the round of 48 and into the Pro-Am final was a very diverse group of surfers. Magnum Martinez, Venezuelan legend now living in Carlsbad, was stoked to take home the victory and the big paycheck of $1,500 for surfing fast, aggressively, loose and light in the mini beach break peaks. Second place and $800 went to Pillbox loc-dogg Jeremy Sommerville who came out of retirement to represent his hometown Solana Beach. Sommy hadn't surfed a contest in probably close to three years and showed his competition that he hasn't missed a step. Third place and $500 went to the Jersey Devil Dean Randazzo while Brazilian WQS charger Michel Flores rounded out the Final picking up $300 for fourth. Just missing the Finals but grabbing $200 each for equal fifths were Corey Garcia from Australia and San Diego's Airshow veteran Eric McHenry.

In the Sobe/No Fear Airshow it was Air Wars Episode 8 "Revenge of the Josh." Oceanside's Josh Sleigh regained his winning form to dominate the Final by comboing his peers and winning his second $1,000 check of the season. Second place and $500 went to Josh Buran with his Carlsbad homey Josh Montgomery grabbing $300 for third. Not using the Force and simultaneously losing his light saber in the final was Eric McHenry taking $200 for fourth.

In the Adio Pro Junior final it was Andrew Gahan from San Clemente claiming his second win of the season and collecting $500 for first place. Second and $250 went to D-Street super grom Scotty Hammonds who had a big weekend also winning the Juniors Open division on Saturday. Third place and $150 went to Nico Becerra from La Jolla while South Bay's Matt Mohagen came down and picked up $100 for fourth.

Each contest Sector 9 skateboards sponsors "The Most Radical Maneuver of the Event," awarding $200 to the surfer that blows the minds of everyone on the beach, most importantly the judges, for executing one single "Holy Shiat!" maneuver. Brazilian ripper Michel Flores won the Award for the second time this season by blasting a huge, clean frontside double-grab air in the Pro-Am semis, pushing his way into the finals. Sector 9 also hooked up Michel with a brand new complete skate! Congratulations on the repeat Michel!

A big thanks to all of the Series' sponsors: Matix, Sun Diego Boardshops, Adio footwear, Sobe/No Fear, Sector 9, West Wetsuits, Spy Optic, Freestyle Watches, Creatures of Leisure, Surfer Magazine, Ezera Surfboards, Vitamin Water, Headhunter Sunscreen and Wahoo's Fish Taco.

Stay tuned next issue which will feature the 2005 Matix/Sun Diego Awards Banquet honoring the Top 3 Finishers of each of the 10 Divisions. For more information on the series go to www.sundiego.com.