It was a perfect day for a race.

December 4th, 2004

SANTA BARBARA SLALOM RACE

Santa Barbara, CA

words by David Hackett and Jack Smith

photos by Dan Levy

The Santa Barbara Slalom Race was held at Shoreline Drive - Ledbetter Beach Area in Santa Barbara, yesterday Dec. 4th
The race was held on 11' wide bike path, with an ok surface (a little rough) but challenging. Perfect for a med hard to softer wheel. When OLSON and I showed up the legendary JIM O'MAHONEY from 70's SKATEBOARD MAGAZINE fame was there helping with the registration, as was Japan's first skateboarding pro- The Legendary 'AKI AKIYAMA'
The single lane course was set to accomodate all ability levels so OLSON and I were stoked! Some of the SB locals joined in and gave it a go between their heats in all the other competitions at the Surf Festival which included Ping Pong, Surfing, Paddleboard racing, Indo Board competition, live music, and of course- Bikini watching!
Jack set the course, and then held the riders meeting informing the 25+ racers that the course would be an 'Open Format' Jam session starting at 10:00 AM and would be open until 12 Noon.
Everyone had a blast talkin' smack while waiting in line for their turn and checking out the beautiful beach, bikinis, and waves in the sun. We had a few small problems with the timer, but we got over it and continued the race.
I think I laid down my 2 fastest runs during the time when the timer didn't work- (I could have sworn I beat OLSON'S sub 20 second (19.66) run! (HA HA!!)
We all had a great time, and torn the crap out of the local skatepark afterwards! If you ever get a chance to go to Santa Barbara- GO! It is beatiful and the locals are cool as SH!T. Total groovy little surf town with good vibes.

- David Hackett

A few thanks... from Jack Smith
Terry Benko-Brown for keeping times and keeping us moving.
Bill Boothbee for bringing the timer(s) and cones. Bill has also been coaching the Rivera brothers and Connor Cunnigham, watch out for these groms next year!
Tiger Williams and Mike Gorman for helping out with starter duty.
Adrian Pina for the score sheets.
Nick Krest for taking over registration while I set the course.
David Baker - all around goood guy, always willing to lend a hand.
The SB Ocean Festival, Chris Keets.
It was very cool to meet Jim O'Mahoney after all these years, back in the early 70's I read about the events he was doing and it inspired me to hold contests in Morro Bay.
Another page of Skateboarder Magazine came to life when Aki Akiyama walked up to the registration table and introdyced himself.
And of course my wife, Maurine, for supporting all my slalom activities, I'm a lucky guy.

Here are the complete results:
Open Men:
Racer--------------------Time
Steve Olson-------------19.66
David Hackett-----------20.25
Johnny Miller-----------20.94
Jack Smith--------------21.06
Mike Gorman-------------22.44
Tiger Williams----------22.80
David Baker-------------22.88
John Bruzenak-----------23.11
Bill Boothbee-----------24.27
Nick Krest--------------25.15
Mike K.-----------------25.20
Lynn Cooper-------------25.70
Robbie Olhiser----------25.72
Aki Akiyama-------------25.76
Kats Akiyama------------25.97
Andrew Lanes------------26.04
Mark Sherwood-----------26.65
Jim O'Mahoney-----------26.92
Rich Stephens-----------27.01
Dan Cavalheiro----------27.04
Open Women:
Lynn Kramer-------------23.61
Jr. Women
Keli Benko--------------28.52
Boys:
Sam Rivera--------------24.69
Conner Cunningham-------29.81
Max Rivera--------------31.12
All Classes combined:
Steve Olson-------------19.66
David Hackett-----------20.25
Johnny Miller-----------20.94
Jack Smith--------------21.06
Mike Gorman-------------22.44
Tiger Williams----------22.80
David Baker-------------22.88
John Bruzenak-----------23.11
Lynn Kramer-------------23.61
Bill Boothbee-----------24.27
Sam Rivera-----------24.69
Nick Krest--------------25.15
Mike K.-----------------25.20
Lynn Cooper-------------25.70
Robbie Olhiser----------25.72
Aki Akiyama-------------25.76
Kats Akiyama------------25.97
Andrew Lanes------------26.04
Mark Sherwood-----------26.65
Jim O'Mahoney-----------26.92
Rich Stephens-----------27.01
Dan Cavalheiro----------27.04
Keli Benko--------------28.52
Conner Cunningham-------29.81
Max Rivera--------------31.12