Surfers from several generations gathered at the Beach House restaurant recently, to pay homage to a local iconic surf spot. It was the inaugural gathering of the Jetty Legends Story Telling event, where surfers shared tales of surfing the river jetty break and illustrating why it has become a local favorite
A great time was had by all at the first Jetty Legends Story Telling Event. It was a beautiful Summer evening, on the cusp of a Buck Moon. The air temperature was perfect, skies were blue, and the jetty was doing its thing, as if to say, “thank you,” for honoring this legendary surf break, organizer Jason Perez shared in an email.
For years, this surf spot has given an understanding and an appreciation for the ocean for those who have surfed it. Many surfers have gone on to do incredible things and it continues to happen. There is something in the water …
Hosted by the Tin Can Beachcomber nonprofit, the event opened up with KickTime, a local cover band that plays the Beach House every first Friday of the month. Their upbeat, sing-a-long songs from different genres and decades kept the crowd grooving throughout the evening.
After the first half hour set, the legends took the stage and shared their jetty and life stories.
It was an amazing gathering. Jetty Legends Tony Cousimano and Chuy Madrigal hadn’t seen each other in over 50 years. The packed house was also included Allen Harbour, brother of Rich Harbour.
It was a great vibe listening to these incredible tales from different decades, according to Perez. There was talk about the dynamics of this wave, the history of its water, what it was like back then, and how it continues to be a sacred place for all of those who share it.
Amongst the legends who spoke were, Tony Cousimano, Terry Brewer, Jericho Poppler, Chuy Madrigal, Scott Myer, Bob Bellamy, Kim Hamrock, Ricky Blake, Dave Hegstrom, Terry Carmadella, Cody Watten, Dave Reynolds, Kevin Bauce, Tommy Twang, Lorenzo Savedra, Tim Whalen and a few others.
This event kicked off the first of the Jetty Legends Story Telling events. The Tin Can Beachcomber is hosting the first Sunset Beach Music Festival on Sept. 28, at the Sunset Beach Community Center. Proceeds are going towards this event. Those who’d like to make a donation or be involved, can find more information at @Tincanbeachcomber on Instagram.
