By Steve Breazeale and Andrea Swayne
The seventh annual Mickey Munoz Mongoose Cup stand-up paddleboard event and expo took place at Baby Beach in the Dana Point Harbor on April 9.
Despite some stormy weather, dozens of local SUP enthusiasts, from beginners to professionals, flocked to the beach to join surfing legend and paddle sports enthusiast Munoz, 78, for camaraderie, competition and compassion.
“We had a solid event and a great turnout, despite the inclement weather,” said event coordinator Barrett Tester. “It shows what a strong paddling community we have here in Dana Point and San Clemente, and south Orange County in general. People are very enthusiastic about the sport and really wanted to come out to support the cause. It was a really great time.”
The event raised funds for the Sport of Kings Foundation, an all-volunteer nonprofit that helps those in the surfboard manufacturing industry in California by “continuously evolving to meet their health and human services needs,” from counseling and referrals, to temporary emergency financial assistance with medical and other bills.
“It was a wonderful event; great to see the community come together,” said Mike Muir, Sport of Kings Foundation president. “In the surfboard manufacturing industry there is no safety net to speak of, no pensions and benefits. The event is a way for us to join together to support those in need. I heard someone say it best at the event, ‘It was great to see the tribe back together again.’”
Click here to see video of the event blessing performed by Duke Aipa.
RESULTS: Top five finishers in each event
MEN SPORT OF KINGS RACE:
1. Danny Ching (0:04:04)
2. Nick Scheel (0:04:06)
3. Dave Boehne (0:04:08)
4. Daniel Russell (0:04:11)
5. Chance Fielder (0:04:18)
WOMEN SPORT OF KINGS RACE:
1. Shae Foudy (0:04:25)
2. Jade Howson (0:04:28)
3. Lexi Alston (0:04:30)
4. Alexandria Higginson (0:04:32)
5. Sarah Messina (0:04:37)
MEN TIME TRIAL 14’:
1. Danny Ching (0:10:45)
2. Brennan Rose (0:11:10)
3. Daniel Russell (0:11:23)
4. Rob Rojas (0:12:01)
5. EJ Johnson (0:12:09)
MEN TIME TRIAL 12’6”:
1. Danny Ching (0:10:53)
2. Daniel Russell (0:11:26)
3. Karl Ring (0:11:28)
4. Nick Scheel (0:11:31)
5. Taylor Rambo (0:11:34)
WOMEN TIME TRIAL 12’6”:
1. Shae Foudy (0:12:09)
2. Lexi Alston (0:12:27)
3. Jade Howson (0:12:28)
4. Bailey Rosen (0:12:32)
5. Alexandria Higginson (0:12:34)
JUNIORS/GROMS TIME TRIAL 12’6”:
1. Ryland Hart (0:11:39)
2. Gavin Mencinsky (0:12:37
3. Trevor Bashor (0:12:57)
4. Zeke Rose (0:13:08)
5. Dax McPhillips (0:13:19)
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