The hugely popular Rob Machado Surf Experience festival returns once again to Cardiff State Beach “Seaside” this weekend, September 26th-28th. If it’s anything like previous RMSE events, it’ll be SRO! Here’s some history. From 1996 to 2005, The Experience brought thousands of surfers & music lovers to Cardiff for the event and competition. More and more came each year, so much so, that the event quickly outgrew itself. The Experience had to take a hiatus after the 2005 event, which also featured the hugely popular band Switchfoot.
The beach then grew quiet, but the golf course did not…
While [temporarily!] gone from the beach, the Rob Machado Golf Experience continued to raise funds for local projects supported by the Rob Machado Foundation. The Foundation believes in preserving the beaches, supporting children & education, and improving Rob’s hometown of Cardiff-by-the-Sea. With the return of both fund raising efforts, a variety of charities can benefit. One in particular, the Cardiff Education Foundation’s Recycle Project, could keep more than 18 tons of garbage out of local landfills – per year!
What’s happening on the surf…
At Seaside Reef, the triathlon-style surf competition will rate competitors in longboard, shortboard and paddling, and a King & Queen of the Reef will be named. This year, The Cardiff Green Expo will showcase environmentally safe products to enjoy both at home, and on the beach. [Rob on being green with KPBS.] There will also be a variety of contests, exhibits, and live music featuring local bands.
While organizers plan for the event to be smaller than its large 2005 numbers, parking is still limited and crowds still strong. Why not take advantage of the Breeze or the Coaster? Both have stops just south of the festival location in neighboring Solana Beach, and offer a very short walk to Cardiff State Beach.
What’s happening on the turf…
The Rob Machado Golf Experience is guaran-teed (sorry, couldn’t help myself) to bring the fun back to the greens when it hits the Lomas Santa Fe Country Club on Monday, September 28th. Shotgun start, prizes for longest drive and closest to the pin. Continental breakfast, lunch and dinner. Rumor has it there may be unusual golf clubs and unorthodox attire – not for the traditionalist!
For more history & details, read Union Tribune article “A swell time returns.“
Images © Rob Machado Foundation
