Beta Surf Competition makes waves at Pacific Beach

 This past Saturday there were plenty of waves to be had at the Beta Theta Pi surf competition.  Pacific Beach was bustling with Beta memberss hosting the event and surfers in wetsuits.  The conditions were rather small, but it was still glassy with a workable shoulder.  It was best for longboarding, but a few die hard short boarders attempted to catch some of the action too. 

 The surf competition was held in order to raise money for Life Rolls On. 

Jesse Billauer started Life Rolls On after suffering a neck injury while surfing a dangerous sandbar. The charity is aimed at finding a cure for paralysis.  

Despite being paralyzed from the upper abdomen down, Jesse continues to surf breaks like Malibu with friends.  A couple of years ago, he visited USD to promote his cause, which may have been the seed of inspiration for senior Beta Fred Myrtle, who proposed the event initially and turned it into reality by lifeguard tower 23.  

The event went off without a hitch. As competitors drew their own lines in the water with judges watching earnestly, others cheered their friends on from the beach.  

The USD surf team had a few of their surfers compete in the competition. Some Alumni from USD were present. 

Chipotle made a donation of burritos for hungry surfers,  and the weather was perfect, as it usually is in San Diego. 

The success from this year may have inspired the Betas to host a similar event annually.  They hope to build upon it and make it a prominent event for the students of USD as well as the community.