Dawn Patrol:

April is going to be a very busy month for Newport Harbor High’s surf team.

It’s the heart of their season, and next weekend they’re headed to Oceanside for the Interscholastic Surfing Federation (ISF) state championships. Then it’s the CCSA (Cavalry Chapel) series in Huntington Beach. They’ll also squeeze in dual meets with both Edison and Huntington Beach. This year’s squad has standout seniors Cannon Call, Jared Cassidy, Max Colvin, Erik Heimstaedt and Bobby Okvist, along with freshman phenom Colin Moran, who’s also on the national team.

Okvist has taken on the challenge of competing in the bodyboarding division as well shortboard, hoping to top Newport’s third-place best finish. The girls have the dominating double threat of Kaleigh Gilchrist and Shelby Detmers.

“My kids are healthy, they’re stoked and they’re ready to rock and roll,” Coach Scott Morlan said.

Harbor will host one of its most significant contests – the 11th Annual Newport Classic, April 24 and 25, at 56th Street. This is an important fundraising event that provides most of the team’s financial support for the season.

Over 100 riders are expected to enter to compete in eight divisions ranging from elementary school to masters, and an air exhibition “expression session” where riders will try for the highest and most extreme aerial maneuvers.

Parent boosters will be volunteering. There will be what Coach Morlan describes as “A myriad of raffle prizes” including surfboards.

“This is really about the young kids,” he said. “To get them involved, get them stoked and maybe thinking about joining the team someday.”

It sounds like a fun couple of days for a good cause. I learned that the Newport Classic is one of only eight surfing contests the city allows each year at this prime 56th Street venue.

 The paddle-out in memory of local legend Mike Marshall is set for Thursday at the Newport Pier around 9 a.m. Keep in mind the seemingly endless “spring break” will be in full swing and parking could be a challenge.

 Famed surfboard maker Rich Harbour will be signing copies of his book “Harbour Chronicles” at a release party Thursday 5-8 p.m. at the Frank M. Doyle Arts Pavilion at Orange Coast College.

 Stand-up paddling kingpin Brian Hovnanian, in conjunction with the Newport Aquatic Center, will be hosting the first annual Hovie SUP Festival, a family fun day, April 24 at the NAC. There will be a 4.5-mile open race and a 9.5-mile pro race. Proceeds will go to the NAC junior program. Race sign-ups are at www.newportbeachsup.com.

JOHN BURTON’S surf column appears Fridays. He may be reached by e-mail at [email protected].