BRANDON BULLOCK

BY JAKE HOWARD

When it comes to a little community rattle and hum, few events out there do it like the Vissla Cosmic Creek Surf Festival. And while the bands play, the pros dazzle and the shapers whittle, deep down it’s about connecting past, present and future generations—which is where this week’s Grom of the Week comes in.

Taking out the highly competitive Under 14 division was Dana Point’s own Brandon Bullock. Facing a stacked field and riding boards that were shaped decades before he was born,

According to its website, the task force’s labs “measure fecal indicator bacteria levels in recreational waters and compare them to water quality standards set to protect public health.”

Focusing on stormwater outlets, rivers, and creeks, one of its primary objectives is to fill in where agency-run beach monitoring programs may miss.

The folks at Surfrider have been busy lately. Prior to the release of the 2022 Clean Water Report, it announced a new global campaign called the “Ocean Needs More Friends.” The objective here is to grow the pond, so to speak, and “rally one million friends to fight plastic and water pollution, climate change and threats to the ocean and coasts.”

“The ocean makes up most of our planet and plays a crucial role in our health and survival,” Eddie Anaya, Surfrider senior director of Marketing and Communications, said in a press statement.

“Unfortunately, this precious resource has been abused by human impacts for far too long. And now, more than ever, the ocean needs more friends to help us urge decision-makers to enact meaningful ocean conservation policies,” Anaya continued.

From sharing messages on social media, to getting involved with the community signing the online pledge and more, there are plenty of ways to remain active with this new campaign. Already putting their muscle behind the effort are Pearl Jam front man Eddie Vedder, world champ surfer Carissa Moore and singer/ actor Jaden Smith.

More information can be found at surfrider.org.

And while we’re still waiting for some consistent sun, summer’s here. Let’s keep it clean out there.

Jake Howard is a local surfer and freelance writer who lives in San Clemente. A former editor at Surfer magazine, The Surfer’s Journal and ESPN, today he writes for several publications, including Picket Fence Media, Surfline and the World Surf League. He also works with philanthropic organizations such as the Surfing Heritage and Culture Center and the Positive Vibe Warriors Foundation. DP

Surf Forecast

Bullock looked perfectly comfortable on the Dick Brewer twin-fin.

“Thanks to the Dana Point Surf Club and all the sponsors that made this fun event possible,” Bullock shared on Instagram. “It was super fun surfing ’70s and ’80s twin- and single-fins. I love it.”

When he’s not styling on weird, old boards, you’ll find 13-year-old Bullock leading the charge for the Marco Surf Team. A savvy competitor, he finished fifth overall in the Orange County Division 1 rankings this year. He’s also a resident fixture among the WSA and NSSA ranks.

An explosive regular-footer, this kid is just getting started. Keep an eye on him; it’s shaping up to be an epic summer for Bullock. DP

If you have a candidate for Grom of the Week, we want to know. Send an email to jakehoward1@gmail.com.

Water Temperature: 61-63 Degrees

Water Visibility: 4-6’

Outlook: Fading S swell on Friday with mainly waist to chest high waves, (3-4’), while best breaks still hit head high, (5’), in the morning. The trend towards smaller surf continues through the weekend, with Sunday’s waves running thigh to waist high, (2-3’). For Friday and Saturday, light/variable winds in the early mornings, shift to moderate WSW onshores by the afternoons. Moderate S veering SW winds previal on Sunday.

Performance are Thur., Fri., and Sat. at 7:30 pm and Sun. at 2 pm. Tickets are $28.