By Andrew Oliver, Photos Dayanidhi Das and Andrew Oliver. Launiupoko Beach Park, Maui. July 13, 2024 – Celebrating its 30th year, the Ole Longboard Classic presented by Hi-Tech Surf Sports, was particularly poignant this year marking the first time the annual event has run since the devastating fires in Lahaina less than a year ago. Many of those in attendance, including the longtime contest director Kim Ball of Hi-Tech, had been directly affected by the tragedy. But, the event was a shining example of how Maui’s dynamic surf community has been at the forefront of response and resilience – as recently acknowledged with the Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award being given to the waveriders of Maui who continue to band together to see their community through this unprecedented challenge.
This event gets its namesake from legendary Lahaina shaper Bob “Ole” Olson, one of the pillars of the Valley Isle’s vibrant longboard scene. Held at Launiupoko Beach Park, just south of Lahaina. The setting is as idyllic of a family beach as you can find. Dozens of families set up a virtual tent city to celebrate the return of the event and cheer on their friends and family in this highly competitive, but good-natured event. As luck would have it a fine south swell squeezed through the neighboring islands blessing the event with epic conditions which only improved throughout the day. The event welcomed 220 entries in 15 divisions, and competitors were given ample opportunity to nose ride, carve, and “shoot the puka” into the lagoon in hopes of etching their names in the prized “Ole” perpetual trophies.
We spoke with a lifelong “Ole” competitor who was able to mark her name in the perpetual trophy for the first time, 2024 Open Women’s Champion Lara Claydon.
FreeSurf – You’ve won other divisions before, but what does it feel like to win the coveted Open Division for the first time?
Lara – The “Ole” is a really special event, but it is very competitive as well because you get your name on the trophy and so it’s kind of like royalties for you for the year. This is my first time winning the Open Women’s and it’s been a joke of a rivalry between me and Tasha Jahrmarkt. For the last three years she’s won and I’ve taken 2nd and I was like, “You know what? This is the year I’m taking you out.” (laughs)
The level of longboarding on Maui, especially the girls right now, is crazy. It’s fun to have that kind of competitive side between all of us girls. But after I won, they all were like, “Gosh, finally, like it took you long enough.” (laughs)
FreeSurf – Describe the conditions for this year’s event?
Lara – It was so perfect. Throughout the day the waves just kind of filled in and the conditions got better. It glassed off for most of the day and everyone was so stoked because they were able to really showcase their surfing
FreeSurf – We’re so sorry to hear, but your family was one of the families that lost their property, correct?
Lara – Yeah, it’s been a rough go, but we’re doin good. And honestly, my family, we’re very grateful. There’s friends of mine that have lost way more than we did. We were able to find somewhere up in Haiku. As gnarly as it was, the trauma, I think it was a form of bonding for all of us. We’ve been able to walk through it all together.
FreeSurf – What is special about the Ole Longboard Classic, especially in light of all that has happened in the last year?
Lara – I’ve been on the mainland, and I flew back specifically for the event. And to be here, it was really fulfilling. I don’t know, it just kind of made me speechless to kind of see everybody that I hadn’t seen in a while. Everyone’s so scattered now over the island because they’ve been displaced
The “Ole” is the event that the whole Maui longboard surf community shows up for, from all over the island. It brings everybody together. Even people who aren’t competing. We have family friends that come down, for example, and it’s a tradition they come down and watch the “Ole.” They love Kim and Hi-Tech and everyone that’s there. It is a really special event.
To see everybody gathered for that day was honestly overwhelming. I loved every second of it, but there were definitely times that I was overwhelmed because you just knew everybody at the beach. You’d surf your heat and you come out and you’re talking story and hanging out with everybody. It was just like what I grew up with. And to have that kind of just be in a way – normal. Everyone was so joyful and stoked to see each other instead of mourning and grieving, but more like, ‘Oh my gosh, how are you? How are you doing?’ And kind of connecting over the craziness that we’ve all kind of been through throughout the year.
The 30th annual Ole Longboard Classic was blessed with waves, sunshine, and a great family vibe at Maui’s Launiupoko Park. The 220 entries in 15 divisions enjoyed near perfect nose-riding conditions.
Sponsors: Hi-Tech Surf Sports, Katin, Olukai, Da Kitchen
Results
#2798-Scotty Wong, Open Men
#1917-Lara Claydon, Open Women
#1949-Reilly McCook, 19-29
#2215-Cash Hoover, Junior Girls
#2634-Bella Kuailani, Junior Women
#1735-Harry Timmins, 70 & over
#2430-Eric Casco, 40-49
#2850-Mau Ah Hee, 30-39