Still Time to Sign Up for Grom Classic Surf Contest

Young surfers will take to Imperial Beach's waves Saturday for the 3rd Annual Katy's Endless Summer Grom Classic.

Groms from IB and Eastlake and Coronado Middle School surf teams are expected to compete.

As of Thursday afternoon, 8 slots were still open for surfers in five categories ranging from 8 and under to 16 and under.

To sign up, call or visit Katy's Cafe on Seacoast Drive.

The competition will take place a block south of the Palm Avenue jetty near the end of Dahlia Avenue and Seacoast Drive. First heat begins around 7 a.m.

Surfing will be followed by a barbecue and awards ceremony.

As has become tradition, hand-made trophies by photographer and artist Greg Broadfoot will be given to winners.

Top point earners can win a customized Natural Selection surfboard and prizes from Reef, Oakley and DaKine which will be revealed Saturday.

"I really don't know what were going to have. It's one big surprise," said Katy Fallon, owner of Katy's Cafe and founder of the free surf contest.

"This community's youth are full of energy. It's great to see so much neighborhood involvement," she said.

Holding the contest in September instead of October may make a real difference, she said. Warmer temperatures on the first day of fall may allow contestants and the crowd to wear "board shorts, trunks and bikinis instead of UGG boots and hoodies."

Photographer and surf commentator Manny Vargas is one of the event's main organizers. Now in its third year, "Andrew Pate from Oakley brought the surfing community together to make this event the largest yet," Vargas said.

Businesses like TNT Surf, Surf Hut and Natural Selection Surfboards will continue to support the competition together with new sponsors Oakley, Vans, DaKine, Lost, Coronado Brewing Company and Vitamin Water.

IB Yoga will help kids stretch on the beach.

Katy's Endles Summer Grom Classic T-shirts are available for purchase now.