a. 2015 Point Panic Bodysurfing Championship
b. WBC 2015
c. Progression: The Flip
d. The Wind Is Our Friend…Sometimes
e. Visions of the Month
2015 Point Panic Bodysurfing Championship
Written by Event Director Kanekoa Crabbe
Photographs provided by Neal Miyake
On the last weekend of July, a handful of Hawaii’s most talented bodysurfers gathered at Point Panic to show off their skills during the biggest swell of the summer thus far. Powerful 4 to 6 foot Hawaiian surf (8-12 foot wave faces) warranted a High Surf Warning and with the ideal SSW swell direction, many longtime Point Panic locals were calling the waves on Sunday morning and afternoon “as good as it gets!”. While many of the participants reside on Oahu, a small handful of bodysurfers from the Big Island of Hawaii, California, Australia and Brazil took full advantage of the opportunity. Though some endured a few scrapes, bruises and lost fins caused by the large surf, strong current and slippery stairwell, all contestants and spectators were smiling ear to ear buzzing with positivity during these two memorable days.
Fifty eager contestants ranging from teenagers to senior citizens had the opportunity to surf twice on Saturday with only five bodysurfers in the water at a time. After running two rounds with ten heats in each round, the top 24 bodysurfers advanced to the 4-man priority format heats on Sunday. These 24 wave riders continued to battle it out in the large surf until the final four emerged; a big, dark Hawaiian proudly representing the “Westside” of Oahu, a professional bodyboarding champion from the island of Kauai, a Point Panic bodysurfing legend with his pink & grey Scott fins, and a young-gun sporting black Birdwell shorts & a long goatee.
Jason Nakasato and Kanekoa Crabbe
Judges
Keahi Parker
Buoy Sitting
Brazilian Cheering Section and Photographers
As the final heat commenced, all eyes on land were fixated on the waves. With the blessing from above, the winds shifted to a more favorable easterly direction during the final heat as 6-foot bombs continued to mow through the lineup. Waiting for the long rides without much success due to the changing winds, Makaha Bodysurfing Classic Event Director Melvin Keawe proudly represented the “Westside” by making his first Point Panic Bodysurfing Championship final earning 4th place. Getting busy in the middle “green bouy” zone with a few lengthy rides and numerous rolls, bodyboarding world champion Jeff Hubbard made his bodysurfing presence well known with his 3rd place finish. 360 belly-spinning and barrel-riding his way to his third 2nd place runner-up finish with his pink & grey Scott fins, former 2010 champion B.K. Holt placed his name on the perpetual trophy for a record 4th time in seven years. But it was the belly-
spinning, front-flipping young gun who got busy working the inside peelers that finished the weekend off as the 2015 Point Panic Bodysurfing Champion.
Kaneali’i Wilcox silently hammered the competition from his #15 seed at the end of Saturday by earning 1st place in 3 of his 4 heats on Sunday with the most important placing in the final heat. As an emerging leader amongst the future generation of young bodysurfers, Kane rose to the occasion once again showing everybody that no matter how large the surf at Point Panic, he swims out with one goal in mind; to win at all costs. Currently in his early 20’s, Kane was the only competitor to successfully complete and ride out of take-off front-flips and easily pulled a handful of 360 belly spins on both days of competition. As the waves cleaned up and the waves fired relentlessly in the background, Kaneali’i graciously accepted his 1st Place Champion trophy during the award ceremony while smiling and throwing his shaka high and proud. This years’ recipient of the annual Lokahi award was Mr. Larry Russo Sr. for his selfless service in helping keep the Point Panic Kaka’ako Waterfront Park area clean and safe for all to enjoy. Humbled and speechless, Mr. Russo is responsible for landscaping, re-grassing, fertilizing and irrigating the famous tree located by the shower at Point Panic that dozens of people use on a daily basis for its shade and scenic views.
