The conditions and performances held on the final day of competition for the 6.0 Lowers Pro proved to be almost perfect, highlighting an overall successful debut onto the WQS scene for Nike 6.0. ASP Top 45 member Ben Bourgeois took out a loaded group of finalists on his way to victory in surf that could be classified as ‘almost’ perfect Trestles. Fred Patacchia, Joel Centeio, and Pat Gudauskas all came to battle it out with Bourgeois in the final but none were able to overcome the consistency and power displayed by the Carlsbad, Ca. resident. After the event, Bourgeois let it be known how excited he was to be taking home this huge win - “I’m stoked, it’s always good to get a win, and all those guys in the final are good friends of mine. My last win was in England, and Lowers is always a great event.”

Formerly known as the Body Glove Surfbout, the 6.0 Lowers Pro will move from a 4 star event as it was this year to a 6 star event in 2009. This is huge, in that the results have a significant meaning to competitors trying to qualify for the WCT. There is currently only one other 6 star event in North America. Adding another and holding it at the famed break of Trestles is a big step in helping to bring back relevance to the ASP North American leg of the WQS. Nike 6.0 is undoubtedly thrilled to be a part of that.

Congratulations to Ben Bourgeois- The 2008 winner of the 6.0 Lowers Pro!

nike 6.0wqstrestles

My, how those bureaucracies can be sneaky little buggers!

After February’s victory over the proposed Trestles toll road, I kind of put that issue on the backburner. And to be honest, I really hadn’t thought too much about it until I began noticing ‘Save Trestles’ signs once again popping up around many of Southern California’s beach cities. After reading one of Jon Coen’s recent posts on EXPN, I now understand why.

Apparently the Transportation Corridor Agency has filed an appeal of the California Coastal Commission’s decision to deny the proposed project. I’m sure their hopes are that with this back-door approach they will quietly go about having this decision overturned. If that is the case, they are underestimating us in a big way.

In order to have another public hearing, the surf community has to write to the CCC to ask for a public hearing. Our friends at Surfrider have simplified that process, and you can let your voice be heard once again, or for the first time, by contacting Secretary Carlos Gutierrez here. Trestles is truly an icon. This is a battle that we simply cannot, and will not lose.

surfrider foundationtrestles

They came, they rallied, and they won!! In what appears to be a major victory for Trestles, San Onofre State Park, and all those who oppose the development of the proposed toll road, the California Coastal Commission voted 8-2 against the project. After hearing from both sides, the commission found it was inconsistent with the state law regulating development along the coastline.

The vote dealt a serious blow to the project’s chances of obtaining a coastal development permit, a necessity before construction can begin. The 16-mile extension of the state Route 241 toll road would link Rancho Santa Margarita and San Onofre. It would cut into the eastern portion of the popular San Onofre State Beach and end near Trestles. Anyone familiar with the area knows what a truly classic and special place this is and construction of the proposed $875 million four-lane road would do serious and irreparable damage to the areas natural habitats, wetlands, and last but not least the world-renowned break at Trestles.

This had been an ongoing battle that has brought many to be highly charged and emotionally involved, and for good reason. With good ol’ Gov. Schwarzenegger seeking to put a band-aid on the states current economic issues by closing state parks up and down the coast, this was a chance for ocean-goers and beach loving citizens everywhere to go and let their voices be heard.

The meeting had been originally scheduled to be held at the town-hall building in Oceanside, but organizers knew that a space this small simply would not accommodate the anticipated gathering. With a standing room only crowd largely organized by the Surfrider Foundation that peaked out at over three thousand heading to the Wyland Hall at the Del Mar Fairgrounds dominating over any semblance of an opposition, those who came let it be known that they simply would not go down without a fight. They came, they rallied, and they won. And for now, Trestles as we know it has been saved.

trestlessurfrider foundation

Yesterday, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger issued a letter in support of the proposed Trestles toll road extension in South Orange County. The letter was issued just two weeks before a critical vote by the California Coastal Commission to determine if the proposed extension violates the California Coastal Act.

The disappointing announcement comes just six days after the California Governor unveiled his plans to close forty-eight California State Parks, including Carlsbad, San Clemente, and parts of San Onofre State Parks. Many had hoped the Governator was being insincere with his threats to shut down these state parks and beaches, but with the issuance of this letter it appears nothing is untouchable when it comes to doing whatever it takes to remedy California’s current fiscal crisis.

Beyond the unbelievable crowds that gather there almost daily, Trestles as it is is a very unique and special place. Anyone who has ever made the trek from the parking lot to this historic break knows that the implementation of the proposed road will seriously damage one of the truly unique waves in the world and a big part of California Surf history. The Surfrider Foundation activists and other opponents to the planned toll road will be gathering in Oceanside, California on February 6th for a rally outside the California Coastal Commission hearing. All members of the public are invited and encouraged to attend. You can head over to savetrestles.com for more info.

trestlessurfrider foundation