Just north of the hustle and bustle of Pacific Beach’s lively boardwalk scene is a quaint surf haven favored by a few longboarding old-timers and sprinkled with its fair share of the younger, so-called “groms.” No matter the age, surfers at Tourmaline Canyon Surfing Park remain young at heart, thanks to the medicinal quality of the gently rolling breakers and quiet lull of the sunlit ocean. Despite its nearness to the more crowded central PB, the surf park serves as a port of refuge for those who wish to escape the more rollicking crowds. It’s a place where, for nearly 50 years, surfers have come together in camaraderie and enjoyed the sets together. The somewhat secluded surf spot, tucked away at the bottom of a steep, descending slope and nestled between a canyon crevice, was the first park in America to be officially designated for surfing — an achievement that came to fruition through the dedicated efforts of the Pacific Beach Surf Club in 1965. Tourmaline Canyon Surfing Park is now the club’s pride and joy. Over the past year, the local surf club — under the leadership of member Greg Miller — has undertaken beautification projects that have included resurfacing and restriping the once pothole-ridden parking lot, revitalizing the restrooms with a new mural and fresh coat of paint, and rebuilding the fence that runs along the north side of the parking lot —– and all just in time for the Pacific Beach Surf Club’s biggest annual event — the Summer Longboard Classic, on Saturday, June 9. The contest, now in its 14th year, draws out longboarders ages 7 to 70 for some friendly competition in the waves, while area locals can enjoy the surf festival on land. And it’s all for a good cause. This year, proceeds from the event will benefit Surfer’s Healing, a nonprofit foundation dedicated to enriching the lives of autistic youth by exposing them to the unique experience of surfing through day camps. “In essence, the club’s annual Summer Longboard Classic is a chance for us to give something back to our local surf community, inspire young, up-and-coming groms to get involved with family-friendly surf competitions such as this contest, and find new recruits to join the club’s competition team, which is one of the Coalition of Surfing Club’s top 10 clubs,” said Pacific Beach Surf Club’s historian Richard Steadham. In addition to age group heats, the surf club will host Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) divisions for men and women, as well as the always-popular Dog and Cat heats for competitors who do not make it past the first rounds. “The contest vibe is very mellow with lots of aloha. Everyone is rooting for all competitors in the water to do well,” Steadham said. In addition to marveling at the talent of surfers hitting the waves, spectators at the event will have plenty to enjoy on land. While supplies last, contest sponsors like Specialty Produce, Turquoise Coffee and The French Gourmet will provide coffee, hot chocolate, orange juice, pastries and fresh fruit to competitors and spectators at no charge. Local surfers’ favorite Mexican joint, Taco Surf, will also provide burritos at the noon break. As usual, the surf club will also raffle off highly coveted surfboards from area shapers, glassers and surf shops, and contest-related memorabilia will be on sale for a nominal fee. For a quick escape from the daily grind, look no further than PB’s own backyard on Saturday, June 9 for a laid-back surf contest that emphasizes friendly camaraderie among neighbors, friends and competitors alike. The contest will take place from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the newly revamped surfing park, located at the westernmost point of Tourmaline Street off La Jolla Boulevard. Contest participants are urged to sign up ahead of time to guarantee entry, however entries will be accepted on the day of the event, time permitting. For more information or to sign up, visit www.pacificbeachsurfclub.org.