OAHU – Kaua’i’s young surfers look up to newly crowned world champion Andy Irons, who grew up in Hanalei. But they, too, have found ways to win events and show off trophies on an ever-growing Oahu stage. Bethany Hamilton, Shaye
OAHU – Kaua’i’s young surfers look up to newly crowned world champion Andy Irons, who grew up in Hanalei. But they, too, have found ways to win events and show off trophies on an ever-growing Oahu stage.
Bethany Hamilton, Shaye Donnelly and the Smith brothers were among the hot young Kauaian surfers who participated in the 27th Annual Menehune Contest last weekend at Rest Camp on Oahu.
The contest, sponsored by Quicksilver, was created by Rell Sunn to give young Menehune a chance to surf against youths their own age in shortboard, longboard, and bodyboard divisions.
Hamilton, of Hanalei, took home three trophies, including a first place in the 10-12 girls shortboard division and a first place in the 10-12 longboard division. She als won a special award for Best Maneuver by a Female Surfer.
All of the Smiths of Kilauea – Alex, Travis and Koa – made the finals. Alex placed third in the 13-boys shortboard division. Travis placed second in the 13 boys and fifth in the 10-12 boys bodyboard divisions, and Koa took first place in the 7-9 bodyboard division, and fourth in the 7-9 shortboard division.
Donnelly, who lives on the south shore on Kaua’i, was third in the 13 girls shortboard division. She also took fourth in the girls longboard divison.
On Saturday, surf greats Kelly Slater, Rob Machado, Shane Dorian, Kalani Rob, Amion Goodwin (of Kauai), Noah Johnson and the Malloy brothers – Keith, and Dan – were on site to sign autographs and demonstrate their surfing skills during an Expression Session.
Young Hamilton surfed on a tag team with Dan Malloy during the expression session.
How Kauaians fared:
Bethany Hamilton
1st Place – 10-12 girls Shortboard
1st Place – 10-12 girls longboard
Special Award – Best Maneuver
by a Female Surfer
Alex Smith
3rd Place – 13 boys Shortboard
Travis Smith
2nd Place – 7-9 Bodyboard
5th Place – 10-12 Bodyboard
Koa Smith
1st – 7-9 Bodyboard
4th – 7-9 Shortboard
Shaye Donnelly
3rd Place – 13 girls Shortboard
4th Place – 13 girls Longboard Hamilton leads young Kaua’i surfers at Rell Sunn’s Menehune Surfing Championships
