Friday the 13th, Lucky Day

But I must admit, my favorite fan was Guppy, who traveled from Orlando to sit on this beach. Guppy was wearing the very first issued King of the Beach Tshirt, which he bought in 1989 at Daytona Beach. Guppy watched Karch win his first of many titles. Guppy has made every King of the Beach since, with the exception of the first Las Vegas King of the Beach. You see, he found out too late to get tickets, and I could tell he is heartbroken still. After we chatted, Guppy wandered off to the SandBox Seats where he rightfully belongs.

Friday didn't provide the kind of crowds that will be here Saturday and Sunday. It was a different kind of crowd. These are the fans that absolutely have to be there -- every day every time. They came from all around the world. Their devotion is unsurpassed. They are the lifeblood of this sport. They carry the beach in their soul. All they need is an invitation.

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