NAWILIWILI — The youngest surfer was 3 years old, although her fingers only raised two when she asked how old she was Saturday during the Seventh annual Deja Vu Free Keiki Surf Contest at Kalapaki Beach. Waves were enhanced by
NAWILIWILI — The youngest surfer was 3 years old, although her fingers only raised two when she asked how old she was Saturday during the Seventh annual Deja Vu Free Keiki Surf Contest at Kalapaki Beach.
Waves were enhanced by the southerly bump, and the low tide provided the 72 competitors a solid field to compete in before a crowded audience which included players participating in the neighboring Duke’s beach volleyball matches.
“Deja Vu is celebrating its 108th anniversary this year,” said Sara Miura, the Deja Vu Surf Hawaii director of sales and marketing. “The purpose of this contest is to provide youth with a positive experience and exposure to contest-format surfing.”
Prizes were not limited to top finishers, as each keiki received a cap and special event T-shirt and other goodies, including lunch provided by Duke’s, and an O’Neill backpack filled with other prizes.
Additionally, the Miura family decided to extend the winner’s list to a dozen entrants in the ages 8 and under division.
Jayden Phillips took top honors in that class, followed by King Johnson, Maina Kjeldson, Kobe Claussen, Alea Oshita, Summer Kelly, Chase Parkinson, Kiran Satterlee-King, Mehana Dameron, Kolton Minks, Keanu Hicks and Laesha Peeren.
Kaden Oyler topped the ages 9-10 division, followed by Melia Chatfield, Eli Adams, Mahina Dameron, Alea Spenser and Kamaile Valente.
Fin Buck dropped his jaw in amazement after being named tops in the ages 11-12 division. He was followed by Shea Wilson, Alexis Chatfield, Hunter Hibbitt, Sydney Doi and Malia Jane Wehner.
Founded by Mankichi Miura in 1909, the store has evolved through the years, and with generations of Mankichi’s descendants from a store offering confections to a general store, to a family clothing store, and now, three surf shops: Deja Vu Surf Hawaii in Kapaa, Deja Vu Surf Hawaii in Kukui Grove Center and Quiksilver in The Shops at Kukuiula.
Deja Vu Surf Hawaii is an award-winning company owned and operated by fourth-generation members of Mankichi Miura’s family, including Tad Miura, Eric Miura and Ann Yamamoto. The store employs more than 30 workers, including several of Mankichi Miura’s fifth-generation descendants. The company is active in the community and dedicated to supporting Kauai’s youth and educational opportunities, Sara Miura said.
