From four state championship titles in four years to a student who surfed 2,000 consecutive days in a row, and everything in between, the accomplishments and reputation held by the SJHHS surf program are undeniably some of the best of any sports program at the school. This 2018 season did not fall short, and was yet another successful one for the SJHHS surf team.

Composed of many versatile surfers, SJHHS surf brought home a league title this year in the Capistrano Coast League, which consists of Capo Valley, Tesoro, and Aliso — their biggest competition. During the league season, each team has a home competition and an away competition. These are at beaches ranging from 204’s, Barbwire at Trestles, and Salt Creek.

However, a successful program like this doesn’t come easy. At home beach 204’s, the team works hard early each morning to ensure that they show up to every competition ready to blow their contenders out of the water. With a beach break that often has fun barrels, this spot is both enjoyable to practice at, and beneficial to creating a program of strong surfers.

“Surfing is a great way to spend my time and get active. It’s way better to be out there than to be at home bored” said short boarder, Logan Chavez (12).

The program is made up of two shortboard teams (boys and girls), two longboard teams (boys and girls), and a bodyboard team (boys) that all compete separately, but earn points together.

“Boys varsity won league with strong performances from all three divisions, longboard, shortboard and bodyboarding,” says bodyboarder, Griffin Mcgowan (12).

Girls won 2 of the 6 contests they competed in during league.

The team was well represented in League Finals, with individuals Bella Miller, Jack Collins, Max Clanice and Collin Easton all making the final in their respective divisions.

Sophomore standout Keegan Benglesdorf became the 2018 Individual Capistrano Coast League boys shortboard champion, while junior Jake Carlson took 4th in the final.

The key to a continually prosperous team is undeniably the positive bond the surfers have with each other, and with their coaches. “The coaching is great. We get pointers and critiques from them to make us all better surfers,” said girls team captain, Bella Mincer (11).

Overall, both this season and the program have proven to be praiseworthy, and have a promising future for next year.