Judges’ View
The Arena
Sideshore Semis
Trophies
Kai Santos on Day 2
After the award ceremony as many volunteers and contestants assisted with the breakdown and cleanup of the area, many witnessed some of the best Point Panic surf seen in years. When asking bodysurfing legend Steve Kapela about Sunday afternoon after the contest (many watching believed he completely dominated the lineup catching the longest and most perfect rides), he said “that was probably the biggest and best Point Panic I’ve ever bodysurfed in my entire life.” As the weekend concluded, the positivity and joy provided by the surf at Point Panic could be felt by all who witnessed the atmosphere both in and out of the water.
E ola mau na kaha nalu ‘o Hawai’i! (Long live the bodysurfers of Hawai’i!) ALOHA!
The Point Panic Bodysurfing Championship is a community-based, grassroots event created to bring people together in hopes of preserving the best bodysurfing wave in the world. Formerly called the Pure Point Panic Bodysurfing Event since 2009, this annual gathering perpetuates the legacy provided by former Point Panic bodysurfing event directors Mr. Bob Thomas & family and Mr. Sam & Mrs. Sarah Wahilani of the Point Panic Bodysurfing Club. Various local contributors, supporters and sponsors selflessly donate their time and efforts to make this event possible. They include DaFin, MS Viper, Viper Surfing Fins, Air Hubb Fins, SOAPTOPIA, Doc Martins of Maui Sunblock, Vertra Sunscreen, NIXON, PATAGONIA, VISSLA, Scott Hawaii, Torpedo People, Kaha Nalu Hawaii, Kua ‘Aina, Menehune Water Company, KINO, Akamai Energy Consulting, Custom Countertops Inc., Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii, Surfrider Foundation, Mark Cunningham, Officials Ben Severson & Pat Caldwell, Judges Nick Menas, Wayne Takamine and Larry Russo Jr. and Dr. Michael Kliks of the CTS Foundation. With the continued support from these noted and future organizations and members of the community, we anxiously look forward to perpetuating bodysurfing at Point Panic to the best of our combined abilities in the many years to come.
2015 Point Panic Bodysurfing Championships results
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2015 World Bodysurf Championship
Kaha Nalu Ohana rider scoring style points in the semis.
This guy came over from Hawaii after a week of celebrating his 60th birthday. He signs autographs, takes selfies with enthusiastic fans, promotes DaFins and competes wholeheartedly. But ultimately, Mark Cunningham just really likes to swim in the Ocean.
Competitor in the mens
Meredith Rose, eventual age group champion.
International flair on the Oceanside Pier.
Men’s 55-64 final fired off while waves were fading, so the boys had to fight for scraps.
Bruce Robbins
A few little tube visions popped up for the early heats. Photo: Rod Hepburn
The next generation of belly sliders were eager to unload their bag of tricks.
Unidentified competitors in the finals.
The young womens’ heats were stacked with capable waterwomen.
Meredith Rose looking to extend her ride.
Hal Handley demonstrates the finer points of butterfly take-offs on his way to an age-group win.
Bill “Froggy” Schildge. This guys enthusiasm for sharing waves and being a leading member of the community are inspiring. From his work with the California Surf Museum, to his international bodysurfing efforts, Froggy is a truly beloved character in our sport. Photo: Rod Hepburn
Unidentified rider laying it back in the pocket. The conditions exceeded forecasts for the early morning heats. Consistent and glassy stomach high waves allowed competitors to stretch out and show out on the open face. However, with a rising tide and increasing wind into the afternoon, conditions became more challenging. All competitors did what they could to get the judges attention. Underwater-butterfly takeoffs, lay-backs and of course spinners were on display. Photo: Rod Hepburn
Mark Cunningham
With smaller waves, the take-offs became a very big part of scoring potential.
Eventual age group champion Chris Lafferty takes a breath while the rest of his semi-final heat tries to catch up.
Spencer Ford takes a moment to admire the overcast sky during his semi-final.
Women’s Grand Champion Final with Meredith Rose, 12-17 winner, Calla Allison and Makena Magro.
Judges view. These guys sit on the Pier for hours watching people spin out of waves and milk white water as far as possible. Its a thankless job. Very few people say, “Hey thanks judges, you’re doing a great job!” Its mostly, “I got screwed!” Well, thanks judges!
