This is a photo of a surf spot called Big Drake's. It is a perfect longboard wave and is the most logical location for a world championship contest.
Because I am a very helpful person I have already proposed an alternative venue for the 2010 Womens Longboard Championship. Since Swamis is a terrible location for the contest (for a long list of reasons) I had suggested holding it on Tavarua island in Fiji.
The complaints about that location was that it was too far away and that the wave itself is out of the league and skill level of the competitors (an odd complaint for a world championship professional event but so be it). Luckily I have thought of the perfect place to have the contest!
There is a zone of epic surf just under the tip of Point Conception called The Ranch. It has the best surfing pointbreaks in California and maybe the world. It is the ultimate longboard surfing zone. There has never been a surf contest at The Ranch.
The Ranch is on private land and average people who are not owners must boat in from Gaviota to surf there. This won't be a problem for the contest because many of the former contest sponsors are Ranch landowners and have access by road.
Undeveloped coastal California and the surf is perfect.
Having the 2010 Womens Longboard World Championship at The Ranch would be historic. The contest would be covered by every surf media outlet in the world. The contestants would get to surf the best longboard waves on Earth in a pristine environment. And the contest would not infringe on public access like at Swamis because the public cannot get into The Ranch.
This is a win win for all parties.
Learn more about The Ranch on Surfline, click here
Pictured is the first surf spot you encounter as you drive into The Ranch. Incredibly there are more waves like this within The Ranch. The wave above is a million times better than Swamis, I know because I have surfed it several times.
Why is Swami's so sacred? Waikiki, was once sacred as well. It was the genesis of surfing. California now (Huntington Beach & Santa Cruz) both stake a claim in being "Surf City" of California.Folks now days think surfing is from California, not Hawaii. Thats fine.At least give & show the Aloha Spirit that went along with surfing and continue to perpetuate it by allowing the Women to have there World Surfing Championship at Swamis.
ReplyDeletewhy?
ReplyDeleteWord has it that Linda is finally giving in, and rethinking the contest location.
ReplyDeleteAll the inquiries on how much she and the other directors will be pocketing is starting to stir her up.
"She will be making 0 profit", ya right!!!
Keep up the fight people!
NO CONTEST AT SWAMIS!!!
Tell her to open the books..... lets see her tax statements.... where does she live and what does she drive.... how much does she bring in per year?
ReplyDeleteTo have an event at swamis, she should provide proof and answer all these questions and then we can see if she is worthy.
Waikiki was once sacred and look what happened. Don't let the same happen to swamis.....
Why hold a competition that is trying to promote a struggling sport at a location that will obviously bring a negative backlash from the local community and abroad???
ReplyDeleteWe want people to back women's longboarding Linda, we are already hurting as it is!
Dropped sponsorships are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to a business faux pas like this one.
As if Women's longboarding didn't already have enough cynics, why make it even harder???
A true ambassador of the sport would put those girls in a best position to shine.
All this negative press is definetly NOT helping the cause.
It's time to rethink this one Linda, before it's too late!
"Why hold a competition that is trying to promote a struggling sport at a location that will obviously bring a negative backlash from the local community and abroad???"
ReplyDeleteEASY ANSWER...MONEY, MONEY, MONEY!
shit. when 753, who is the pundit I suspect, agrees that a contest at swamis is a bad idea... all the stars align and we all agree... a contest at swamis is a bad idea.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the longboard contest.... I was going to take all the set waves anyway with my 13 foot pure oceantanker.... call it what you may but I can get drop a motor off the back and catch a wave before the face ever hits 10 inch from face to trough. And I can dance the gig on it. Now that’s longboarding!
I have a better idea.... lets hold a boogy boarding contest for women heavyweights (those weighting over 240lbs.) at swamis... that is a sport that is also trying to better its name and recognize its amazing athletes.
better yet, make it open class for men and women boogy boarders... anyone over 300lbs can enter. and to make it exciting open it up to stand up paddling as well ( of coarse they need to be 300lbs plus as well). OK through in kayaking and rafts open class.... Let the good time roll at swamis!
Just bad business!!!
ReplyDeleteTalk about a marketing idiot, the person who came up with the whole Swamis idea.
For the all money they plan on pocketing of this little contest, they could have at least hired someone with half a brain to figure out the logistics and possible obstacles that would arise from a contest at this location.
Those are some gnarly lefts. Some barnies should put their money where their mouths is and pony up to the barn and put the straw in the manger so the dog can growl. Swamis used to be chill not its a whole bunch of goons who have no idea what they are doing and would be better off in Montana. Farmers stay off the beach. Longboards go to the Ranch and harvest many mahalo vibes.
ReplyDeleteIf Linda Benson really cared about the female surfers before her own personal gain, she would hold the contest at a spot where they would be respected, encouraged, and appreciated. Choosing a spot that is controversial is only going to be detrimental to the careers of the surfers she is trying to promote.I, and many others, would be more than happy to support them if it were held in a more appropriate spot.
ReplyDeleteHere here. Last post was money.
ReplyDeleteLinda please listen!
Peter, the person who started the anti-contest petition did use the word sacred but I wouldn't get hung up on that. Neither the Leucadia Blog or Surfy Surfy are against the contest because of perceived sacred grounds. It's a public access issue. Hold one event and soon there will be five a year. If that happens the public loses access to an important resource for weeks and weeks out of the year.
ReplyDeleteFred for mayor!
ReplyDeleteLinda,
ReplyDeleteCan you explain the process that gets your company selected for one of the limited number of Encinitas Surf School Permits?
