T&C Grom Contest/Surfer Mag Air Invitational

Any chance to get to Hawaii should be taken, and to see the T&C Grom/SURFER Magazine Air Invitational was no exception. In early July a fun-filled weekend packed with groms and aerials was in store. For the two-day event, the competitors, all 14 and under, were blessed with clear tropical skies. The wind also stayed at bay and Queens served up 1- to 3-foot glassy, rip-able waves, setting the stage for the contest to go off. Packing the beach with sponsors and an estimated 2,000 spectators, the groms were inspired to show off their best.

With sand sculptures, plenty of free ice cream and hilarious skits and contests, every youngster was a winner. The event helped these kids gain confidence and develop surfing skills to better prepare them for a new, fierce level of competitive surfing. The airshow pros gave the groms something to look up to and inspired them to do better in their heats. It also gave them a chance to get up close and personal with their heroes.

Gavin Sutherland won $2,500, Brian Pacheco took second with $1,000, Jaime O'Brian third with $500 and Jason Shibata took forth. With great backside 360 aerials, Gavin gave the beach a great show and a great weekend. Thanks to the great girls and guys at T&C who helped make this event possible.

BROADBAND VIDEO FOOTAGE COURTESY MIKE LATRONIC

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Town and Country Grom Contest Final Standings

Bodyboard 8-11

• 1. Leane Change-Remular
• 2. Ha'a Aikau
• 3. Justin Palacoi
• 4. Kaiao Goins
• 5. Brandon Kuakini
• 6. Cassidy Kuakini

• 1. Devin Martin
• 2. Reis Yonehiro
• 3. Kainoa Enhada
• 4. Colin Black
• 5.Rory Walther
• 6. Scott Tabata

Shortboard 7& Under

• 1. A'ala Stewart
• 2. Kino Cajigal
• 3. Noah Tom

• 1. Johann Hedeman
• 2. Kaea Bosgra
• 3. Travis Higa
• 4. C.J. Owens
• 5. Josh Plechaty
• 6. Stu Comuelle

Shortboard 12-14

• 1. Emerick Ishikawa
• 2. Isaac Jaffurs
• 3. Kaleao Cajigal
• 4. Duke Locke
• 5. Josh Plechaty
• 6. Stu Comuelle

Longboard 7 and Under

• 1. Eala Stewart
• 2. Kirra Jaquias
• 3. Kino Cajigal
• 4. Kalai Daniel Clark
• 5. Kala Grace
• 6. Colin Delapena

Longboard 8-11 final

• 1. Kapu Ping
• 2. Exekiel Lau
• 3. Lawaun Stewart
• 4. Tracy Pruse
• 5. Kekai Grace
• 6. Micah Miguel

• 1. Kaleo Cjigal
• 2. Armin Baertschi
• 3. Derek Wong
• 4. Geoff Wong
• 5. Dustin Ramos
• 6. Kody Gedge

Town & Country/Surfer Magazine Air Invitational Finals

• 1-Gavin Sutherland
• 2-Brian Pacheco
• 3-Jamie O'Brian
• 4-Jason Shibata
• 5-Dustin Barca
• 6-Pat Maus