Keiki Compete

South swells fueled set after set of waves for youngsters to ride Saturday during the annual Keiki Surf for the Earth event at Kohanaiki.

Now in its 18th year, the surf competition drew scores of keiki and adults to the coastline for a day of surfing and camaraderie at the area popularly known as Pine Trees. The event also featured prize giveaways, trivia contests, sign painting, educational information and a beach cleanup.

Keiki, separated by gender and age group, participated in a variety of competitions including shortboard; shortboard mix, which involves a parent’s assistance; bodyboard mix, longboard, and tandem surfing during the surf meet.

“It’s all about the kids and just getting out there and having a bunch of fun,” said Kai Bunnel, 13, who participated in Saturday’s event.

Also present were Shane Dorian and his family, including his son, Jackson, who surfed tandem during one of the event’s heats. The event was also Jackson’s first competition, Dorian said.

The event is normally held closer to Earth Day, in April, however, this year it was pushed back to May because of scheduling issues, said Karen Eoff, a Hawaii County Councilwoman and member of Kohanaiki Ohana, one of the event’s sponsors. Nonetheless, protecting the Earth remained a big part of Saturday’s event.

“We want them to learn it’s up to them to take care of the beach,” Eoff said, also noting the Kohanaiki Coastal Community Park will be deeded to the county and officially dedicated next month.

The swell came amid a National Weather Service high surf advisory for the Big Island’s north-, east-, south- and southwest-facing shoes that remains in effect through 6 p.m.

Waves are forecast to range in height from 8 to 12 feet; south-facing shores are expected to see the most action, according to the service’s Honolulu office.