Have you helped the campaign of any of anyone on the city council? If so, what issues were important to you other than getting your own For-Profit contest and surf school permits that limit your competitors?
Did you meet with the Chamber of Commerce and the city before or after meeting with the people who surf Swamis? Have you ever met with the people who surf Swamis? Will you hold a public participation meeting that is publicized so people can talk with you without city interference?
Do you believe that because you lived here in the 60s that you are more local and have a greater claim to take over Swamis than anyone else?
This whole thing is another sign that Quicksilver/Roxy has gone to the kooks.
ReplyDeleteThey don't back women's surfing enough to hold a paid invitational to the south Pacific and they certainly won't allow for a contest on the Ranch, not even if it is a boat contest. That they are considering swamis for this contest shows that they have completely sold out.
It is a public beach.
ReplyDeleteThe contest will create a foundation to help protect this area that belong to the entire public. Have any of the 'It's my sandbox'signers done anything like that?
You myopic territorial protester are like street gangs that don't want anyone on their turf. Chill out.
She has the right. You do not have the right to dictate who can use this public beach. IT IS NOT YOUR BEACH.
If the city Park and Rec dept.or the state feels that there are too many problems with the location, they will say so. I can not believe that a few irate signers, who believe that they have ownership of this public beach, which they DO NOT, will influence their decission to allow or dis-allow a permit.
Grow up. It is a public city maintained beach. You do not own it.
Your Aloha Spirit is non-existent.
That is not Big Drakes.
ReplyDelete"The contest will create a foundation to help protect this area that belong to the entire public."
ReplyDeleteSo 99% of the profit goes in the pockets of Linda and the directors and the remaining 1% goes to the foundation to "start it up..."
How the hell does that help swamis and the public?
Open your eyes Chris and all you who back the contest. This is how 99% of "not- for-profit" foundations work. The Executive directors make 6 figures while everyone at the bottom of the barrel feeds off the scraps.
Its just a marketing tool being used by Linda and the ones in charge to influence everyone who is on the fence on the contest.
If she really cared about swamis and the public, she would not hold it at this location.
Don't buy into it buddy.
You are, of course, making up these figures. You have no idea what funds can be raised to help preserve your 'sacred' private sandbox.
ReplyDeleteWhat foundation are you planning to help preserve this Public beach? Oh, no plans? Just trying to keep your beach private?
Why don't you proprietary goons go the the recommended exotic beaches on those three days instead of the girls. Sure the proprietory goons there will not welcome you all there. Everything will be the same when you get back and the community, without you, could have a benifitial event and have a foundation founded to help preserve the area in spite of you.
Your aloha spirit sucks.
Fred for Mayor!
ReplyDeleteNice try spinmaster Chris. Swamis is a city beach and it is Linda and Cori who want to use it for their personal profit.
ReplyDeleteSports events have become a racket for promoters just like a lot of charity fundraisers. Just say it is for the kids and you are shielded from critical thought.
I did notice names of people who have helps with honest charity and they didn’t do it for personal recognition or to ride the good will to personal profit.
The protesters are against Linda coming in and OWNING swamis for three days and making a personal PROFIT during that period at the expense of all of those people who would gladly SHARE the surf with her. Swamis is not localized. Linda should try taking the contest to Lunada Bay if her quest is to break the barriers of localism.
It is not Linda’s beach but it will be if she is given the beach for 3 days.
Parks and Rec will not do what is right. They will do what they are told. City hall is corrupt and it is time that old timers put a stop to the cronyism instead of feeding off of it.
I cannot believe that you think the signers think they own the beach when it Linda who is trying to take ownership of the beach because she says she is the old local.
Chris couldn't be more confused on this issue. The point is that Swamis is a PUBLIC beach so the public needs to have access to it 365 days a year. Our pubic beaches are not for sale Chris. Linda and her crew want to EXCLUDE YOU from going there.
ReplyDeleteAloha spirit? WTF? You mock Swamis for being sacred and then talk about aloha spirit? Are you on glue?
I am a major supporter and active member of surfrider and greenpeace. We only need new organizations if one is need to run cover for a for profit sporting event.
ReplyDeleteThe beach will only be privatized if Linda is given permits from a corrupt city hall.
Why don't we just have a charity fundraiser without the proprietary contest. Is it about charity or about a for profit contest? Why doesn't Linda organize an event that actually DOES the charitable activity like build homes for the poor, distributes food the hungry, or landscapes empty areas of the city?
Instead Linda is running a FOR PROFIT contest and TELLING everyone it is for charity.
Stop changing the reasons for the contest!
Chris,
ReplyDeleteThe reason why you know the numbers are made up are because Linda is running a FOR PROFIT private company and their books are secret.
The only one who knows who owns the company and how much money will be made is Linda and the unnamed owners of the company.
Reality Check,
ReplyDeleteLinda bought the beach with her campaign support.
An open door policy at Hollister Ranch?
ReplyDeleteThe most likely sponsor for this contest is Roxy which is owned by Quiksilver who layed off 140 employees this week.
ReplyDeleteThe Swami's Foundation will have no profits going into the pockets of anybody... the books will be kept public... how do I know? I'll personally lay them open for all to see. I won't be taking a salary running this Foundation.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I give half of my prize money to charity (The Rell Sunn Foundation in Hawaii if you want to check up on me) I keep the other half so I can pay for my plane tickets. I wait tables, otherwise. I refuse sponsorship on the grounds that I don't want to be owned by any large corporations...
so all this talk about corruption makes me laugh a little. I am "one of the few" that this is supposed to be benefitting and I won't see a nickel. If I win any prize money, it will go to Keep-A-Breast. All of it. I'll post my receipt if you like.
