Chris Keet is taking good care of our groms. The man behind the über-popular surf camp Surf Happens as well as the longtime director for the annual Rincon Classic surf contest, Keet makes a living out of spreading the gospel of surf to kids. And now, with a little help from some of his more famous former students, he is taking everyone camping up the coast for a good old-fashioned summer surfari weekend at Jalama County Park.
Officially, the event is being billed as the Coffin Brothers Surf Out, a one-day jamboree of good vibes and wide-ranging surf antics. Conner and his younger brother Parker are two of the biggest and brightest young stars in the international surf universe who also happen to be proud Surf Happens alumni. More to the point, as Lakey Peterson did last winter with her Surf Happens–organized Lakey Peterson Classic at Leadbetter Beach, the kids have decided to give back to that which gave them so much and help produce a free contest for the groms of the 805. As Keet put it, “The goal for the weekend is simple: Hang out, ride some waves, spend the night under the stars, and have some fun.”
Scheduled for Saturday, August 8, the Surf Out will include multiple youth divisions with no losers in the first round of action. There will be a “Pro Expression Session,” an organized beach cleanup, ocean-safety and lifesaving classes, and a silent auction jam-packed with surf goods from Volcom, Etnies, Nixon, Monster, Fender, and many others. And one lucky raffle winner will win a private surf day with the Coffin boys. “It’s all about making dreams come true, baby,” said Keet with a laugh.
Registration is limited to 125 contestants under the age of 17. Camping space is limited and carpooling is strongly suggested for day-trippers. Call (805) 966-3613, email info@surfhappens.com, or visit surfhappens.com. The registration deadline is July 25.