Chris Ropero and Fat Tire, among other sponsors bring smiles to St. Augustine Beach
By: Cameron Hammer
Although thunderstorms were forecasted all weekend, the weather held out for the invitational Single Fin Hoedown and surfers from all around gathered with their most stylish costumes, wigs, and single fins.
The invitational Single Fin Hoedown, a surf contest with a $10,000 purse to be handed out to the surfers that have the most fun, style, and creativity, took place at 10th St. in St. Augustine Beach, Florida on April 29, 2023.
This contest has one division and surfers can ride whatever board they want, as long as it only has one fin. Moose Huerta started this single fin contest in 2001, to create a relaxed event that shortboarders and longboarders can surf in together.
In 2022, 20 years after the last contest was held, Chris Ropero teamed up with Fat Tire to bring back the invitational Single Fin Hoedown. This year, Ropero was able to team up with Fat Tire again to bring smiles to the community of St. Augustine.
The weekend of events began with a pre-party in the parking lot of The Surf Station, 1020 Anastasia Blvd. St. Augustine, from 6:30 to 9 p.m.
With the support from Ropero and Fat Tire, The Surf Station was able to provide guests with Mellow Mushroom Pizza, Fat Tire Beer, and live music by the Airtight Band.
The Airtight Band, Luke Foley, Shawn Ryan, Kaleb King, and Jeremy Yetman, performed live for the guests at the pre-party, while Robbie Wiles also made a special appearance with a freestyle about the Single Fin Hoedown.
Surf Contest Kicks off in St. Augustine Beach
The Single Fin Hoedown began at 9 a.m., with many talented surfers coming together to enjoy the event.
Ken White, the owner/shaper for White Surfboards, contributed to the event by providing single fin surfboards for others to ride and share during the contest.
Mojo’s Tacos also kept the contestants fed, and SunBum provided sunscreen for others to stay protected at the beach.
An open single fin expression session took place around mid-day, for surfers under 21, with a $2,000 purse to be handed out to the groms with the most creativity and style on a single fin surfboard.
With great surfing all day, Cam Richards came in first place and took home $1,500.00 and a bicycle after catching a 10 point ride during his finals heat.
After the event, Cafe 11 hosted an award ceremony and after party with trophies for the contestants, a screening of photographs by Walter Coker, and live music by Kelp.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to this event and brought smiles to St. Augustine Beach.