It seems to me that larger issues are being addressed out of context here, that this contest is becoming a scapegoat for concerns that many in the community harbor. That is truly unfortunate.
Cori
Cori,
ReplyDeleteThanks for being open to discussion and I very much hope bloggers will respect your willingness to dialogue.
Here are the questions that could put an end to all of this:
1) Will the contest permits be given to the Swamis foundation or to WWL Corporation?
2) Was the original plan for the permits to go to the WWL Corporation or the Swamis Foundation?
3) Will anyone be pulling a salary/pay from the foundation or the WWLC? Who and how much?
4) Will the books of the WWL Corporation be open to the public and who will be paid by the WWLC?
5) Who owns the WWLC?
6) When was the WWLC started?
7) When did the Swamis foundation file with the state as a charity?
Ignoring the context is ignoring the bigger issues facing our community. The erosion of democracy is more important than a surfing contest.
I know it is a tough path to face the problems that swirl around city hall. You didn't pay attention before and we all pay the price of our collective apathy and disinterest. You are in the middle of it.
I hope you will stay engaged after the contest issue has been resolved. That will be the real testament to your efforts to help our town.
Anon,
ReplyDeleteI gather there is quite a rumbling between the community and city hall. I had no idea until I became involved with the event at Swami's.
I am more than happy to openly discuss my involvement in the WWLC, my history, my intentions moving forward and anything else the community might need that I can help with. I'm just a surfer/waitress/citizen but I do understand that I am in the middle of this thing and that transparency serves better than rumor and assumption on both "sides" of this discussion.
I am going to answer what I personally am able and then I'll pass the questions I cannot answer to Linda, who is the sole owner of the WWLC, whose members are composed of the world's female lonboarders.
Your questions:
1) Will the contest permits be given to the Swamis foundation or to WWL Corporation?
The contest permits will be given to the WWLC (Women's World Longboard Championships).
2) Was the original plan for the permits to go to the WWL Corporation or the Swamis Foundation?
The original plan was for the permits to go to the WWLC.
3) Will anyone be pulling a salary/pay from the foundation or the WWLC? Who and how much?
I can only speak for the Foundation on this question: No one will be receiving a salary. All money raised will go toward the fees associated with beginning and maintaining the foundation (I was quoted $2,000 to file as a non-profit and approx. $850 a year to keep the status); for supplies (to take with me or other volunteers to schools, community events/fairs); to build and maintain a website dedicated to the health and history of Swami's; T-shirts. This is as far as I have gone with distribution of funds received. I am open to ideas and members as this thing gets rolling.
4) Will the books of the WWL Corporation be open to the public and who will be paid by the WWLC?
I will forward this question to Linda.
5) Who owns the WWLC?
Linda Benson and women longboarders.
6) When was the WWLC started?
The WWLC began as an event in Costa Rica in 1999. It was run by Hank Raymond for us (women longboarders) until 2004 when he asked Linda Benson to take over. She had a meeting with women longboarders and asked us if we would support her if she trademarked the name and put on the event moving forward. We all agreed that we wanted an event run by women, for women for the first time in the history of our contest. She ran the event for the first time in Ocean Beach in 2005. I was a member of the group she asked to help her with the event and I can say that it truly was a grassroots effort... not a corporate run, huge event like Hurley would be able to put on. It wasn't about pulling in revenue by any means. It was about the women longboarders; our needs.
Since then, it has been run in Biarritz, France by Roxy Europe (there is a whole complicated story that involves the ASP and Roxy that I won't get into because of the length and complication and my own personal feelings about Roxy/Quiksilver, but suffice it to say that the majority of women longboarders just can't afford the trek to France anymore). Knowing this, Linda decided to run the WWLC without the ASP sanction (ASP International has said that it will continue to sanction the Roxy Europe event, much to the majority of women longboarders' outspoken dismay). So here we are. Not some nefarious plot to take over the world via political this or that, or hidden subplots and intentions... just a group of women who have had to fight and negotiate for what we have today and thought Swami's might be an amazing venue to come together to celebrate a return to our grassroots.
(cont...)
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete(cont...)
ReplyDelete7) When did the Swamis foundation file with the state as a charity?
It will be filed with money generated from the Swami's event directly after the event has been run. The Swami's Foundation is my brainchild. When the proposed Swami's contest began generating feedback from those people I grew up with surfing Encinitas/Cardiff my whole life, I took some of the things they had to say to heart. They spoke of the environmental impact that an event might bring to the area. I get it... I watch people trample low-tide reefs all the time and also see people scrambling down the sandstone cliffs. I worked for a little while with the State Interpreter program that brings education about our coastal regions to local schools and out-of-the-area campers.
I asked what could be done to protect Swami's and I got no responses... just a "stay away". I figured that "no-impact" isn't good enough so I asked Linda if some of the proceeds from the event couldn't go toward creating a Foundation that focused entirely on preserving and protecting the history and environment of Swami's. She is already committed to giving all the proceeds from the event to other non-profits (like Keep-A-Breast, a breast cancer awareness non-profit to celebrate the fact that it is breast cancer awareness month when the contest is proposed) and she thought it was a great idea and has agreed to include The Swami's Foundation as one of these.
I don't have the $2,000 (waitressing doesn't pay a whole lot) to start the paperwork but we would like to have a booth at the proposed street fair with T-shirts (with donated artwork by a local artist) to start to generate the money needed to get this thing rolling. I will personally ensure that all the books will be open to the public and invite anyone who wishes to be a part of this with me. This is only one of the examples of how this event can leave a lasting, positive impact.
