Presented by Lib Tech Waterboards, NxNW Surf Shop, and One Ball — the tRADitions Waterboarding event went off this past weekend at La Push, Washington, in signature Northwest conditions.
Left to right: 3rd Place Sam Holmes, 2nd Place Blair Habenicht, 1st Place Johnny Grubbs Lib Tech co-founder Pete Saari shown announcing the winners. Pete also competed in the event, and announced providing educational commentary including Washington and Quileute history throughout the contest.
Winner Johnny Grubbs gets his 1st Place Rock!
Classic La Push conditions. Winner Johnny Grubbs finding the lip in the fog.
Trophies were foraged La Push rocks that were hand painted on site by Lib Tech artist Ryan Davis.
Fresh troll caught salmon artfully prepared Quileute style by local legend Zack.
Fresh troll caught salmon artfully prepared Quileute style by local legend Zack.
Spectators enjoying the contest
Lib Tech Waterboards Demo Tent
With a blinding marine layer backed by a steady onshore flow, both surfers and judges alike were challenged to see the action in the water, but with $1000 cash money on the line for first place, competitors let the fins drift whenever they could manage to see their way into a descent wave. After six rounds with the top two surfers advancing to the next heat, the finals came down to a four man battle in the fog with Lib Tech Waterboard kraftsman and Santa Barbara to Washington transplant Johnny Grubbs taking the top spot and grand prize for the second year in a row. Washington’s Blair Habenicht took second place and $500, with Sam Holmes from Sydney, Australia, rounding out the podium and pocketing $300. The podium finishers also took home hand painted La Push rock trophies hand painted by Lib Tech artist Ryan Davis.
Lib Tech would like to thank the Quileute Nation for hosting the event! Competitor entry fees and raffle tickets proceeds at the event raised over $1,000 for the Quileute Nation Surf Camp, helping to make sure the Quileute Tribal youth have the opportunity to experience surfing. Lib Tech would also like to thank Quileute Tribal member Zach for treating everyone on the beach to a traditional, cedar plank, smoked salmon lunch!!
Results:
1st Place: Johnny Grubbs
2nd Place: Blair Habenicht
3rd Place: Sam Holmes
4th Place: Nate Ridens