By Aukai Ng Photos Brent Bielmann, Linda Kea and Aukai Ng
Over the last few years, there has been a rise of longboarders from Waikiki competing on the Championship World Tour. With more representation from Queens beach, there are more eyes on Hawaiian longboarding. However, many Hawaiians want to see this Hawaiian longboard momentum continue. They see the need for younger longboarders to be equipped with the knowledge of competition. This is where Daniel Uchimura comes in. Daniel Uchimura is a professional longboard hailing from Waikiki beach, where he built his career through Hawaiʻi as well as on the Japanese longboard tour. He worked his way up the ladder but alway felt there was a better way for him to learn competitive skills as a grom. “As I was growing up, going from the amateurs and eventually going up to the pros, we didn’t learn a lot. We were kind of thrown into the lion’s den. We didn’t know what it was to have priority. What is that about? I didn’t understand it. The rules, the usage, and the ups and downs about it.” Daniel had the idea to manage a contest where the kids knew the fundamentals of professional surfing. “Everybody here that has entered the contest here in Waikiki, we’ve always known it as a six man, paddle battle, dog eat dog contest. And you know, six kids in the water for 15 minutes is always great. But once they want to turn professional, it does turn into a four man with priority. You have to utilize how to use it, when to use it. And there’s so many variations of using priority, good and bad. And I want these kids to be able to learn and understand what it is to be a professional surfer in the future.” He made sure he implemented the priority system, and utilized WSL style judging and scoring. With this system part of the contest, it was a way for the kids to take strategizing and scoring seriously. “I always told myself if I ever can hold a contest, I want to make sure the next generation doesn’t have to go through what I did. So they know what to do when they’re in the same predicament as I was. I don’t want kids to be out there with fear and I want them to be out there with confidence representing where they’re from and doing what they love to do.”
Not only is this event a way for the kids to improve their skills, this is a contest that is very family friendly for the whole community. The age divisions range from the push in Kokua in Baby Queens, 10-13 and 14-17 with a priority system. There is also a team division for all the friend groups and families to compete and share the lineup together. Daniel spares no expense to make sure everyone has a good time. The amount of games and prizes is endless. Each day everyone went home with full bellies from the delicious food provided. And many board shapers were excited to donate some great models for the raffle. The amount of fun and excitement filled the whole beach during this three day weekend. Daniel was more than thankful for the amount of support she received from the community. From the groms of Waikiki to the professionals from across Hawaiʻi to even his sponsors from Japan. “I just thank everybody who’s come out, supported my contest here in Waikiki Beach and it’s just a turnout of people, families, and friends. Words can’t describe the feeling that I have for everybody that showed up and supported me.” This was a contest that everyone wanted to be a part of and Daniel hopes to keep his dream contest alive for years to come.
“It’s just super special to be down here with the community and that’s just very special for Queens. The vibe down here is really good. Amazing food, amazing people and it’s special to Queens. ” – Bella Eberz