Mada Benzo Classic

Mada Benzo Classic And Mada Mouse Fundraiser Competition Stir It Up.

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 13 July, 2006 : - -  "Mada Mouse, Wow that's sick", as a 10 year old grom looks down at his shirt. His friend points at the picture of MADA Mighty Mouse and asks him where he got his shirt. The boy tells his friend, "right over there, that Mouse guy has them."

It was nice to see all the smiling faces down at 26th beach. Everyone young and old, pro and bold were down there to have fun, surf and support the Mouse. Mada Mouse is a local Santa Cruz surfer sponsored by Mada who had a terriffing surfing accident back in April. So with the support of Mada and all of his great friends, everyone came together for the the Mada Benzo Classic and the Mada Mouse Fundraiser.

In the rippable 2-3 foot south swell, 26th beach was filled with over 90 Competitors. In the 13 and under their was a lot of action, Noah Wegrich was killing it all day with his powerful snaps and his smooth laybacks, but it was little Nick Hernandez who took 1st followed by Noah 2nd, Pete Muelley 3rd and Kadein Panisi 4th.

The 14-17 junior division was filled with the most competitors of the day. MADA team rider Gabe Godfrey killed 26th shore pound all day having home court advantage. Gabe "the man child" Godfrey placed 2nd in juniors and 6th in men’s division. Powerhouse Miles Belick placed 1st place, followed by Gabe Godfrey 2nd, Walter Dyerle 3rd, Nat Young 4th, Ashton Medley 5th and Nick Alheit 6th.

The 20 and under Men’s division was packed with airs, snaps, floaters and bucking broncos. This divison was for the Benzo and going into the contest with commanding lead was Jimmy Herrick. Jimmy just had to show up for his heat to win the grand prize. Jimmy killed his first heat, then devoured heat after heat all the way to the finals. Jimmy ripped the finals, but it wasn't enough for the smooth male model Jonny Craft.

Jonny took the win, followed by Jimmy Herrick, Nat Young 3rd, Kyle Bothman 4th, Neal Kearney 5th and Gabe Godfrey 6th. This last contest gave Jimmy the points he needed to take home the grand prize. Originally Mada was to give Jimmy a Benzo for his hard work, but the Benzo was hijacked in Buellton while driving it up from down south. So he was styled with $3,000.00, a very much appreciated pay out. 

Santa Cruz is full of rodents, besides the Mouse, so Matt Ratt was right at home in the speedy left hand shore pound. He took home $150.00 and an INT surfboard for his 360 airs, in a jam-packed Expression Session. Matt Ratt also place 2nd in the Pro-Am for another $150.00. But it was Bud ''I'll pay you later" Frietas that took the $400.00 away from Matt Ratt, Sribbys 3rd $100.00 and Nick Lamb 4th $50.00.  

Very few women showed up for the event, but those that showed up were psyched to surf 26th. Lexi Wilson took home the $60.00, winner takes all ladies beach battles, followed by Sahara Ray 2nd, Sierra Partridge 3rd and Shay Cruz 4th.  

At the end of a long day, it was nice to see all of the smiling faces. Whether you were walking away from the contest a winner, or with a stuffed belly from the crypt grinds from Aloha Island Grille, or you were just down to support the Mouse, everyone was stoked.

Through out the day their was arm wrestling matches between the super groms, WWF wrestling matches for MADA prizes. It turned out to be a great day for a contest and brought a long awaited contest to 26th st, after a 3 year contest hiatus.  

After the epic contest, the crowd and surf competitors took the party and shenanigans to Coastline Brewery for the after party and awards. Glam band Thunder Unicorn was there rockin the house for Nor Cal homies. After lots of booze and good food, Jimmy Herrick collected his $3000 Check that was presented by MADA’s own Raul Montoya. -- FRANKIE D’Andrea  

MADA would like to give a huge thanks to the Interscholastic Surfing Federation for being a major sponsor, with out them we could not have had the contest. As well as a huge thanks to Body Glove Wetsuits, VonZipper, Osiris, Vestal Watches, Pacific Wave Surf Shop, TransWorld SURF, NHS, ,and Santa Cruz Skate Shop.

Also like to give a huge thanks to all the contest staff, competitors, Matt Land for making the killer trophies, all the west side boys for their huge support and everyone who came out to support Mada Mouse. Last but not least a huge thank you to Frankie D’Andrea, whom without this would not of been possible (words by Raul M)

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