The weather at Banyans was picture perfect for the final Hawaii Surfing Association contest of the season.
Unfortunately, the waves were small and the sets inconsistent making wave priority and selection a key component of the competition.
The conditions didn’t stop the best young surfers on the island from attacking every wave, taking chances, and entertaining the shore side spectators.
While there were a handful of adult competitors on hand, the day was clearly about the keiki. The groms seemed inspired by the recent performance of Banyans local, Brodi Sale, who’s semi-final finish at the Volcom Pipe Pro has the local surfing community energized.
Many surfers took advantage of the option to move up in age group and competed in two or three divisions.
With the top six surfers in each division qualifying for the state championships, the desire to improve one’s ranking and get in as much competition as possible was evident.
On the girls side, Kiera Geesey captured the 11-and-under title and the top ranking, while Rumor Butts took the title in the 12-17 final and secured the No. 1 ranking in the 14-15 age group.
Sophie Carlucci took the women’s open crown and is ranked number one in the 12-13 age group. Malaika Bishaw finished third in the 12-17 age group final and is the top ranked 16-17 year old.
In the boy’s divisions Hiro Laliberte grabbed first place hardware in the 11-and-under age group, and with a third place finish, Max Germond leads the division rankings.
In the 12-13 age group, Diesel Butts came out on top and is ranked first.
Surfing up an age group, Jackson Dorian took first among 14-15 year olds and is ranked second in the 12-13 age group. CJ Bruno moved up two age groups, finishing first in the 16-17 age group final, while Hunter Chun Fat finished third and holds the top ranking.
Finally, Kane Turalde took home the big trophy in the open men’s division and qualified for the state championships.
The reorganized and re-energized Hawaii Surfing Association put on a great event for the local surfing community and they are planning to be more aggressive in the future. The association is pushing to get the next season started in mid-April so the athletes can get tuned up in time for the HSA State Championships in Oahu April 24-26.