On a more personal note, I am working with Linda because she is one of only a few people I know who has the kind of steadfast integrity I respect more than anything else in this world. She doesn't pay me anything nor have I been promised anything in the future... favors, money, etc. Hearing some of the comments being thrown around here and on other forums leaves me wishing you knew her the way I do.
I don't trust big business. I was thrashed by it as a grom trying to "make it" as a professional surfer, so I am sensitive to and respect what everyone here has to say. This isn't "big business" trying to take advantage of anything... it is a group of women who want to put on a 4 day event at Swami's.
Thanks for your time.
Cori Schumacher
gypsivision@hotmail.com
edited: (previous comment deleted in order to edit and add:
"directly after the event has been run.")
If you get your contest it will be over the objections of the majority of surfers in town.
ReplyDeleteBut elitists will pull some strings and charm some non-surfers with power at City Hall who will only be too happy to indulge you.
Have your contest anywhere else in Encinitas or Cardiff with the proper facilities to handle the anticipated crowds.
Cori-Thank you for your candid responses. Can you tell me if the City of Encinitas has already issued the permits needed for this event. Also, how is your organization going to deal with the ADA, since it is my understanding that Swami's is not in complete compliance with the ADA. I could be wrong on this point, so anyone correct me if I am. I would also be interested in how parking will be dealt with, since it is such a large event. Thanks for your future response.
ReplyDeleteHow much did Linda Benson make when she licensed the WWLC name to Roxy for the last 4 years for the contest in Europe?
ReplyDeleteSurfing is Bad. Surfers are Bad. Ban all surfing.
ReplyDeleteCori's answer is fine and dandy but...I still don't understand why the contest needs to be at Swami's.
ReplyDeleteWhat was wrong with Cardiff?
Why move a contest from a location that is perfectly set up to host events like this to another that lacks many vital aspects?
Just sounds too fishy to me. Someone is getting paid somewhere.
Linda isn't dumb, she wouldn't have approached the idea of going to swamis unless the money was there to be made.
i don't buy it!
No CONTEST AT SWAMIS!
Dr. Lorri,
ReplyDeleteThe only question I can answer with certainty pertains to parking. There would be a shuttle running between Moonlight Beach and K Street to alleviate some of the parking concerns.
It is the WWLC that needs to have their books opened up. The charity organization is a side issue. Don't be confused.
ReplyDeleteIf the contest is not held at Swamis, there is no detriment to anyone. You can have it at another location. If this contest (or any contest/event, for that matter) does happen at Swamis, it negatively affects 1,000s of people in the form of restricted beach access for the benefit and profit of a few.
ReplyDeleteWhy press for Swami's? The fact that any number of people feel this strongly against closing off Swamis should be enough to change your mind. No one is against your contest specifically, or discouraging you from holding one at all. Listen to what people are saying: we do not want the beach that we know and love to be off limits for ANY reason.
Cori,
ReplyDeleteHow many contest a year do you think should be held at Swamis?
How many days a year should the taxpayers be blocked from accessing a public resource like Swamis?
Will you help me organize a professional men's boogieboard charity contest to be held at Swamis?
Cori,
ReplyDeleteThe contest is being run by the WWLC not the Swamis Foundation.
Who are the “women longboarders” who have ownership of the WWLC? Do you know any of them? Is there a list?
Maybe you don’t have ownership of the WWLC, but would you promise to withdrawal your support of the contest if Linda does not promise to open up all her books?
How many contest a year do you think should be held at Swamis?
ReplyDeleteThe current going rate is 365... every day someone is out there is a contest. So I'll go with that. ;)
How many days a year should the taxpayers be blocked from accessing a public resource like Swamis? So what you're saying is that there should be no contests anywhere... including those held at the YMCA (skateboarding), those held at public swimming pools, marathons and triathlon that shut the 101 down... ?
Will you help me organize a professional men's boogieboard charity contest to be held at Swamis. Since I don't have any experience with men's boogieboarding I will have to say no. But good luck with that!
Yes, it is true. The contest is being put on by Linda not me but since there were questions regarding The Swami's Foundation, I thought I'd begin a dialogue to answer questions that I could. Not to spoil arguments with clear thinking but this is not an intentional maneuver to redirect your attention away from the questions you have regarding the WWLC.
As far as the "owners" that are women longboarders of the WWLC, these would be any female longboarder who competes in the events. Linda owns the trademark "WWLC". It is the name of an event. The women longboarders voice their opinions to Linda and this is how they "own" their event. The WWLC isn't a corporation. It is an event.
So the issue here is that you believe someone is making a ton of money off this contest, yes? A killing, so much money that they are corrupt, power hungry and crazy for cash. If this is the case, even if Linda were to open up all her books to you and everyone who is of this opinion, you wouldn't believe her anyway. I have one up on ya, I actually trust her. I don't need for her to open her books up to prove to me that she is in integrity.
Oh, I thought you meant move the surf contest to the Encinitas Ranch.
ReplyDelete"I asked what could be done to protect Swami's and I got no responses... just a "stay away"."
ReplyDeleteSo what you're saying is the best way to protect Swamis so people can enjoy it forever is to close it down for 4 days and allow a select group exclusive access to the site? To exclude the tax payers and local residents who use Swamis on a daily basis so a group of out-of-towners can have exclusive rights? And thereby validate it as a viable future venue for contests so we can be precluded from more access to the spot we generously support with our property taxes?
Sounds like the advice was spot on. Leave it alone.
