KUKUI‘ULA — Mastering some 360s in 2- to 3-foot surf bolstered Malia Manuel’s confidence as she rode to the championship of the Rochelle Ballard O’Neill Island Girl Junior Pro surf meet Sunday. “I felt confident after I got a couple
KUKUI‘ULA — Mastering some 360s in 2- to 3-foot surf bolstered Malia Manuel’s confidence as she rode to the championship of the Rochelle Ballard O’Neill Island Girl Junior Pro surf meet Sunday.
“I felt confident after I got a couple of 360s, so I just thought I’d go for it,” said Manuel. “This was the best contest I ever surfed, and the only one I’ve ever surfed for money.”
Manuel nabbed the $1,500 cash prize as well as a slot in the first round of the OP Pro Hawai‘i at Haleiwa, the first jewel of the prestigious Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, states an event press release.
In riding to the championship, Manuel, 13, edged out former Pipeline Women’s Pro champion Alana Blanchard, delivering a series of high-scoring rides highlighted by smooth top-to-bottom turns with a number of perfect 360s in the final heat.
Finalists Blanchard, Leila Hurst and Coco Ho also earned berths into the trials for the Roxy Pro, the second jewel of the Triple Crown at Sunset Beach on O‘ahu. Blanchard, Hurst and Ho filled in the second through fourth berths, respectively.
“The idea behind the junior pro and the ASP format is to take these girls to the next level. At the Triple Crown, they’ll compete against the world’s top female surfers,” said Ballard. “The Hawai‘i girls are totally ripping right now. One day, they’re going to dominate the world tour.”
Ballard was on hand Sunday following her 6th Annual Rochelle Ballard O’Neill surf camp for overnight campers from Kaua‘i, O‘ahu, Maui and the Big Island. Highlights of the day-long Saturday camp included surfing with Ballard to hip-hop lessons and a dance off.
“O’Neill is really pleased to see this event grow,” said Karin Kendrick, O’Neill’s Juniors Sports marketing manager. “The girls’ surfing speaks for itself. They’re pushing the boundaries more and more and we’re glad to provide an opportunity to showcase their talent.”
Nelson Togioka, contest director, said the meet was a positive event for Hawai‘i surfers.
“It’s a good self-esteem builder for all the kids, whether they ultimately make it to the pro level or not. It’s great for Hawai‘i; makes us stronger,” Togioka said. “All these people — the judges, the volunteers, they all came out of the system and now they give back to the system.”
Taira Barron was named the winner of the weekend’s Rell Sunn Inspiration Award.
“I’m honored to have been a part of it all,” she said. Barron was a contest surfer and camp counselor. “The girls learn from each other and the older girls can mentor them, not just surfing-wise, but attitude-wise, cleaning up, helping others.”
Kyle Ramey and Aaron Swanson earned $500 apiece for Best Maneuver and Best Trick, respectively, during an expression session Sunday between the semis and finals.
The surf meet also featured a free lu‘au-style lunch provided by the culinary crews at Brennecke’s. Surfers also received goodie bags, T-shirts, stickers and posters from Reef and Nukumoi Surf Co.
• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@kauaipubco.com.
