By Lauren Rolland
For 18 years, T&C Surf has put on a surf event that symbolizes summer on Oahu. Groms of all ages gather at Queens in Waikiki to be part of the family-friendly weekend affair known as the T&C Grom Contest. On Saturday and Sunday, May 16th & 17th, the weather and waves cooperated for two beautiful beach days while keiki and parents refreshed in the clear waters of Oahu.
Each year the event grows, both in contestants and in crowd, and this time around the event saw nearly 300 participants. For many surfers, the T&C Grom Contest is where they got their start in comps, and while the vibe remains fun, easy and friendly, there’s no denying the groms are eager to win trophies and prizes.
Throughout the day, games, food and music entertained the families, with grinds sponsored by Chili’s and pop up tents from Sun Bum, Naked Juice, Go Pro, Surf Tech and Freesurf providing shade and activities. Pros like the Moniz brothers, Joel Centeio, Billy Kemper, Kekoa Bacalso, Macy Mullen, Love Hodel and more were present to give support to the groms and push their own keiki into the gentle waves.
Photos: Tony Heff, Tyler Rock, and Keoki Saguibo
Photo: Heff
Photo: Heff
Photo: Heff
Photo: Heff
Photo: Heff
Photo: Heff
Photo: Heff
Groms scored empty Queen’s. Photo: Heff
Groms rule for the weekend Photo: Heff
Photo: Heff
Photo: Heff
Photo: Heff
Photo: Heff
Leo Olson Photo: Heff
Leo Olson Photo: Heff
Photo: Heff
Photo: Heff
Icon in Waikiki, Photo: Heff
Photo: Heff
Photo: Heff
Photo: Heff
Photo: Heff
Photo: Heff
Photo: Heff
Photo: Heff
Photo: Heff
Waikiki Beach Photo: Rock
Axel Irons Photo: Keoki
Axel Irons Photo: Keoki
Atilla Jobayagi Photo: Keoki
Axel Irons Photo: Keoki
Billy Kemper Photo: Keoki
Gregg Nakamura Photo: Keoki
Keahi Tucker and son Photo: Keoki
Photo: Keoki
Oli Mullen Photo: Keoki
Macy and Oli Mullen Photo: Keoki
Photo: Keoki
Photo: Keoki
Layla Dodd Photo: Keoki
Ryan, Naiya, and Ryder Sugihara. Photo: Keoki
Photo: Keoki
Photo: Keoki
Stoked groms! Photo: Rock
Craig Sugihara and Axel Irons Photo: Keoki
Toa Pere Photo: Keoki
Ryan Sugihara Photo: Keoki
Stoked groms Photo: Keoki
Craig Sugihara and grandchildren Naiya and Ryder Photo: Keoki
Kokua Division w/ Craig and Ryan Sugihara Photo: Keoki
Craig Sugihara and the FreeSurf Magazine Expression Session finalists Photo: Keoki
Photo: Keoki
Photo: Keoki
Freesurf Mag’s Chris Latronic stoked on a 2nd place finish Photo: Keoki
Team Town and Country Photo: Keoki
The Sugihara Ohana Photo: Keoki