When firefighters and their families hit the waves during the Ray Mayo Longboard Classic, they “hang 10” for charity. Organizer and LAFD Firefighter III Ray Mayo sees the event as a fun low-key way to raise money for the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund.
The late Juan Ojeda, a friend of Ray’s and fellow LAFD member, started the event just by doing what he liked to do. Ray said, “We used to go surfing every day off.” Two decades later, the annual event brings active firefighters and retirees to San Onofre’s “Old Man” beach, south of San Clemente, California.
Retired LAFD Captain II Joe Teijeira has attended every year and he doesn’t even hit the water. “You don’t have to surf,” he said, “just come out to the barbecue. It’s all about brotherhood and sisterhood.” Camaraderie isn’t the only reason to go, however. He said, “They do so much for Widows & Orphans.”
There are no contests and no prizes-just food (prepared by Fire Station 64), fun, music and surfing. Ray enlists the help of his LAFD surfing buddies to put the event together: Paul Reyes, Dave Jaureguy, Wes Schroeder, Garret Lew, “Wild Bill” James, Keith Kenoi, Dave Zar and Jim Tsarofski. Sponsors kick in funds and raffle prizes and people simply pay an entry fee, part of which goes to Widows & Orphans. How they then spend the time is up to each attendee. And the only rule seems to be: Have a good time.
“Every Mayo Classic, we have about 15 guitar and ukulele players,” Ray said. “This year, we had just a few, but they stayed until the rangers kicked them out.”
Though the event took a hiatus last year, Ray’s ready to bring it to the next level. “There might be a few surprises,” Ray said with a smile when discussing the 2013 classic.
He’s confident the Ray Mayo Longboard Classic will only continue to attract more surfers and beach addicts from the ranks of the LAFD. With a wink, he said, “The Classic is still the fire service’s largest board meeting.”
By David Vienna