NAWILIWILI — Liam Buchanan took the road less used Saturday at Kalapaki Beach. The gamble paid off as Buchanan, with a contingent of enthusiastic supporters backing his rides from the sea wall, was able to catch waves with more variety
NAWILIWILI — Liam Buchanan took the road less used Saturday at Kalapaki Beach.
The gamble paid off as Buchanan, with a contingent of enthusiastic supporters backing his rides from the sea wall, was able to catch waves with more variety and soar to the Menehune, or Under 11 division at the Deja Vu Surf Hawaii free keiki surf contest at Kalapaki Beach.
“The Free Keiki Surf Contest is the highlight of events for the Deja Vu Surf Hawaii family,” said Tad Miura, Deja Vu president, while watching the goodie bags presented to the participants. “Seeing the excitement on the faces of these Kauai youngsters, most of whom have never participated in surf competition before, is an amazing thrill for us. It also gives us great satisfaction to see the participants encouraged on by cheering parents and supportive siblings and friends, making this Free Keiki Surf Contest a truly family event.”
Riding under the eyes of volunteer officials from the Hawaii Surfing Federation, Kauai, Kellen O’Rourke, Samantha Stokes, Duke Alderete-Labuguen, Kalina Jones, London Almida, Kaia Krest, Miracle Kaahanui, Kamele Kahokuloa, Allyse Pompa, Logan Krest, Zakary Pepper and Kahula Kahokuloa rounded out the Menehune field.
Airon Behling topped the Boys 12-13 category followed by Bing Pellin, Connor Hoovler, Carter Sieverts, Elijah Alderete and Ben Oberg.
Daniel Lagana topped the Boys 14-15 division followed by Chandler Sieverts, Nate Camaret, Coleman Langstaff and Kahanu Kaahanui.
Lily Stokes ended her finals with a backward splash off the board, capping a winning series in the Girls 12-15 division.
Nyah Mertz filled in the runner-up spot followed by Grace Stokes, Bailey Ritter, Aubrielle Havens, Valeria De La Mora, Allaya Pompa and Heavenly Kaahanui.
Sage Ioanna topped the Bodyboarding, 12 and Under division followed by Lanakila Dusenberry-Lee, Jackson Krest, Logan Krest, Kanoa Nelson, Gage Matsumoto, Kamele Kahokuloa and Kahula Kahokuloa.
Noah Rall topped the Bodyboarding, 13-15 division followed by Miranda Wehrly, Kahanu Kaahanui, Conor Doi, Branden Remigio, Gavyn Gonsalves, Tayedyn Francisco and Trae Matsumoto.
Miura said Deja Vu Surf Hawaii is grateful to the partners who make this youth event possible.
The event took place through the support of O’Neill, Duke’s Kauai, the Kauai Marriott Resort and Beach Club, and the volunteer HSF, Kauai officials. Other sponsors included Triad Bodyboards, Kicks fins, Toms, Beats by Dr. Dre, RVCA, Crush/Kreed Sunglasses, My Ties, Dakine, Element, Rusty Reef, Freestyle, Globe, Cobian, Skullcandy, Hurley, Billabong, Sanuk, Nixon, Neff, Ransom Wax, On A Mission, and Sun Bum Sunscreen.
Each of the participating surfers, estimated at more than 80 in the sold-out field, received a bag filled with prizes and a free lunch provided by Duke’s Kauai.
Deja Vu Surf Hawaii, Deja Vu Surf Outlet, and Quiksilver-Poipu are entities of Deja Vu Surf Hawaii which was founded by Mankichi Miura in 1909.
From its start as a store offering confections, and under the guidance of generations of Mankichi’s descendants, the store evolved to a general store to a family clothing store, and currently, three stores offering surf apparel and accessories.
Visit www.dejavusurf.com for more information.
