Al Mendez

Years: '75 - '81 "The / 2 years rookie program ("Danger Jack" Linkey /

Charlie Ware)

1975 coldest year on record for training... 47 degrees. Young, dumb & full

of c......

Beaches: Main, Picnic, Divers, Woods, E-Bay.

"Moved inland & got a job"

Best memories: Rookie workouts, La Bama party (Charlie Ware's b-day), BB King (Bill Brown), Bruce Baird (a classic), Lifeguard competitions (Brunswick "Bruno" / Mendez # 1 rowing team), naked pier jumps (w/ Steve McCormick's girlfriend), The "Dodger Run", Big Wednesday parties, buddy, buddy, buddies, girls, girls, girls!!!

Classic competition story: Brunswick / Mendez rowing the dory at the San Clemente comp on a red flag day. Last leg around the pier coming into the beach (huge set). Bruno: "oh shit Mendez, look at this set". "Row Bruno, row!!!" (Bruno rowed stern & I was bow) We couldn't make it out of the impact zone. We're now on the crest of a 12 - 15' wave when Bruno decides to bail off the back of the dory & shout: "see ya Mendez". Thanks Bruno.

Lifeguard buddies for life: Brick, Brunswick, Patterson & Houts

Classic buddy story: Jon Brick noticing a little crab on his leg while sitting on his tower. "I'm so huge... I am a true waterman... I've got sea life growing on me". True story!