Text and Photos by Malibu Surfing Association

The premier competition in the Coalition of Surfing Clubs annual series, the MSA Classic presented by the Malibu Surfing Association, returns to world-famous Surfrider Beach, Malibu from September 6-7, 2008. More than 250 athletes representing California's elite surfing clubs will come together to compete at First Point, Malibu, one of surfing's legendary waves.

"Show up, drop in, or get down for the MSA Classic. Come to First Point and see one of surfing's Yankee Stadiums -- where the history was written and the legends were made." said Donny Wilson, professional surfer and MSA Team Captain.

During MSA's two-day event, the Surfrider Foundation will host a Celebrity Expression Session, featuring Jason Mraz, Flea, Chad Lowe, Sal Masekela, Richard Burgi, Peter DiStefano, Brandon Cruz and David Chokachi. During this hour-long free surf, which raises awareness about the state of our oceans, waves and beaches, stars will win prizes from Project Blue for catching and riding waves.

The 2008 MSA Classic marks the 45th anniversary of the Malibu Surfing Association's first contest at Surfrider Beach, and one of California's first club invitationals. This anniversary is also special for La Jolla's renowned Windansea Surf Club, which was formed by San Diego's surfing elite specifically to enter MSA's 1963 contest. This year, the MSA Classic presented by the Malibu Surfing Association will honor MSA Founding Members and those of the Windansea Surf Club, as well as celebrating Southern California's rich surfing culture.

The Malibu Surfing Association also announced their partnership with Heal the Bay, Santa Monica Baykeeper, and the Surfrider Foundation for the contest.

The MSA Classic was the first Coalition of Surf Clubs event to reduce its environmental impact through adopting green-aware practices. This

year, the MSA Classic will include: onsite recycling of paper, glass, and aluminum, solar-generated electricity, a 65% reduction in paper-based printing, and organic food and drinks.

"The MSA is a supporter and partner of our efforts to clean up the chronic pollution at Surfrider Beach," says Mark Abramson, Santa Monica Baykeeper Director of Watershed Programs. "It means a great deal to Santa Monica Baykeeper to have support from the people surfing in the polluted water year after year. Together, we're making progress."

Events during the MSA Classic are free of charge and open to the public. Early rounds begin on Saturday, September 6th and run through Sunday, September 7th. Complete contest information is available online at msaclassic.com.

FAST FACTS

Surfrider Beach: Malibu, California, USA

Time difference
GMT - 7

Coordinates
34d 02' 11" N, 118d 40' 40" W

Beach direction
nearly South-facing (190^o)

Getting there
from N: 101 PCH
from S: 405 10 PCH
from E: 10 PCH
from W: swim on up to the Malibu Pier
more: detailed directions

Turn ons
Malibu is one of surfing's crown jewels and certainly one of its most photographed waves. The first modern era of surfing was born here - surfboard shaping, style in the water, and the look and culture of our sport. It's where surfing was photographed, filmed, packaged, then sold to the rest of the world. It's the beach that cars, boats, and rums are named after. Where the stars come out to play. And on a south swell, it is still a perfect wave.

Turn offs
Take your pick. Traffic getting here, crowds once you arrive, or bacteria (that's right) in the water. Each conspires against you, a determined and almost self-righteously, self-appointed part of the experience.

Past MSA Classic champions

2007: Santa Barbara Surf Club

2006: Malibu Surfing Association

2005: Malibu Surfing Association

2004: Malibu Surfing Association

2003: Malibu Surfing Association

About Malibu Surfing Association

The Malibu Surfing Association formed in 1961 as one of California's first surfing clubs. Today, the MSA is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the fellowship of surfing and to protecting beaches, waves and coastal environments. The MSA Competition Team is the 2006 champion of the Coalition of Surfing Clubs' CSC Series. Online at msasurfing.org.