1997 United States Surfing Federation Surfing Contest

Recommendation

It is recommended by the Parks, Recreation and Community Resources Commission and staff that Council:

1. Approve the request (Attachment A) from the United States Surfing Federation, a non-profit organization, to conduct an amateur surfing contest on the beach north of the Hermosa Pier, Sunday, November 23, 1997 from 7 AM - 4 PM;
2. Waive the per participant/spectator fees;
3. Approve the event contract that includes the requirements listed below; and
4. Authorize the Mayor to sign the attached contract.

• Provide the City with a Certificate of Insurance in the amount of $1 million.
• Indemnify the City.
• Provide the City with copies of signed waiver forms from all event participants.
• Obtain a City amplification permit.
• USSF to clean all areas occupied or affected by the event.
• Shall pay for any direct City staff costs associated with monitoring the event.
• USSF to obtain written approval for the event from LA County Lifeguards.
• Abide by all of the City rules and regulations for special events.

Background

The City received an application from the United States Surfing Federation, Western Region, (USSF), to hold an amateur surfing contest on the north side of the pier on Sunday, November 23, 1997. Their list of tour stops have included the City of Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach and City of Torrance.

The USSF, is a non-profit corporation dedicated to promoting the sport of surfing for recreation and pleasure of its members and the general public. USSF organizes, produces, and sponsors, surfing competitions, educational programs, and other activities related to the sport.

USSF is the only sanctioned representative of the United States Surfing Federation representing the West Coast. USSF surf contests provide competition by division in the shortboard, longboard, bodyboard and kneeboard categories for youths of all ages, and amateur adults. They give surfers on the West Coast an opportunity to earn entry into the US Amateur Surfing Championships and into the US Team trials.

At their September 17, 1997 meeting, the Commission approved the request to hold the surfing contest on November 23rd to waive per participant/spectator fees (see Attachment B).

Analysis

Staff has met with the event organizer, George Pringle to discuss the event plans and operational issues. The proposed requirements listed in the recommendation cover the key issues associated with this event.

The USSF has proven to be responsible in the conduct of their varied activities which included the USSF Surfing Championships at the International Surf Festival. Certainly, the City of Hermosa Beach will benefit from the addition of this surf event to the offerings for youth and recreational surfers in our community.

Fiscal Impact: Recover Direct City Costs Estimated at: $88

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