Kaua’i surfers continue to roll in national and international surfing competitions. Shane Valiere of Kalihiwai won the prestigious Shortboard Open division and Kyle Ramey of the South Shore surfed to first place in the Boys division at the United States
Kaua’i surfers continue to roll in national and international surfing competitions.
Shane Valiere of Kalihiwai won the prestigious Shortboard Open division and Kyle Ramey of the South Shore surfed to first place in the Boys division at the United States Surfing Federation’s amateur United States Surfing Championships.
A report from Surfing Magazine’s Web site, surfingthemag.com, had Valiere milking walling peaks peeling off the Oceanside pier in his win over runner-up Bobby Morris of California.
The national-level event was held as part of OceanFest03 from June 28-July 6 at the Oceanside Pier in Southern California.
The beach festival featured live music, fireworks, surfing, skateboarding and an art show.
The surf ranged from 2-4 foot, with some heats held in offshore or glassy conditions, and other heats in difficult onshore conditions.
Kaua’i’s powerful contingent of girls surfers made another good showing at Oceanside. In the Junior Women Longboard event Bethany Hamilton of Hanalei took second place, with Mia Melamed of Hanalei getting a third in a semi-final heat after winning a quarter final heat. Hamilton also took third in the Girls division.
Masaijah Lani of Hanalei took fourth in junior mens behind Valiere.
Some of the finals finishers are eligible to represent the United States in an amateur world surfing contest.
