CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Eight members of the Hurley Surf Company, including some of their professional surfers, came to Del Mar beach to teach, surf with, and hold a small informal tournament for military children June 2.

The event has been dubbed the “Rip My Shred Stick” tour. Hurley stops at 24 locations on their trek across the country altogether, but Camp Pendleton is the only military installation they visit. It offers the Hurley team a chance to support the military and express their gratitude toward those who serve.

“We’re happy to bring such a great event to the Marines, their families and the kids here,” said Phil Bannan, Hurley marketing events and operations manager. “We want to give them our thanks for everything they do for us.”

“It’s a great experience for the kids to be able to actually meet some of the pros,” said Col. Mike Richardson, officer in charge of the legal services support section here.

Richardson explained that events like this are a rare opportunity for young surfers that don’t know how to ride to get out there and learn from the best.

“Most teenage kids aren’t going to walk up and start talking to one, so this is a great chance for them to interact with some of them,” said Richardson, father of two children who participated in the event.

Hurley provided some of their own boards for youth that didn’t have one or wanted to test-ride what the pros use.

“The Hurley team came into the base today to do this for the Marine dependents, it’s a good feeling of support for families and Marines,” said Jerry Anrdt, Marine Corps Community Service advertising coordinator.

“It’s awesome. It’s so much fun for all the kids,” said Maureen Sibley a military wife from San Clemente. “The event is kept so light hearted that all levels of surfers feel welcome.”

Sibley continued “Everybody walks away feeling happy because they all come away with something. Everybody is so nice to the kids, I love it, it’s a really fun thing to do.”