Time to shine for Jack’s

Children as young as 11 to and surfers in their 60s will compete in this weekend’s 21st annual Jack’s Newport Beach Surf Championships.

The city-sponsored amateur surfing competition is typically held in conjunction with a professional surfing event that is part of the Assn. of Surfing Professionals’ World Qualifying Series, but commercial sponsorships for the event have dried up because of the bad economy.

Oakley, one of the major sponsors of the professional event in past years, has scaled back its involvement this year, but is still a sponsor of the amateur competition.

Event Director Darren Brilhart, who has been organizing the race since its inception, is hopeful the ASP World Qualifying event will return next year.

“It’s the economy and the way things have kind of worked out this year,” Brilhart said. “We just couldn’t find the sponsorships, but we’re not letting it ruin the spirit of the recreational division. It’s been strong for 21 years and still important for the locals and the community.”

Many famed local surfers got their start in the amateur competition

About 100 surfers participate each year. Prizes are awarded to the winner of each division.

Participants this year will compete for about $5,000 worth of prizes from sponsors Jack’s Surfboards and Oakley.

“It is a very local-driven event,” Brilhart said. “These guys take a lot of pride for local bragging rights in these divisions.”

The even will be from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday on the beach around the area of 54th Street in Newport.

“Basically it’s an opportunity for kids and adults from Newport Beach and surrounding cities to surf at their home break,” said Matt Dingwall, Newport Beach’s city recreation supervisor, who is helping to organize the competition.

The event is limited to amateurs. Participants are limited to competing in one division unless space is available on the event day.

Divisions include 11 or younger; 12 to 14 years old; 15 to 18 years old; open girls; open men; masters, 30 to 39 years old and legends 40 and older.

If You Go

Entry fees are $30 for Newport Beach residents and $35 for non-residents. Participants also will get a T-shirt for surfing in the competition. Entries are due Friday afternoon. For more information or a registration form, call (949) 644-3151.