Crazy Weather and Earthquakes Can’t Stop 30th Annual North Shore Menehune Surfing Championships

The life of a grom

The Kokua division is what sets this event apart from all other, the 60 entrants all 6 years old or younger need a little assistance, or Kokua, catching waves, but once they are up they rip. And you should see the “soccer moms/dads” on the beach coaching and cheering.

It is hard to believe that an event that is for children 12 years and younger has turned into a staging ground for pro careers, but it is true, as the big question on the beach this year was, “Who is the next John John?”

Meanwhile during the finals John John Florence surfs nearby double overhead Avalanche with backside style and power as if saying, “I’m still the king grom” with each hack.

Head judge and eternal grom, Karen Gallagher did a great job this year keeping the judging clear and concise and although many heats were super close, no protests were made.

A movie premiere and slide show followed the event in the famous Alii Beach Park Surf Center. The winners announced before sunset Sunday. Prizes distributed to each finalist. Tons of stuff, plus the big drawing open to all that enter and all keiki get free lunches, goodie bags and tee-shirts. If you like to see pure stoke you want to catch this event.