The 25th edition of the highly anticipated Uncle Shane’s Keiki Classic surf contest got off to a slow start when it was postponed for a week due to small waves. The delay proved to have a silver lining, a fitting 25th-anniversary gift, as an epic swell showed up on the day of the contest to the delight of surfers and their fans.
The Keiki Classic is hosted by Big Island resident and big wave surfing legend, Shane Dorian.
Uncle Shane had this to say about the origins of the contest: “The goal was really just to give back to our little community of Kona on the Big Island. When I was a kid there were really no fun events for the kids so I really wanted to create something that the kids could look forward to every year.”
When you’re one of the best surfers to ever charge down the face of a monster at Peahi, Maui, aka “Jaws” you have the clout to arrange for some awesome experiences for the kids who are competing. The surprises started before the contest ever began.
The keiki got social media shout outs from reigning World Surfing League (WSL) champions Italo Ferreira and Carissa Moore wishing them good luck in the contest. Surfline’s lead forecaster, Jonathan Warren, posted a special Keiki Classic surf conditions outlook video predicting that a great day of surfing was in store for the groms. Contestants also saw a steady stream of video hyping the prizes and swag that would be up for grabs during the event.
When the contest started competitors and spectators heard a familiar voice coming through the speakers as Joe Turpel, lead announcer for the WSL, was on hand to provide commentary. He was joined behind the mic by a Keiki Classic regular, pro surfer and North Shore lifeguard, Dave Wassel. The duo kept everyone informed as well as entertained.
With a larger than normal swell expected, Black Unlimited water patrol was on hand to keep the kids safe. They had jet skis and swimmers in the water to provide assistance to any surfers in need. In the end, they provided a measure of comfort to some of the anxious parents on the beach and helped a few keiki manage the task of punching through the whitewater of oncoming waves to get out to the surfing area.
While it is always great fun to watch the groms out on the waves, everyone was really looking forward to the expression session featuring some top pro surfers going hard at Banyans. A Keiki Classic fixture, 11-time world champion Kelly Slater lead the charge with, CJ Kanuha, Keala Naihe, and Ocean Donaldson among others entertaining the beachside crowd.
Fresh off a win at the Sunset Pro Junior event on Oahu, Keiki Classic veteran Brodi Sale was also on hand to entertain and inspire the next generation of Big Island surfers. When asked about Sale and other Keiki Classic veterans moving on to compete on the pro tour Dorian said, “We’ve had a number of kids move through our events that have gone on to become really successful pro surfers and that’s really a lot of fun.”
The contest was divided into two divisions for both boys and girls. Thirteen years and under and 14 to 16 juniors. This setup was particularly challenging for the younger groms who are used to surfing in the 11 years and under division at other contests. All the contestants got Billabong backpacks filled with swag while the top four finishers in each division were awarded trophies and prizes.
The 13-and-under boys division saw the most entrants, starting off with eight heats of four surfers each, and featuring some of the top surfers on the island. In addition to the likes of Jackson Dorian and Diesel Butts, Luke Tema from Oahu and Cannon Carr from California were in town trying to take home a win. When all was said and done, Jackson Dorian defended his home turf and captured first place with Cannon Carr taking second, Luke Tema in third, and Tosh Stratton rounding out the top four.
When it came time for the 13-and-under girls to hit the water some were likely charging into the biggest surf they had ever faced. Undeterred, they attacked the break at Banyans. Erin Brooks, a North Shore regular from Oahu, was the winner with Sophia Carlucci finishing in second, Opal Dowdy came in third, and Dani Sale in fourth.
The 14-16 junior girls division saw only four competitors and went right to the finals. When it came time to step onto the podium a familiar face took the top spot as Rumor Butts finished first for the third year in a row. Joining her on the podium was, Leila Brackett in second, Keelie Carlucci in third place, and Halia Alves was fourth.
The junior boy’s division was hotly contested with Dylan Schmarr, who was surfing in his last Keiki classic at 16 years old, taking the top spot, Kane Turalde was a close second, followed by Kaiden Lieto, and Cooper Schmarr.
The Daniel R. Sayre Foundation is an event sponsor and every year they present the Surfer of the Year award to a young athlete who not only competes out on the waves, but who also takes care of business in the classroom, and gives back to the community. This year the honor went to junior boy’s competitor, Jake Maki.
With the awards ceremony winding down and the sun beginning to set on a perfect day, Uncle Shane called on the five winners to take to the podium once again. With everyone in place, he gave the mic to Kelly Slater who announced, to a huge roar from the crowd, that the winners would be going to his Surf Ranch wave pool in California for an all-expenses-paid surfing session. When he told them they could bring a friend the negotiations started immediately.
Twenty five years ago Shane Dorian created an event with a goal of giving back to the community and giving the keiki something to look forward to every year. Twenty five years later, it’s safe to say, goal accomplished.