Surf City Splash New Years Day

by Chris MacDonald
Writer/Photographer, HB Ambassador/The Local News Columnist

At 10am on News Years Day, more than 300 hearty people of all ages bravely dashed into the surf next to the HB Pier to welcome in the New Year. Their effort in experiencing the 53-degree water also raised funds for the HB International Surfing Museum and high school surf programs. A neat vendor Arts and Crafts Fair, put together by Jodi and Rick McKay, also helped raise funds for the museum, which took over the leadership role from Lee Love, who guided the event for more than a decade. Love, a HB Host Lions Club member , a former Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum Board Member and a local job recruiter, was on hand to help out.

The Lions Club hosted a delicious pancake breakfast prior to the splash that raised funds for their worthwhile charities.

Senior Minister Bob Ewing from First Christian Church, City Historian Jerry Person, HB TV's Matt Liffering, Surfing Legends Randy "Moondog" Lyford and Miff Clowe, former Hollywood Stuntman Dan McCoy and the museum's Jeff Marsh, Cindy Cross, Paul Taylor, Dave Reynolds were just part of the excited crowd that produced a camaraderie, making it a fun event.

The Splash would not be possible without numerous volunteers, including Mike Ali, the owner of Zack's Pier Plaza, who generously donated his space for the breakfast and registration. What a way to start the Year, Surf City USA Style!

Learn more about The Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum at http://www.surfingmuseum.org. During the next several weeks, people can see a collage of photos from the event at the museum. Also, if you'd like to get involved in the Huntington Beach Host Lions Club meetings, they are held the First and Third Thursdays of the month at 7pm in the Old World Village Restaurant - 7561 Center Avenue in Huntington Beach.

Photos not shown
1. Zack's Pier Plaza Owner Mike Ali and Huntington Beach Volunteer Extraordinaire Lee Love.
2. Randy Lyford and Miff Clowe Huntington Beach Residents hold the banner as the splashers get ready to run in the Water.
3. The Splashers run in the Water to celebrate the New Year.

Enjoy California Polar Plunges