Welcome home Rochelle. Today, Kaua‘i’s Rochelle Ballard comes home to host her Sixth Annual O’Neill Surf Camp at PK’s in Po‘ipu, followed by the 2nd Annual O’Neill Island Girl Junior Pro. Today’s camp will focus on technique and competitive strategy,
Welcome home Rochelle.
Today, Kaua‘i’s Rochelle Ballard comes home to host her Sixth Annual O’Neill Surf Camp at PK’s in Po‘ipu, followed by the 2nd Annual O’Neill Island Girl Junior Pro.
Today’s camp will focus on technique and competitive strategy, with an evening skate session and hip hop lessons by Lila Metzger.
Over the years, Rochelle’s camp has groomed Hawai‘i’s most promising young surfers including Coco Ho, Alana Mock, the Krebs sisters and Taira Barron. Registration is limited to 50 participants and the cost is $35. Transportation from the airport is available.
The contest, with a total prize purse of $7,500, is run in an Association of Professional Surfers format with ASP judges, giving the aspiring pros a taste of how things work on the pro circuit.
This year’s event is limited to 48 competitors between the ages of 8 and 21.
The 2006 winner will be given a slot in round one of the OP Pro Hawai‘i, the women’s 6-star World Qualifying Series event that is the first jewel of the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing.
In addition, each of the four finalists will receive a slot into the trials for the second jewel of the Triple Crown, the World Championship Tour’s Roxy Pro at Sunset Beach on O‘ahu.
Six of Kaua‘i’s top boys and juniors will also have the chance to participate in a $1,000 expression session.
“I saw the potential in these girls, and their surfing has come such a long way,” Ballard said in a press release. “I think in another five years’ time, Hawai‘i will dominate the WCT. I’m glad to contribute to the growth of women’s surfing in Hawai‘i, and I’m grateful that my sponsors O’Neill and Reef recognize the importance and share my passion for supporting the up and coming youth.”
O’Neill is excited to help the event, which gives youths a chance to reach for their goals.
“This contest catapults these girls up to the next level, giving them an opportunity to pursue their dreams of professional surfing,” O’Neill Junior’s marketing manager Karin Kendrick said in a press release.
Registration for the contest and the camp is available through Nukumoi Surf Co. at 742-8019. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to IWS. For more information, visit www.oneill.com or call 651-6024.
• Duane Shimogawa Jr., sports editor, may be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 257) or kauaisports@kauaipubco.com.
