Popular T&C Surf Youth Comp Returns To Waikiki
Over 300 Hawaii’s amateur keiki surfers expected to compete in shortboard, longboard and bodyboard with a portion of the proceeds to benefit local nonprofit
HONOLULU (March 1, 2019) – On June 1st 2019 the 22nd annual T&C Grom Contest presented by Chili’s Grill and Bar will commence on the iconic shores of Waikiki. You couldn’t pick a better location for this classic keiki event than the epicenter of modern surfing. Kids from ages three to twelve convene from all sides of the island chain to compete in shortboard, longboard, and bodyboard divisions, along with the kokua division and the FreeSurf Magazine Expression Session, where parents and kids get to ride waves together. No one walks away empty handed. Each contestant receives a goodie bag full of cool prizes from the event sponsors including Dakine, RVCA, Vans, Vertra, and of course, T&C Surf Designs.
It’s easy to see why this event has continued for over two decades. Surf-stoked groms from aspiring surf professionals to the smallest beginners get to enjoy an uncrowded lineup at one of the world’s most perfect and fun waves at Queens, Waikiki. Some of Hawaii’s most influential surfers, from Duke Kahanamoku to Carissa Moore began surfing at this very spot, and many of today’s top pro surfers who now compete on the World Tour, got their competitive start at this grom contest.
The kids are not the only ones who look forward to this event every year. Owner and founder of T&C Surf, Craig Sugihara proclaims, “The arrival of summer creates a lot of anticipation for so many reasons – the end of school, long sunny days, south swells and the GROM Contest. This event has become an annual highlight for me kicking off summer. Creating a fun family-friendly environment giving keiki the opportunity to enjoy the sand and surf and get an introduction to competitive surfing is a true pleasure. Seeing the stoke in the eyes and smiles of the kids is priceless. It all about having fun!”
This contest is different from most keiki events because it allows only contestants who have not entered ranked competitive surf organizations such as NSSA or HASA, and in turn creates a more relaxed environment for those new to surf competition. And for the past 20 years, Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii’s partnership with T&C Surf has always been aligned with T&C Surf’s mission – to create greater futures for our youth.
The T&C Grom Contest will begin first thing the morning of Saturday, June 1st at with the Kokua division on the inside at Baby Queens and the bigger kids at Queens. The Kokua division is for keiki three to eight years of age, and allows for the parents and family to Kokua, or help get our smallest surfers some fun waves. Meanwhile on the beach, games and activities along with raffle prizes and signings from pro surfers help to keep the stoke level high.
Sunday, June 2nd will wrap up with finals in all six to twelve-year-old divisions as well as prize-giving for all competitors and medals to top six in each division. It’s not all fun and games for the kids, the grown-ups get to join in on the action during the FreeSurf Magazine Expression Session. “Four score and some 14 years ago Manulele Media got involved with the T&C Grom Fest and created the “quality time” division as well! We are still as thrilled as the very first event to be a part of this fun filled south shore event!” Says Mike Latronic, President of Manulele Media. Parents must be accompanied by a child in this family friendly tandem surf-off. The FSM Expression Session is open to adults with children surfing in the event. Entry is free but is limited to first ten entries. Prizes and trophies will be awarded to the top three teams.
T&C Surf Grom Contest Schedule:
Saturday, June 1, 2019:
- Kuhio Beach – Queen’s surf break
- T&C Surf Grom Contest Open Division – competition 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (times subject to change)
- Kuhio Beach – Baby Queen’s surf break
- T&C Surf Grom Contest Kokua Division 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (times subject to change)
- T&C Surf Grom Contest Kokua Division – awards (2:00 p.m., time subject to change)
Sunday, June 2, 2019:
- Kuhio Beach – Queen’s surf break
- T&C Surf Grom Contest Open Divisions prelims and finals 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (times subject to change)
- 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. FreeSurf Expression Session tandem event
- T&C Surf Grom Contest Open Division – awards (4:00 p.m., time subject to change)
For the latest times and heat information visit www.events.tcsurf.com and follow along on social media Facebook @TCSurfGromContest and Instagram @tcsurfshop.
A special mahalo to our event sponsors: Chili’s Grill & Bar, Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii, FreeSurf Magazine, Dakine, BoardStories TV, RVCA, Vans, and Vertra.
About T&C Surf
Founded in 1971 by surfboard shaper Craig Sugihara, T&C Surf operates three divisions: surfboards, retail and licensing. The surfboard division operates from a state-of-the art shaping facility in Wahiawa. It provides our highly skilled board shapers with the best tools for designing and producing some of the world’s most sought-after boards. The retail division includes seven locations on Oahu; Ala Moana Center, Haleiwa Store Lots, Kahala Mall, Ka Makana Ali‘i, Pearlridge Center, Ward Centre and Windward Mall. The licensing division has agreements around the world, including Australia, Brazil, Japan and New Zealand. Visit us online at www.TCSurf.com.