The 34th Annual Rell Sunn Menehune Contest

For nearly three and a half decades, as sure as the northerlies arrive in force to Hawaii, the menehune of the Aloha State make the pilgrimage to Makaha to compete in and pay homage to one of Hawaii’s greatest surfing legends, the late Rell Sunn. Complete with a visit by many of today’s top pros—on hand were the likes of Rob Machado, Aamion Goodwin, Pat O’Connell and Joel Centeio—the latest generation of Hawaii’s groms hit the Makaha lineup in droves for the carefree contest.

“The sun was out as usual in Makaha, and it really brings me back to the year when I did it. And I remember watching Kalani Robb and Brian Pacheco surfing really well. I remember it being a really good event…really fun,” said Aamion. “I’m stoked to be here helping out.”

As Aamion eluded, competing in the now-historic event has become a rite of passage for many of today’s groms. And with a relaxed, playful vibe sweeping through the event, it makes it tough not to have a good time.

“I used to do the Rell Sunn Menehune back in the early ’90s. I’m getting pretty old now. I did it from the time I was 8 or 9 until about 11 or 12. I think I might have won the 11 or 12 shortboards. And I think I might have won the bodyboard as well. We’re gonna go help some out of the groms now.”

At the end of the event, with a plethora of stoked groms and sunburns, the newest generation of Hawaii’s young surfers took part in a special moment in HI.

V-LAND
12 groms you should know at the north shore’s biggest playground
No North Shore upbringing is complete without a few years spent foraging for barrels at V-Land. Perhaps it’s why we’re consistently churning out some of the best surfers in the world. Without further ado, meet the next group of young surfers calling V-Land their stomping grounds.


Staying in line A guide to etiquette
The first thing you surfers should do in the water is respect all the local people who surf. For example if I go surf somewhere that I have never surfed before I should respect all the local kids and the elders.  I should first try to make friends with all the locals and not be so aggressive so the next time you go out there, your might get some respect from them.

The next thing is not to snake the older people. It's bad when a younger kid snakes an older person. It gives no respect to them.  Even if the older guy is catching a lot of waves, it is still good to not snake him. And…DON’T DROP IN ON HIM!

Never call an uncle off the wave, it is bad to do that. I don’t know how to explain it but you just don’t do it.

Having a good reputation is the best thing for you to meet new people and being respectful builds a good reputation.

When you travel the whole world and have respect for others, you’ll be welcomed back. If you do something dumb or stupid at some places, you might not be welcomed back.