Unique surf event offers something for every age and level of female enthusiast

On June 7, dozens of female competitors braved challenging conditions at Crystal Pier in Pacific Beach during the SG Queen of Surf contest. However, neither blown out waves nor light rain showers could diminish the excitement and stoke of this event. The contest was produced by SG (Surf/Snow/Skate Girl Magazine) and featured only female competitors, although there was much more to this event than just a competition.
SG promoted female involvement in the surf community by featuring a surf instruction booth sponsored by Ocean Pacific with clinics taught by Surf Diva and a raffle of great surf-related prizes that benefited the Boarding for Breast Cancer foundation. The sponsor booths and gathering of athletic ladies on the beach attracted much attention by passers-by, and the general atmosphere of the Queen of Surf event seemed much more relaxed than the typical surf contest.
Competitors Vanessa Janss and Jessica Carilli agreed that a positive quality of all-female surf contests is the more laid back and friendly atmosphere than what is found in mixed events where both men and women compete on the same day. Longboarder Jennifer Smith stated that although competitors in female-only contests are nice to each other on the beach, they surf with the same intensity as mixed events when in the water. Smith also remarked that the SG Queen of Surf Event was one of the best female contests she has seen in her seven years of competition.
There were five divisions for competitors at the SG Queen of Surf: Angelfish -- a longboard event for all ages; Starfish -- the 12 and under division; Mermaid -- for 13 to 15 year olds; Princess -- for 16 and up; and a One Star WQS event for professional surfers. There seemed to be a division for just about everyone (except for the guys), and the younger girls were noticeably stoked to hang out on the beach with some of their favorite pros. It was refreshing to witness a surf competition that created a sense of unity and fun among competitors while raising awareness of breast cancer and women's surfing in general. Top finishers in each category are posted below. To learn more about SG-sponsored events, visit www.SGmag.com.

Results
WQS Women
1. Prue Jefferies
2. Julia Christian
3. Melanie Bartels
Angelfish
1. Jennifer Smith
2. Stephanie Foley
3. Brianna Beard
Starfish
1. Courtney Conlogue
2. Ming Juan Brown
3. Samantha Kruickshank
Mermaid
1. Wennie Riley
2. Monique Hight
Princess
1. Rachelle
2. Anna Santoro
3. Breanne Greig