Barrels of Fun at 2012 Quiksilver Pt. Mugu Surf Contest

Kui Murphy & Brent Travis

The results are in for the fifth annual Quiksilver sponsored Point Mugu surf competition, and the 2012 finals held a few surprises for the crowds who’d gathered to watch surfers charge draining barrels on Naval Base Ventura County.

Travis, Murphy, Starkey

Pt. Mugu is revered as one of the best waves on the California coast- in fact, it is widely considered to be a world-class wave when it’s pumping. The combination of a south facing beach and submarine canyons creates a steep, powerful, a-frame wave. However, access to the surf area is restricted to active duty or retired military; the opening of the base to the public for this competition is a highly anticipated, once a year event. This years competition brought out the best in military and professional surfers alike, with heaps of barrels and airs drawing oohs and ahhs from beach spectators.

Dane Reynolds in the barrel

The preliminary heats took place on Saturday, in great conditions: head high surf with overhead sets bombing their way to the beach. Standouts during the preliminary heats included two perfect ten waves: the first, a beautifully executed left hander surfed by Coast Guardsman Kuilee Murphy of San Diego; the second perfect ten was awarded to none other than epic aerialist and surfing hall of fame inductee Dane Reynolds.

Sunday finals commenced with only a slight fading of the southwesterly swell, clear sunny skies, and light offshore winds.

Chris Stacy

The favorable conditions had everyone stoked to enjoy a day at the beach watching the all day surf spectacular.

Dane Reynolds

Some of the most notable waves included a sick air reverse 360 by local surfer Jake Kelley and a frothy heaving barrel for Dane-R.

Jake Kelley

Jake Kelley gave a comment to the Ventura County Star, stating that the Mugu competition is his “favorite event of the year. Thanks to the military and everyone who makes this event happen.” Ventura county local Cory Arrambide was also killing it in the men’s open final, making hairy drops look effortless and putting the icing on the cake with multiple well-executed airs. The competition circuit should expect to see more of Cory in the next few years.

Cory Arrambide

Matt Merel

It wasn’t just the boys ripping at Mugu this weekend, either. The women’s final was a heated battle between ASP and O’neill team rider Sage Erickson, and Santa Barbara surf chick Demi Boelsterli. Both women were charging hard, pulling in deep, and throwing massive spray with hacking turns. It was a close heat, and inspiring to watch.

Kelly, Faucett, Ronning, Clarke

All in all, it was a weekend full of superior surf performances. Tom Curren surfed alongside his son Pat, renowned aerialist Christian Fletcher dazzled spectators with his mad skills, and everyone in the water looked super stoked to be surfing Mugu.
At the end of the day, the winners were announced, and though I think some poor judging was at hand in the military final, I’ll post the results anyway. Then feel free to stare in amazement at the photos of this years competitors giving Mugu their best.

Kuilee Murphy

Women’s:
*note, Sage Erickson competed but left before judging.
1st: Demi Boelsterli
2nd: Angelita Noche
3rd: Kloee Openshaw

Juniors:
1st: Jake Kelley
2nd: Micky Clarke
3rd: Eric Ronning
4th: Charlie Faucett

Military:
1st: Matt Merel, USCG
2nd: Kuilee Murphy, USCG *should have won. Seriously, ask anyone with eyes.
3rd: Chris Stacy, USAF
4th: Simon Blanco, USCG