Cori,
ReplyDeleteCan you tell us why the contest will not held at Cardiff Reef (which does have ADA access, ample parking, etc.)? Is it because of difference in fees for use? If that's the main reason, let's just be honest about it.
Here's an idea... hold a fundraiser for the women's longboard contest/protecting Swami's (both physically and its 40-year tradition of no contests)/the Swami's Foundation to pay for the additional fees. It would be a win-win for all parties. $3-5 per person over a year span would add up quick, especially since there are so many people already involved (including many residents of this affluent area). If people are really passionate about their side of the argument, $5 would not be much to see this issue resolved.
The contest would go on with extra support and receive positive media coverage, and would tie the whole community together for a common cause. Maybe we can turn this negative controversy into something positive.
Cori,
ReplyDeleteYou have a lot of integrity and heart to engage people who are not your certain allies. You seen genuine and a little bit naive.
Keep answering honestly and don't lose your cool over the questions then you will make more allies.
It is very easy to take the issue of self promotion and profiteering out of the equation by taking all the profit out of the contest. That should be easy if no one is in it for the salary/profit.
Come to think about it. If there is not much money in all this, does that mean there really won't be much money going to charity? Is it worth excluding the public from Swamis if only token charity is returned to the community?
"...just a group of women who have had to fight and negotiate for what we have today and thought Swami's might be an amazing venue to come together to celebrate a return to our grassroots."
ReplyDeleteAt the expense of everybody else's roots? If you want a grassroots contest, get some jerseys and an air horn and meet up somewhere. Opening up Swamis to contests now and in the future that exclude local residents from access to the beach is the antithesis of grassroots and does nothing but serve a small group.
NO CONTESTS AT SWAMIS!
Cori,
ReplyDeleteOn Linda's Linked In page it says that she is the owner of WWLC Inc. The posters for the contest say WWLC Limited Liability Corporation is putting on the contest. Aren't those private for profit companies? What is going on?
People will no longer think this is about profit when the organizers agree to volunteer their time and take no compensation. Many good events and charities are supported by volunteer efforts. Is this event worth a volunteer effort?
Will you pull your support for the contest if Linda refuses to open her books?
So what you're saying is the best way to protect Swamis so people can enjoy it forever is to close it down for 4 days and allow a select group exclusive access to the site.
ReplyDeleteNo... what I was saying was that we create a foundation that would actively protect Swami's, using funds from a cross-generational event that many in the community are supportive of.
Can you tell us why the contest will not held at Cardiff Reef (which does have ADA access, ample parking, etc.)? Is it because of difference in fees for use? If that's the main reason, let's just be honest about it.
There are probably a variety of reasons the event won't be held at Cardiff... those I can think of are:
1) Swami's is a better wave.
2) The parking is actually about the same, when you think about it. During the Cardiff Jam no one was able to park in the parking lot at Cardiff because it was reserved for the booths. The same will apply at the Swami's event, only the booths will be over at K Street.
3) We won't get necrotizing fasciitis from the lagoon
4) Swami's is within walking distance of (more) hotels, (more) shops and (more) restaurants (which will be a boost for the local economy)
5) The fees are less, it costs about $13,000 to run the event at Cardiff and since Roxy isn't involved, there is the need to work out something more economical.
6) Did I mention Swami's is a better wave?
Here's an idea... hold a fundraiser for the women's longboard contest/protecting Swami's (both physically and its 40-year tradition of no contests)/the Swami's Foundation to pay for the additional fees.
I'm not sure I understand the gist of your event... It's to raise money? I think? If so, again, this contest isn't about making money. I think this is where the big disconnect is. But I don't think I can convince you of this at this point.
There is something that is a little funny about all this "there hasn't been a contest since..." talk. The Swami's Surfing Association has run its interclub contests there before... but no one seems to mention this. Ah well. Details.
"It wasn't about pulling in revenue by any means. It was about the women longboarders; our needs."
ReplyDeleteYour needs? Can you please tell us what your "needs" are as women longboarders?
Do you "need" to have your event at Swamis? Your "needs" will open the door for more restrictions on access as more events happen there.
While we're talking needs... I, and many other people who go there daily, "need" to access Swamis 365 days a year and not worry that a group of few has opened a door that can't be closed and ruined it for many.
On Linda's Linked In page it says that she is the owner of WWLC Inc. The posters for the contest say WWLC Limited Liability Corporation is putting on the contest. Aren't those private for profit companies? What is going on?
ReplyDeleteI'll have to leave that to her to explain.
Cardiff provides a left and a right. Swamis is a right. Swamis is not good at all tides, especially in October when tides are extreme. Cardiff is good on all tides.
ReplyDeleteAs an event organizer will you also be surfing in the event? If yes, isn't that a conflict of interest? If you do well, you'll stand to "profit" from purse winnings.
ReplyDeleteDetails?
ReplyDeleteWhen was the last time the city of encinitas issued the swamis surfing association permits to lease the waves at Swamis?
"I'll have to leave that to her to explain."
ReplyDeleteCori, You are supporting and promoting the contest. You tell us and if you don't know don't you think you should ask. Seems that you don't know some pretty basic stuff. Just saying.
1) Swami's is a better wave.
ReplyDeleteThe best waves are better as swamis but Cardiff is more consistent across sizes and tide.
2) The parking is actually about same.
Good point.
3) We won't get necrotizing fasciitis from the lagoon
Next time you see Cori out at cardiff snake her and remind her how dangerous it is to surf cardiff.
4) Swami's is within walking distance of (more) hotels...
These female longboarders have no money to spend, remember? The spectators might. I don't think people will come and stay overnight to watch a contest.
5) The fees are less, it costs about $13,000
It is not about the money!
