OCEANSIDE — Longboarders of all ages hit the waves of Oceanside to compete in four days of competition from Aug. 14 to Aug. 17. The Oceanside Longboard Club put on the event that drew 27 California longboard clubs, and close to 300 competitors, from Pacific Beach to Santa Cruz.

All of the competing clubs were part of the longboard coalition, according to Jim Arganda, Oceanside Longboard Club board member.

The event is a standalone competition that starts with 12 years old and under competitors, and climbs by 10-year increments, to the 60 and older legends competition. Scores are also tallied toward team and individual yearly standings.

Each age group seems to bring their own unique style to the sport. “Forty-plus surf the more traditional, cruising style, it’s about how the board cuts the wave,” Jim Dudley, 1999 president of Oceanside Longboard Club and present member, said. “Eighteen-to-39-year-olds are influenced by smaller boards and have more vertical moves. Twelve-to-17-year-olds are still developing their skills. The sport is always evolving with equipment and technology changes.”

Plenty of new surfboards were on display including collectable boards shaped by Guy Takayama, professional surfer, board shaper, event sponsor and Oceanside Longboard Club vice president.

“We all volunteer for this event,” Takayama said. “It’s the biggest of its type in California. Proceeds go to junior high and high school surf teams, and the Helen Woodward Animal Society.”

If you’re wondering how dogs fit into the picture, the Longboard Club sponsors the surfing dog contest held at Dog Beach in Del Mar on Sept. 7.

For contest results, visit www.oceansidelongboardclub.org.