GromSearch Stop #2 Sees Epic Action at Kewalo Basin Bluewater Skatepark

Though the Surfline forecast shone a woeful spotlight on prospective surf quality heading into the second stop of the Rip Curl GromSearch season in Hawaii, Kewalos delivered surprising,wave-pool-like lefthanders, and provided perfect canvases for the island’s best young upstarts tofight for qualifying slots on the Path to the Pool.

The short period southeast swell made for frenetic and high-paced action, and allotted for amultitude of standout performances. Luke Tema clinched his second GromSearch title in as many attemps at Kewalos in the 16 & under boy’s division, this also coming on the heels of a National Final GromSearch win earlier in June. Another familiar face who is always a threat on the south shore, Vaihitimahana Inso, handily dispatched her competition in the 16 & under girl’s division, putting forth multiple heats north of 17 points, and winning the “…Lost High Heat Total” award in the process. Though she already boasts a quiver full of Mayhems, the victory means she will add one more to her collection on behalf of the fine folks at …Lost Surfboards.

Softech’s Mason Ho Expression Session was secured by rail-gouging goofy footer Owen Rowefrom Encinitas, he too taking home a brand-new surfboard for his efforts. In the last of the specialty awards, it was the explosiveness on a tail-drifting backside snap from outer island boy Pohaku Lambeth stealing the judge’s attention, making him the youngest “Banzai Bowls Maneuver of the Event” winner in recent memory at just 9 years old. Don’ t spend all those $2 dollar bills (150 of them, to be exact) in one place, Pohaku!
 
Both the 12 and 14 & under boy’s divisions were incredibly hard-fought finals, and featured a level of surf talent on display that was extremely competitive. Sadly, the sleepy 20-minute stanzas didn’t quite serve up the same menu of swell opportunities that the 16’s feasted upon, but victors Merrik Mochkatel (12 & Under) and Reef Isono (14 & under) both harnessed patient and strategic game plans perfectly, surfing with brilliant maturity and cashing in on big numbers when the opportunities allowed. 

Also of note throughout the GromSearch weekend, was the incredible attitude of aloha and gratitude amongst the Hawaiian surf community, and the genuine sentiments of appreciation and stoke upon the shores from participants and parents alike were palpable. Rip Curl would like to extend our thanks to Wendell, Raymond, the Hawaiian Water Patrol, Kanaka Solutions, BrilloProductions, and all of our GromSearch sponsors:

Banzai Bowls, Flexfit, YETI, SunBum, FCS, Oakley, …Lost Surfboards, GoPro, Softech Surfboards, and Wahoos Fish Taco. 

See you all in Florida for the third and final stop on the Path to the Pool, in New Smyrna Beach on August 12-13!