WE had great fun. The weather was perfect and we had many spectators, more than 150 surfers competed . On Saturday we also had a paddle competition --the inaugural MPA Paddle-- a 4.5 mile paddleboard and SUP race from the Imperial Beach Pier to the Tijuana River Mouth MPA and back
On amateur day Sunday (Sep 29) we had all age competitors enjoying good waves.
This year the Dempsey highlighted the need to enjoy and respect local marine protected areas or MPAs in San Diego County, including the nearby Tijuana River Mouth MPA.
The Dempsey benefit’s the efforts of WILDCOAST to preserve the coast and ocean.
“This was a soulful, grassroots surfing event that brings our community together and is a fitting tribute to Dempsey Holder, the first surfer in Imperial Beach and a big wave surfing pioneer who rode the Tijuana Sloughs starting in the 1930s,” said WILDCOAST Executive Director Serge Dedina.
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Generous sponsors of the Dempsey this year included the County of San Diego, Pacific Realty, Isle Surf and SUP, JS Industries, Alan Cunniff Construction, URT, APS Marine Services and Equipment, Cow-A-Bunga, IB Fitness, The Surfer’s Journal, Pawa, UAPO, Katy’s Café, 7 Mile and Surf Hut. Sand Dollar provided custom jewelry to the winners of the girls divisions.
