Lions, Tigers, and Boats OH MY!!!!

There is no comparison to the sound produced from two Dories colliding! There is also no comparison to the sight of the bow of a Blue Dory drilling the broadside of a white Dory in the surfline on its way out to sea! This was just one highlight of an amazingly-spectator-leaned Intercrew Championship Relay.

The question was posed, "Can Venice make it three in a row?"; sporting the better part of an Olympic swim crew, surf-savvy board crew, and a near flawless boat team - YES, is the simple answer. But, They were not unchallenged in their pursuit.

Dockweiler, aka Carnage Asada, pushed the pace - and maybe a boat broadside - and forced Venice into overdrive to claim their title.

Altogether the night was a great success for all parties involved - great racing, a little bit of contact (I have an 8inch laceration on my right ribs from someone's nail in the Shallow-Water-Sprint - gotta love when rugby and swimming mix!), some surf - and the boat carnage that went with it - made this an unforgettable night.

Congrats to Venice on their win; Dockweiler for making them earn it - and adding some flair in the boats and on the exit; and to my Crew - The Baywatch Crew, amazing what can happen when WE stick together!

A Preview of Upcoming Events

As the Summer continues to flow, many athletes in Southern California are seeing the light at the end of the summer competition tunnel. Hampered by injuries, but buoyed by an amazing work opportunity, I have missed most of this year's competition. However, there are certain events that could never be missed without being confined by hospitals or handcuffs.

Next week marks another year in the continuing saga of the International Surf Festival, held throughout the South Bay, Friday July 31st through Sunday August 2nd. While there are numerous events that are held during the festival, Three stand out for me: the Bud Stevenson Lifeguard Intercrew Medley Relay, The Judge Irving Taplin Lifeguard Championship Relay, and the Dwight Crum Pier-to-Pier Swim.

Each of these events carries its own storied history and tradition, and each its own mark of pride for its Champions.

Leading up to the start of the "Weekend of Champions", previews of each of these three events will be posted.