Carlsbad CA— Making waves in Carlsbad, local surfers gave the Boys & Girls Clubs of Carlsbad $2,800 after raising the money from The State Beach Classic a Tribute to Banning Capps, an annual surf contest at Tamarack.
The June event was put on by the State Beach Locals Surf Club, and attracted surfers and non- surfers alike to watch competitors, meet friends, enjoy music and participate in raffles to win surfboards, wetsuits, and clothing.

For the past 4 years, the State Beach Locals Surf Club has selected the Boys & Girls Club to be one of the beneficiaries of the event. “The Club is nearly 100% funded by local donors,” said CEO Brad Holland. “It’s cool to see local surfers giving back to their community in such a significant way.”
“We are always excited to produce this annual event – it’s a blast,” said Event Organizer Phil Antonopoulos. “But the best part is knowing that the money we raise goes to such a good local cause. The Boys and Girls Club impacts so many kids’ lives with their amazing programs, and we are proud to donate our proceeds to them!”
The contest was created not only to give back to Carlsbad, but as a tribute to local professional surfer Banning Capps, who died in 2000. Like many Carlsbad surfers, Capps grew up in a town filled with talent, ranging from pros like Paul and David Barr, Sean Dominguez, Mark Sharpe and Taylor Knox, to a younger generation of kids like Chris and Brett Strother, Jake Blackburn and Donovan Stapleton. The torch continues to be carried by such surfers as Brent Reilly, Duran Barr, Gabe Garcia and Ricky Whitlock.

“Reuniting local surfers from Carlsbad is a major part of this event, but it’s geared toward everyone,” Event Coordinator Ulises Thomas said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s your first surf contest or you’re the average Joe from Wisconsin, you’re going to have fun and experience the California lifestyle,” added Phil.
Nine divisions allow all ages, genders, and skill levels to compete. The State Beach Cup was awarded to Carlsbad’s own professional surfer, Gabe Garcia.
Many thanks got out to all the sponsors of the 4th Annual State Beach Classic A Tribute to Banning Capps. Sponsors include: Toyota Carlsbad, Juncal Realty, New Balance, Knockout Pizza, Pizza Port, Sun Diego Boardshops, Seaworthy Boardshop, Zinka Suncare, Helldorado, and Rinsekit along with many many more that donated raffle prizes. The event literally couldn’t happen without all these great local companies pitching in.
Thomas and Antonopoulos said they’re looking for more sponsors to contribute to the 2016 contest, thereby attracting even more surfers and spectators.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Carlsbad has played an integral role in the Carlsbad community since 1952, providing programs and services to thousands of young people. Boys & Girls Clubs of Carlsbad invites you to tour their Clubhouse, and see how lives are changed on a daily basis. The organization is 100% funded by local donors. For more information, call (760) 729-0207, email info@bgccarlsbad.org, or visit www.bgccarlsbad.org.