Don't forget to answer the question about your support for the contest if Linda doesn't open her books!
ReplyDeleteIt would come across as more sincere and committed to openness if you answered before you asked Linda.
"4) Swami's is within walking distance of (more) hotels...
ReplyDeleteThese female longboarders have no money to spend, remember? The spectators might. I don't think people will come and stay overnight to watch a contest."
How can spectators watch the contest if access to the Swamis parking lot, stairs and beach are restricted?
The competitors that come from out of town will be staying with other long board friends like in say, Oceanside and Pacific Beach. Not in Encinitas hotels. And if they aren't staying in town the majority of money spent on eating out, etc will be spent out of Encinitas. If your aim is to benefit the Encinitas community, you're sadly missing the mark with pressing for this contest to be at Swamis.
I still don't understand how starting a foundation that will sell T-shirts is going to help preserve Swamis. Seems like opening Swamis up as a viable contest venue does more damage in the long run than the revenue from a booth at a fair.
ReplyDeleteIf your cause was valid you'd have plenty of donations or a foundation with this focus would already exist. Swamis doesn't need saving.
And starting the foundation AFTER the contest happens sounds very questionable.
Cori, do you currently live in Encinitas? Do you own a business based in Encinitas or own a home in Encinitas?
ReplyDeleteLinda Benson is a long time Solana Beach resident which means the WWLC is not based in Encinitas, right?
How does holding a contest at Swami's preserve it? Tents, tons of people on the beach at one time, not to mention litter from the crowd (a beach clean up sounds nice but what about high tide the days during the contest?). Adding a ton of traffic to a sensitive environment really doesn't sound like preservation.
ReplyDeleteQuestion: How many contest a year do you think should be held at Swamis?
ReplyDeleteCori's Answer: The current going rate is 365... every day someone is out there is a contest. So I'll go with that. ;)
My response: NO. FAIL. I longboarded Swamis everyday this week and I certainly wasn't competing with anybody.
Think about it and please answer truthfully. How many days a year should there be contest at Swamis?
Anon 8:28 I totally agree. I worry that people from elsewhere will not respect the beach and leave trash behind. People who are there regularly keep it clean. I'm wondering if the beach clean up the day after is planned because it will be necessary to clean up Swamis after wards. This concerns me.
ReplyDeleteHow will possibly trashing the place for a small group of people help save it? The best way to preserve it is to let it be.
We had to destroy the village in order to save it.
ReplyDeleteIf ASP Europe is putting on a sanctioned World Championship, and you gals want to have a world championship here, how does that help women's long boarding?
ReplyDeleteI'm a bit confused. If you need a world champion, that platform already exists. Just because some "don't like it" or "can't afford to go" is unfortunate. But why have two world championships? Doesn't that fragment the women's long boarding movement and discredit both champions?
I mean, it's no secret that women's long boarding is not as big a deal as other parts of competitive surfing and that's unfortunate. But isn't it important in the long run for the advancement of women's long boarding to have the ASP recognition?
I'd be interested to know more about why you gals want to break away and do your own thing?
Good point. ASP is Prosurfing. Granted there is nothing like competition. But if you are the underdog, you need to win over the local and underdog respect.
ReplyDeleteLinda this is not the way you win over respect.
Announce a more appropriate location for the tournament and thank Encinitas for considering hosting the event.
As our Mayor Caldwell would say, " Its all Good!"
Don't forget to answer the question about your support for the contest if Linda doesn't open her books!
ReplyDeleteActually, I already answered this:
"I don't need for her to open her books up to prove to me that she is in integrity."
To put it more clearly, No. I won't be coerced into the "this or that" scenario you would like me to agree to.
I've got to bow out of the conversation at this point. I'm sure this will be seen as some sort of "FAIL" on my part, but I was trying to do my best to clarify some items and feel I've created a rat's nest instead.
Thanks for your (who I never did get a chance to learn the names of) time.
I say JP and Cori fight tonight, right now, mano a mano in the back parking lot at Juanitas.
ReplyDeleteI'm clearing out the cars as we speak and have a large, cold horchata waiting for each of them.
Let's settle this thing...
"I don't need for her to open her books up to prove to me that she is in integrity."
ReplyDeleteNo one is questioning Linda's integrity. People are questioning if this is a for profit operation or if it is for charity.
It looks real bad when Linda won't open her books and when Cori refuses to support opening the books.
Linda didn't come on her talking up the charity. It was Cori. Cori bowed out because she is putting the for profit contest above her integrity.
I still wonder whether a permit by the City has been issued. Will check into it and report back. Seems strange that a venue this large would not have to go before the Parks and Rec. staff or Commission. I know it did not go thru the COmmission, but I will check with staff. Perhaps we will know more, at least from the City. Does anyone have a problem with me doing this? Speak now or forever hold your peace. I don't surf and have NO vested interest in this in case it does go before the Commission.
ReplyDeleteWhere will the crowds hang out? On the bluff, the stairs, or the SRF, on San Elijo, or the rip rap with the geezer pot heads? Or maybe trampling the reefs at low tide? Its all good if you hate Swami's.
ReplyDeleteI've read through this blog. While I am saddened by the attacks on Cori and my motives, character and integrity, I am certainly learning that it comes with the territory of suggesting change. This will be my one attempt to respond on this blog to some of the financial questions.
ReplyDeleteI am a retired flight attendant and receive a pension. I drive a 2003 cargo van.
