MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. -- The Miramar Surf Team is holding tryouts at Churches Surf Spot on Camp Pendleton, Saturday Feb. 7, beginning at 9  a.m. The team captain,  James Carter, says everyone that surfs, male or female, no matter what his or her ability can come out.

“Anybody on active duty or reserve at Miramar that surfs needs to give it a shot,” said Carter.

Carter finds out a lot of people miss out  because of a fear  of competition.

“I don’t really go by ability. I make sure that they handle themselves well out in the water,” said Carter.  “We accept all abilities. The more people surf with someone better than them, the better they will get.  There’s a handful of guys on our team that are really good, but it’s all about having fun and getting Miramar together.”

Carter says the only requirement is that participants have their own board and wetsuit, after that, the benefits are endless.

“Once they become part of the team, they get team pricing on everything,” said Carter. 

Competitions are held locally as well as nationally.

“We do this so that the team gets a chance to compete against each other, giving them more confidence, and hopefully a trophy.”

The Miramar Surf Team falls under Marine Corps Community Services, therefore most of the entry fees for the competitions are covered.  Team members only have to provide transportation. 

“A big event for 2004 is the contest at Point Mugu, where not only is the entry fee paid,” said Carter.  “There are just so many benefits.”

Carter also says base teams like to compete against each other.

“Recently (Marine Corps Base Camp) Pendleton has really taken off, as far as participation and support.  Miramar used to be on top, so, hopefully this try-out will bring a lot of new people to replace the ones we have lost due to a change in duty station or military status,” said Carter.

Military family members  are also welcome to come.  Though family members can’t be on the team, they can join  the Hawaii Military Surfing Ohana Southern California.  HMSO is  a non-profit organization dedicated to all military personnel  on active duty, reserve, retired, prior military and  family members who reside in California or abroad. They promote and maintain the surfing lifestyle and aloha spirit.

“Last year, we held a summer surf camp at Miramar, and we have a lot of kids that got boards for Christmas (and were) ready to go,” said Carter.

According to Carter, even if you aren’t on the team, you can still compete in the competitions.

“There were other Miramar guys at our last contest that showed up and surfed well,” said Carter.

Last year, the tryout advertisement said that participants were required to swim a certain distance, which even Carter said he couldn’t do.

“I made sure that wasn’t on there this year. I wouldn’t want to scare any one away,” said Carter.   “I’m really not going to be turning people away.”

Try outs normally last a couple of hours, and participants will know right away if they’ve made the team.

For more information please contact Semper Fit Sports at 577-1202.