MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – West Coast and East Coast Marines always fight for bragging rights on which coast is better. In the battle of the rivals at the Redbull Rivals Surfing Competition, East Coast proved victorious.
Nineteen Marines and one sailor competed in the Redbull Rivals Surf Competition to take the title for their coast, at Del Mar Beach aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., July 28.
Redbull sponsored the event for Marines who graduated from rival recruit training depots, Marine Corps Recruit Training Depot San Diego and MCRD Parris Island, to battle on the water for bragging rights, each other’s surfboards and the title of best coast for the year.
This is the second annual surfing event Redbull has hosted and sponsored. Last year the West Coast won the competition.
“We came out to redeem ourselves from last year,” said Warrant Officer John Jencura, a warrant officer with 1st Intelligence Battalion,Camp Pendleton and New Smyrna Beach, Fla., native. Jencura was the East Coast team captain.
The West Coast and East Coast teams both had 10 members and surfed for 100 minutes. Each surfer rode three waves and were judged on their two best waves earning points for their respective team.
Winning the title was not the only thing gained from this competition. All the surfers who competed agreed the competition was about camaraderie, good sportsmanship and fitness among Marines.
“Camaraderie and fitness go hand in hand for any Marine, and winning as a team really promotes both of those,” said Jencura.
However, bragging rights were rightfully given to the East Coast team as the West Coast handed over their surf boards.
“It was awesome to win for the East Coast,” said Sgt. John Taylor, a logistics officer with Combat Logistics Battalion with Camp Pendleton and West Palm Beach, Fla., native.
After the competition, the surfers stayed for the night surfing session where all the surfers enjoyed the waves and free-style surfing.
Redbull intends to continue the competition annually for Marines who are always ready for some friendly competition.
“I definitely want to do this again, so East Coast can keep the surfing title,” said Taylor.
Until next year, it looks like East Coast will wear the title of surf champions between the two rivals.