In 2005, Hank Raymond who began the Women's World Longboard Championships (WWLC) asked if I would take over spearheading the event for the women. He thought it was time for a woman to do so. I met with groups of women who supported going forward with the event. A friend who is an attorney set up the WWLC, Inc. at no cost to us. I was the sole owner with the competitors as advisors. We had just enough funds that year to cover the prize money and the event costs which included equipment, staff, etc. There was not enough funds for me to collect any fees including working as contest director. In 2006, the contest went to France and I dissolved the corporation so that I wouldn't have to pay the yearly corporate fee of $800. At Hank's suggestion, I did register a trademark for the event.
In 2006, I signed a 3 year contract with Roxy for which I received no licensing fees. They were able to use the trademark 'WWLC' for the contest in France. In return Roxy U.S. would sponsor, and get other sponsors, for the Roxy Jam Cardiff which was the U.S. Championship. Along with all workers at the contest, I received a one-time event fee each year as contest director from Roxy.
The WWLC today is not a corporation. It was erroneously labeled LLC on a recent flier. I still hold SurfHER LLC which is the company and account that I used for funds for the Roxy Jams at Cardiff. Roxy U.S. did not have the funds to continue to support the Roxy Jam at Cardiff. Nor in Waikiki. Nor the shortboard event at Sunset Beach. Roxy Europe, by contrast, is financially very strong.
My SurfHER account currently has $761.36. That includes a $1,000 private donation last month for the account that $300 of which has gone to creating a marketing powerpoint being sent to potential sponsors for next year's event.
After I received overwhelming support in a recent world-wide survey from the women competitors to return the original world contest to the U.S., a couple of months ago I registered WWLC with the county clerk as a fictitious name under SurfHER LLC. A bank account has not yet been opened for the WWLC and will not until we attain funds from sponsors. When established, those 'books' can certainly be open to the public.
For those of you so passionately against our event, you may be relieved to know that getting sponsors is very challenging during this economic time. We have one supporting response so far, but have not yet signed a contract. If we do get a permit from the city and have the needed funds from sponsors, all funds will go to pay for the event and any profits will go to non-profits including Keep A Breast. We are also planning to support the establishment of Cori's dream to give back to Swaimi's. Funds raised by the legend's surfboard raffle will not go toward the event at all but are earmarked solely for non-profits.
Thank you.
Linda Benson
Linda,
ReplyDeleteIn order to justify your contest you are proposing it as a solution to a problem that doesn't exist -- there are no threats to Swami's today. The only thing threatening Swamis is your blind ambition to restrict Encinitas resident's access to the beach.
Haven't you thought that getting sponsors is a problem because no one wants to touch this controversy?
ReplyDeleteLinda,
ReplyDeleteThank you for being willing to engage all the anonymous opponents.
Your response is very well written. It should make some people feel better and make others wonder why danced around some of the details and didn't address all the issues.
Cori's dream is to give back to Swamis? Give me a break! What has she done so far?
ReplyDeleteIf this contest is turned away from Swamis how much do you want to bet that Cori's support for Swamis ends right there?
All of this non-profit/charity talk is just a smoke screen to act as a shield from criticism and to push your agenda.
It is nice that people are supporting the WWLC with donated legal services. I wonder if Linda will be donating her time. She drives a cargo van and it sounds like she isn't making much money. She might be looking for income. In her articulate letter she did not mention how much money she would be taking from the contest.
ReplyDeleteLinda should just come out and say she is doing this for the girls and volunteering her time and then all you donkey critics will have to shut up.
So many of the comments revolve around this issue so it is funny that Linda did not mention her personal compensation
Linda I do not surf and have no dog in this fight but I have been saddened by the attacks on JP's character for his position on the contest. Please do not pull the victim card.
ReplyDeleteCori's dream is to surf Swamis with 3 other people in the water. It's my dream too.
ReplyDeleteLinda,
ReplyDeleteYou lost half the surf community when you decided to have a SUP race during your contest.
You learn a lot about someone’s character by surfing with them. I’ve surfed with Cori a lot and I can’t imagine her to scamming the community. On the other hand Linda and Cori did leave the door open to many concerns and they should expect challenging questions.
ReplyDeleteI’m glad to see their willingness to educate people is appreciated by combative anonymous posters on this blog.
With regards to open books, that is something the city should require when charity events are based on the use of public property.
I too am a fan of Cori and would sponsor her if I had the resources. I've always like Linda Benson. I am friends with several of the pro longboard girls so this experience has been awkward. I did not start the petition and did not want to become the face of the opposition.
ReplyDeleteFor the record I am against any and all contest at Swamis. If Kelly Slater himself showed up and wanted to launch his new ESPN Rebel Tour at Swamis I would fight him tooth and nail and never, ever give up.
Kelly would never be stupid enough to try and privatize Swamis.
ReplyDeleteKelly has respect for the soul of surfing.
Lets ask Laird. Should privatization be allowed at swamis?
PUBLIC beaches with exceptional waves there will be always be the seagulls crying MINE, MINE, MINE. When are localized people going to grow up and realize people, outsiders, contests, corporations are not going to go away. What are YOU going to do about it, instead of pointing the finger, (which is useless) what benefits and compromises (not sacrifice) are you doing to do to improve the situation?
ReplyDeleteDo Swami's club have contest that do not permit outsiders in? Sounds like a Swami's mafia to me. I want to see your club books. Maybe you are the problem. Trying to control much so you get every wave and not share?
Swami's surfers need to show some love, that's what they are about right!? Pro Longboarding Women should be able to surf an amazing wave especially if the small profits they receive will be returned back into the community. It has said you will see the books and have proof that it is done. If you want to blame money grubbers blame ASP and Roxy for not allowing non-sponsored girls to participate therefore killing the sport all together.
