Recap: Lib Tech’s Traditions – A NW Waterboard Event

July 17, 2012. Near Canada.
Lib Tech rippers took top honors at the Traditions Waterboard event held this past weekend at La Push, Washington. Out of 32 competitors in double elimination format, Lib Tech’s Jonathan Grubbs made the most of the chest high, peaky surf, whipping backside reverses and solid hacks throughout the event to pocket a cool $1,000 in cash. LeBaron Esty drew the cleanest lines and loftiest shore break punts of any competitor to take home 3rd place and $300. Much more than a contest alone, Traditions was a way to give back to the Quileute Nation, one of the tribes in Near Canada who graciously allow surfer’s access to their beautiful beaches.

Photos by Tim Zimmerman

Hosted by the Lib Tech Waterboarding Division and North by Northwest Surf Shop, in conjunction with the Quileute Nation, proceeds from the event, including competitor entry fees and raffle tickets, went directly to the Quileute Nation Surf Camp and raised over $1,500. Lib Tech’s ”Bags for Tickets” beach clean-up gave spectator and competitor alike the opportunity to earn a few extra raffle tickets for their efforts collecting trash from the beach. Additional funds were also raised by West End Surf Shop to extend the Forks skatepark, which thanks to generous donations will soon feature a hip off the mini ramp.

“The Lib Tech Traditions event was a classic opportunity to enjoy a day at the beach with friends from near and far,” said competitor and Lib Ripper Brain Forcum. “Great people and great vibes.  Many thanks to everyone who helped make it happen and shared some waves and laughs.”

This event was the first public demo of the Lib Tech Waterboards. Most everyone who had the opportunity to demo a Waterboard had same comment—these boards are fast!

After the awards, renowned photographer and musician Scott Sullivan plugged in his amp under the demo tent on the beach and played to a crowd seated on driftwood logs and surfers still in the water who could hear his songs in the lineup.

Much thanks to all the surfers who participated in the first Traditions Waterboard event, Quileute Nation Youth Program Coordinator Karen Beyer and all our friends of the Quileute Nation, NXNW Surf Shop, West End Surf Shop, Sno Con, NWS, One Ball Jay, VitaminWater, and the Quileute Oceanside Resort in La Push, quileuteoceanside.com

 Final Results:

  1. Jonathan Grubbs ($1000)
  2. John Suchite ($500)
  3. Lebaron Esty ($300)
  4. Nate Riddens

If you plan to visit La Push, WA stay right next to the beach at:

Oceanside Resort

Make sure to visit www.libtechwaterboarding.com for future Waterboarding contests and demos.
Until then, Get Pitted!!

Categories: Brian Forcum, Demos, Events, Jonathan Grubbs, Lebaron Esty