KAPA‘A — Kaua‘i surf professional Sammy Morretino took first place honors in the drop-knee bodyboard division finals of the 22nd annual Sintra Pro contested in Portugal, said Tamba in an announcement.
KAPA‘A — Kaua‘i surf professional Sammy Morretino took first place honors in the drop-knee bodyboard division finals of the 22nd annual Sintra Pro contested in Portugal, said Tamba in an announcement.
During this year’s event, Morretino bested fellow Kaua‘i surfer and eight-time drop-knee champion Dave Hubbard by dominating the heats and holding on all the way for the victory of the all-Hawai‘i drop-knee final.
Entering the contest in second place in points, Morretino scored waves of 8.5 points and 7 points to better Hubbard, who was the points eader going into the finals.
“We are really proud of Sammy for his accomplishments,” said Saa Ginlack, owner of Tamba Surf Company in Kapa‘a and an early sponsor of Morretino. “He represents Kaua‘i in a very positive way, and both his surfing and bodyboard skills have grown exponentially. It is exciting to watch him as he continues to succeed.”
This is the fourth Sintra Pro victory for Morretino, who has been honing his bodyboard skills over the past decade while earning several victories and titles on the way. This has pushed him to become a favorite in the Hawai‘i surf community.
Tamba said Morretino is intent on defending his title during the next year’s Pintra Pro. He will be heading back to Kaua‘i with several plans, including some community give-back in the form of a free keiki bodyboard clinic and beach cleanups.
