The Surfrider Foundation’s Newport Chapter hosted youth competitors from across Oregon and even a few from Washington and Idaho for the 11th Annual Otter Rock and Roll Youth Surf Contest and Beach Cleanup Challenge in celebration of International Surfing Day. The event drew competitors from all over Oregon! Observed globally, International Surfing Day celebrates the sport of surfing and helps raise awareness about issues facing our ocean, waves, and beaches.
“On June 15, International Surfing Day, 66 young surfers came together with a couple hundred friends, family, and Surfrider volunteers for a day of friendly competition and just plain fun,” said Mike Harrington, Lead Organizer of the event. “This event is a celebration of love for the ocean and the stewardship and responsibility that comes with it. If the smiles on the kid's faces were any indication, it was a huge success.”
The 18 and under surf contest and beach cleanup challenge kicked held at Otter Rock/Devil’s Punchbowl State Park, ran 24 fifteen-minute heats in divisions from “Best Beginner,” which comes with surfing lessons and all the gear for surfing, to the 16-18 year-old division. This year, the youngest competitor was just 3.5 years old and competed with his father in the “Parent with Child” division.
The weather provided for plenty of sunshine and in spite of small waves, the competitors had a lot of fun.
The beach cleanup challenge, a popular way for the non-surfer and surfers alike to participate, awarded prizes for most microplastic collected, most of a single item collected, and weirdest piece of debris. The challenge teaches stewardship and awareness of marine debris while rewarding and reinforcing cleanup behaviors.
The Newport Chapter is extremely grateful to our sponsors who make this fun, family event so special for our community – Ossie’s Surf Shop, Pura Vida Surf Shop, Zugh Life, Moment Surf Co., Lincoln City Surf Shop, Eon Graphics, Dakine, Quicksilver, Reef, Windermere Real Estate, Mo’s Seafood and Chowder, Russo Surfboards, Murdy Surfboards, Ocean Pulse Surfboards, Xcel, Rainbow Sandals, Columbia Sportswear, Cascade Solar, and Hyperflex.
Contest Results: (1st,2nd,3rd respectively)
Child w/ parent: Olivia Richardson, Ty Gunther, Sol Schroeder
12 & under Girls: Layla Schroeder, Avery Snavely, Layla Bee Newell
12 & under Boys: Taylor Tice, Bodie Von Allmen, Elilio Tate
13-15 Girls: Lauren Cordier, Hailey Feuling, Katie Cherry
13-15 Boys: Tyler Quillian, Kai Huggin, Trevor Tice
16-18 Girl: Savannah Russo, Sarah Cordier, Audrey Clunes
16-18 Boys: Mitch Palmer, Jonee Wright, Joseph Wilkinson