The Surfrider Foundation’s Newport Chapter welcomed young competitors from across the Pacific Northwest on Saturday, June 21 for the Otter Rock and Roll Youth Surf Contest and Beach Cleanup Challenge in honor of International Surfing Day. Observed globally, International Surfing Day celebrates the sport of surfing and helps raise awareness of issues facing our ocean, waves, and beaches. Celebrating its 15th year in the Newport community, the Otter Rock and Roll is Oregon’s longest-running and only surf contest designed exclusively for kids, even featuring a Best Beginner division to support young learners.
On Saturday, dozens within the surf community gathered at Devil’s Punchbowl State Park for the event. 57 youth surfers, along with their families and friends, plus many dedicated volunteers and contest sponsors hit the beach for some friendly competition and fun. “The Otter Rock and Roll Youth Surf Contest is a celebration of our love for the ocean and the stewardship and responsibility that comes with it,” said Mike Harrington, lead organizer of the event.
The 18 and under surf contest and beach cleanup challenge kicked off in the morning. Even though the weather didn’t cooperate, spirits were high. The contest featured 20 fifteen-minute heats across various divisions, ranging from “Best Beginner,” which includes a wetsuit and surfboard rental plus surf lessons provided by our volunteers, to the 16-18 year-old division composed of more experienced surfers. The most popular division this year was Child with Parent, which allows parents to get in the water with their kids to encourage and help them. This year, the competitors ranged on the young side, a whole new generation of beach stewards in the making. Since this is the Oregon Coast, it rained most of the day, with surf conditions becoming more challenging throughout the day. However, that didn’t seem to bother the kids who came to play at the beach.
The Beach Cleanup Challenge, aiming to leave the beach better than we found it, awarded prizes for removing debris from the beach. Three happy kids were awarded skateboards for their efforts. The challenge teaches beach stewardship and raises awareness of the growing marine debris crisis while rewarding and strengthening cleanup behaviors. The most commonly found item was microplastics, as is the case at most of Surfrider’s beach cleanups, however cans and bottles were also a frequently found item this year.
This event wouldn't happen without the support of generous sponsors: Pura Vida Surf Shop, Russo Surfboards, Le Boss Surfboards, South Beach Surf Shop, Mo's, Bodyglove, and Samaritan Health services, along with Ossies, Safari Town, Zuhg Life, Moment and Newport Surf shops, plus The Surf Shop in Westport, WA and Tastee Tiki Hawaiian restaurant.
Contest Results: (1st,2nd,3rd respectively)
Child w/ parent:, Benjamin Verdun, tie for 2nd: Taj Fields, Daniel Hasselschwert
12/under Girls: Charlotte Akretch, Sophie Vamvakias, Aislinn Lugo
12/under Boys: Merrick Lorincz, Xavier Young, Micah Adam Olson
13-15 Girls: Anneliese Akretch, Abigail Beaudey, Carolina Young
13-15 Boys: Nate Spencer-Vickery, Avery Hyder, Baker Stewart
16-18 Girl: Ina Yamada
16-18 Boys: Tommy Jessal, Uta Yamada, Fin Gamache
Check out the full album of event photos on the Surfrider Oregon Flickr!