PO‘IPU — Shiloh Hunt needed a big ride, Sunday during the finals of the Super Grom, or 9 and Under, keiki push-in, division at the Second Annual Garden Island Boogie Board Classic contested at the PK’s and Centers breaks.
Maiha Kjeldsen had already made her mark, posting an early 7.93 ride and set the pace with a second 8.67 ride.
Hunt chased with small rides before striking with a 7.77 ride. More chasing before Hunt nailed a solid 8.17 late in the heat for a total 15.94 points.
The performance fell short as Kjeldsen nailed the division marked by double-digit scoring by the surfers. Kjeldsen topped the division on 16.60 followed by Hunt at 15.94. Other leaders included Thomas Hamilton (13.34), Lelehune Reilly (13.23)_ Nanea Trask (12.34), and Zion Carbonell (11.34).
The Super Grom was one of nine division that highlighted the two-day competition that unfolded before hundreds of fans crammed onto the lawn of the Lawai Beach Restaurant and overflowing onto the sidewalks fronting the Lawai Beach Resort.
Nash Burkart controlled the Menehune, or ages 10-13 division, finishing the final heat with 16.30 points over Kona Rasmussen (13.83), Koa McDaniel (11.44), Aarya Tabalno (8.33), Konalu Yamamoto (8.33), and Koapaka Brandenburg (7.74).
Burkart, surfing up in the Junior, or 14-17 age group, division as well, finished tops in that division with 16.34 points. He was followed by Mana Fujihara (15.27), Santiago Kirchner (13.07), Bryce Hollis (11.80), Kaikea Simpson (10.93), and Shaestin Grace (9.87).
Mehana Kamalani piled up 17.77 points to dominate the Girls 17 and Under division that was limited to just the finals for competition. Kaipo‘i Koa followed at 9.83 points. Kailee Kaleinanialoha Gorospe (7.07), Kaiwi Wong (6.77), Nahiku Mamala (3.00), and Brianna Tabayoyong rounded out the division.
Kanesa Duncan picked up an 8.0 wave en route to taking the Open Women (18 and Over) division, the only other class where competition was limited to the final heat only. Combining with a 5.87 ride, Duncan finished tops at 13.87 points, edging out Cassady Kruse who ended with 11.10 point on two early rides.
Similarly, Lindsey Yasui pocketed a 6.0 ride early, and despite a late 4.83 ride, was able to stay ahead of Cassandra Silva with 10.83 points to Silva’s 10.37 points. Kauai girl Kawehi Louis-Diamond (8.67) and Marina Miller (3.34) rounded out the field.
Travis Smith locked in a solid 7.33 wave late in the final heat of the Open Men (18 and over) division to edge past Matt Holzy on 13.83 points to Holzy’s 13.30 points. Kepa Kruse (10.80) and Patrick Orr (7.90) rounded out the leaderboard.
Justin Cadiente had the best wave in the finals heat of the Masters (35 and over) division at 7.10. Combined with an earlier 6.77 ride, Cadiente held off the challenge put up by Jacob Pembrook by a mere .03 point — Cadiente marking 13.87 points to Pembrook’s 13.84. Harry Antipala (12.97) and Kelly Hunt (7.56) rounded out the leaderboard.
Sammy Morretino was chasing an early 8.27 wave marked by David Hubbard in the finals of the Open Pro division, after marking 7.00 on his first wave. He roared back on his second wave to finish with 8.53, the best wave of the heat, to rise to 15.53 points and the division. Jeffrey Hubbard was also chasing David on a 6.93 wave, and rebounded to hit a 7.83 on his third wave to finish second at 14.76 points over David Hubbard’s 14.70 points. Mack Crilley rounded out the division leaders at 12.87 points.
Morretino continued the winning momentum by waiting until late in the Drop Knee Pro division finals to strike with rides of 9.17 and 7.10 to edge out David Hubbard by .33 points at 16.27 points, David Hubbard posting a 15.94. Mack Crilley finished with 11.57 points and Kawika Rohr-Kamai rounded out the leaders with 11.23.
Kaikeha Inc. presented the Second Annual Garden Island Boogie Board Classic that was originally scheduled to run during the Mother’s Day weekend, but postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
