2010 Haunted Heats - I Got 2nd!

Yesterday the second annual Haunted Heats from ZJ Boarding House took place and it was epic! Sure, it rained the night before and the waves weren't exactly the best but we all had a blast! I really have to give a great big shout out of gratitude for the guys at ZJ Boarding House. They did an awesome job!

The first part of the contest was the costume judging. I was Carrie, complete with a "bloody" face and dress. I got a good laugh out of the crowd when it was my turn to parade myself in front of the crowd and I just let out a big scream. After the judging came the first heat. I was in the first heat! This was good for me, I was in the first heat last year. It's nice to get in and get your heat over with. The water was a bit choppier than I like but I made due. I was the only woman in my heat and some of the guys really, really shred. Really shred. For me, it wasn't my best effort but I gave it a good shot.

As I was coming out of the water walking back to where my hubby was sitting a group of people I didn't know was clapping and cheering for me! It was awesome! A few others came up to me and told me how much they liked my getup/makeup/etc. It felt really cool. It's not often that I come out of the water and have applause. Hmm...make that, I'd never had that happen before.

After my heat there were three more. I got out of my costume and wetsuit so I could just chill and watch the rest of the surfers. After I was all cozy and warm I was told by the organizers that I was chosen for the final heat, the "Expression Session"! Oops, put the wetsuit back on! The other guys picked for this heat were really great surfers, and all guys. I was quite stoked to be chosen. The only down side was that we had to pick boards at random through a drawing. I kept my fingers crossed for a good one but ended up with a 6'4" quad fish. That doesn't sound so bad except for the very mushy and choppy conditions made this a less than ideal choice. I gave it my best shot and had a great time trying. The best part - again, I was the only woman in this heat. Well, that wasn't the best part...what rocked was that the guys were cheering me on in the water. It was a great session in spite of not really getting a good wave. To have everyone in the water rooting for you is an awesome feeling.

Surprise, there was food this year! A bunch of boxes of Chipotle showed up and none too soon. I was happy to have a 1/2 veggie burrito since my stomach was definitely growling now. Trying to paddle that short board in that last heat really wore me out!

Next...the winners are announced. First they announced 1st-3rd of the groms. The groms this year were AWESOME. It's amazing how much these little kids shred. Next was the women's division. Third place went to Carolyn (a former co-worker of mine that I've surfed with many times) and her pirate's booty. Dressed as a sexy pirate, Carolyn was showing the booty on her surf. Second place...ME! WOO! Yes, me! I was so freaking stoked that I ran up and hugged the emcee! I got a cool bag full of awesome surf swag and an award poster that says "BEST SURFING":



I went in with the attitude that I was going to win the event and I nearly did! Watch out for next year, first place or bust!

Thanks again to ZJ Boarding House and all of my awesome friends and family that have given me kind words and support. Much love to you all!

P.S. Here are a few pics of the event from other sources:

Santa Monica Close-Up

CNN iReport