NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. -- The 56th Street Jetty in Newport Beach, Calif., was graced with fun surf and sunny skies during the Op Newport Classic, a 16 -- year -- old community surfing tradition, which this year hosted 350 participants competing over four days of contests.

There was more than just cash and prizes on the line during the contests, held at one of the most localized and heavily contested breaks in Southern California: Bragging rights and settled personal scores were as important as purses and trophies.

At the core of the Op Newport Classic was a pro -- am bout, which pitted up -- and -- coming amateur surfers against professionals, with the hopes of inspiring new talent onto higher levels and progressing the sport. As additional incentive, Freestyle, the official time -- keeper of the Op Newport Classic, provided watches to any competitor scoring a "9" or higher during the early rounds of competition. Six watches, in total, were handed -- out.

The Men's Pro -- Am Division saw Nick Kovak of San Diego emerge out of a field of 72 surfers to take first place and $2,000, his first professional victory over Ryan Simmons, Australian Heath Walker, Zach Keenan, Jason "Ratboy" Collins of Santa Cruz, Calif., and Josh Hoyer.

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