Cowards do not ask the big corporations for their books. Why? You realized Roxy at least helped preserve the lagoon and you should ask for their books first.
Try sharing. I'm have American Indian in me and I do NOT think all this land is mine just because my roots are here. I know that to create harmony one must share and compromise. One is stupid to think that there is no money or obligations involved in anything we do even for free, but if the work is equal and compromises are made, improvements can be done for the community. I do not want to live being on guard holding my bow and arrow to everyone that crosses my boundaries. How about I give you an organic tomato for one of your organic avocado and we can both enjoy them. Unless of course it's all about you?
Take a wave, give a wave regardless of anyone's surfing level. Respect and share.
By the way all the people that oppose sharing waves with a woman championship...here are some questions for you:
ReplyDeleteWho do you work for?
Is it a corporation?
What have you done to preserve Swami's and did you make sure every bodies knows while you snake them?
Have you done anything in your life that only benefits everyone else other then yourself? (This doesn't include your family) Did you expect things from your good deed?
Do you know the impact when you step on the reef?
Have you ever tried to fix the problems in city hall?
What is the solution or compromise to improving Swami's natural reserve, contest, corporations, city hall, WWLC?
What are YOU going to do about it other than telling others what THEY SHOULD DO?
Stop trying to play the gender card you babbling fool.
ReplyDeleteNO CONTEST AT SWAMIS.
Even a fifth grader can understand that. Why not you?
Someone is grabbing at straws to save this contest idea.
ReplyDeleteBy the way all the people that oppose sharing waves with a woman championship...here are some questions for you:
ReplyDeleteWho do you work for?
I work for one of the largest private employers in San Diego. It is a corporation. The company does not run any sporting events.
What have you done to preserve Swami's?
I donated to an organization that helped work on the new marine reserve system and I signed the no contest at swamis petition to keep commercial operations and surfing for money out of the lineup.
Have you done anything in your life that only benefits everyone else other then yourself?
ReplyDeleteI donate my time and money to several organizations that help people and expect nothing in return, not even recognition.
Do you know the impact when you step on the reef?
Yes I do. The reef in our intertidal zone is a disturbance oriented habitat and there was no reason to shut out surfers from swamis. Reefs in other places are more sensitive.
Have you ever tried to fix the problems in city hall?
I donate contributions to good council candidates and I don't sign endorsement letters for Dan Dalager.
What are YOU going to do about it other than telling others what THEY SHOULD DO?
By signing the petition I am telling the WWLC that the should not shove this down my throat. The WWLC is telling me what to do. They are telling me to go surf Cardiff. If Linda needs some help running a contest at a traditional contest site I will help her.
"PUBLIC beaches with exceptional waves there will be always be the seagulls crying MINE, MINE, MINE. When are localized people going to grow up and realize people, outsiders, contests, corporations are not going to go away. "
ReplyDeleteI thought Linda and Cori were locals and what are you talking about. Every other surf org and corporation has stayed away from Swamis.
What are YOU going to do about it, instead of pointing the finger, (which is useless) what benefits and compromises (not sacrifice) are you doing to do to improve the situation?
I'm going to fight to keep one money oriented group from excluding others at swamis.
Do Swami's club have contest that do not permit outsiders in? Sounds like a Swami's mafia to me. I want to see your club books. Maybe you are the problem. Trying to control much so you get every wave and not share?
That is insane? The club is not trying to take over the beach for four days and I think they are a non profit so their filings are available for review.
Swami's surfers need to show some love, that's what they are about right!?
The WWLC is the bully.
If you want to blame money grubbers blame ASP and Roxy for not allowing non-sponsored girls to participate therefore killing the sport all together.
Linda is very nice and she owns the WWLC. How the contest is run is her decision. If she is not willing to stand up for girls it is time to find someone who will.
Roxy ADMITS they are a for PROFIT venture. Roxy is not taking over swamis for $300 a day.
"Try sharing. "
ReplyDeleteIt is Linda who is bullying the community. There are no contests at swamis and anybody can surf there unless the WWLC takes over for 4 days.
"I do NOT think all this land is mine"
ReplyDeleteNeither do I and that is why I signed the petition against the contest. If the contest goes through Linda will own swamis for four days. She will be the only person to own swamis.
"I know that to create harmony one must share and compromise."
ReplyDeleteThat is why it was unwise for Linda to work behind the scenes before working with the people who surf.
Respect and share.
Linda did not respect the surfing population and she is not trying to share. She is trying to own swamis for four days. Will anybody else be allowed to own Swamis?
Linda should have the contest at Pipes because that is where she surfs. Linda hasn't surfed Swamis since the 1960s but she still claims it as her personal property.
ReplyDeleteYes, puny human. Or perhaps at Moonlight because that is where she says she learned to first surf.
ReplyDeleteI own Swamis. Not Linda.
ReplyDeleteAll of you have the right to state how you feel about having a contest at Swami's. 50% are against the idea and 50% are pro. I hear and understand what both sides are saying. If you think about it... everyone is right! Not having the contest would be best for Swamis beach and the locals, having the WWLC contest at Swamis would be a plus for the women. The city council will have to decide. It's important that we all go to the meeting January 19th. I hope when we're all at this meeting that the local surfers from Swami's represent themselves in a professional manner, different from the way some of this blog has been written. Will the city council listen to you if you approach them in this way?
ReplyDeletePlease keep the focus of this discussion on the fact that you don't want the contest at Swami's, to protect the beach. Do not disrespect my daughter Cori and my dear friend Linda. Their focus has always been to support the women longboarders not to make big money.