The Mens Grand Champion Final. Don McCreadie, Paul Grieumard, Chris Lafferty, Hal Handley, Tom Marr, Joe Nickerson, James Fenney and Shayne McIntyre. All of these gentlemen swam hard all weekend and deservedly won their age group.
2014 Grand Champion Brett Templeman gliding right while planning a couple sections ahead. Templeman comes from the venerable South Jetty Swells team out of Ventura. Photo: Rod Hepburn
Bodysurfers are swim fin nerds. These unique fins came over from Europe with the French contingent. According to Patrice Paul Grieumard, they are designed for underwater hockey (yes, that is a real thing).
The performance level of the young women’s divisions was exemplary! Photo: Rod Hepburn
The Del Mar Bodysurfing Club. They swim and have a social gathering every single Saturday and Sunday at 17th Street in Del Mar. All are welcome. Their leader, Vince Askey, outdid himself this year with the recruitment of team riders. He snagged as many free agents as he could find and hosted bodysurfers from Australia, Brazil, France and New Zealand.
Vince Askey, of the Del Mar Bodysurfing Club, is awarded the Jack Thill Perpetual Bodysurfing Trophy for his tireless effort to promote bodysurfing. Vince works exceptionally hard to organize and expand his club beyond the Del Mar city limits. From Australian trips to hosting international competitors, he does a lot to enhance the bodysurfing community. Photo: Rod Hepburn
The Pine St. Bodysurfing Team from Carlsbad. In the most shocking moment of the weekend, Tim Casinelli announced the team championship with “And still team champions…” Most people on the beach had already concluded that the Del Mar Bodysurfing Club dethroned Pine St. for the team championship. But carrying the two Grand Champions, Pine St. came out ahead 700-680. The team trophy has been awarded for 6 years and Pine St. has won it all 6 years. Photo: Rod Hepburn
Grand Champions James Fenney and Makena Magro. A second championship for Fenney and a bright future for SDSU water polo player Magro. Their wins kept the team trophy with Pine St.
Whole Tribe. Great vibes all weekend.
Special thanks to Rod Hepburn for allowing us to share photos from his sharp eye.
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Progression: The Flip
Interview with Kaha Nalu Hawaii Rider and 2015 Point Panic Champion
Kaneali’i Wilcox
How old are you and how long have you been bodysurfing at Point Panic?
I’m 23 and I’ve been surfing Panics for almost half my life, going on 11 years.
How long have you been attempting the flip? Have you actually completed it before?
I’ve been doing this maneuver for about 8 years now. It took me a couple of weeks before I started to get the hang of it. Then maybe like a few more years until I could do them on sets and only the last few years I’ve been able to ride it out and do a few more tricks after.
Have you seen other guys complete the flip?
Well my friend Kenji showed me a clip on Youtube of a Brazilian doing a flip and that’s where it all started. Since then, I have a few friends that can also pull this trick off.
Why is Point Panic such a hot bed for bodysurfing innovation? What makes it special?
The wave speed at Point Panics is perfect for bodysurfers; it allows us to do the tricks we want. What makes Panics so special is not just the fact that legally only bodysurfers can ride there, it’s the camaraderie that goes around. I can remember my first sessions out there: uncles giving me tips on how to ride the wave better, almost always the smell of someone BBQ-ing accompanied by all their loud laughter, and nothing but stoke for bodysurfing. Luckily same goes to this day. I love hooting at the little ones giving them the extra courage to charge.
What is the next big bodysurfing trick?
My friend Matt from Big island was telling me that he’s pulled off an ARS a few times and I’ve seen a Brazilian on Youtube do one so that’s the next one to practice.
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The Wind Is Our Friend…Sometimes
“The wind is our friend, anyway, he thought. Then he added, sometimes.” These are the Old Man’s thoughts as he sails home after his epic struggle in Ernest Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea. He is describing his life as a wise old fisherman and the plight of waveriders.
Wind is the most vital variable in all of surfing and waveriders are excessively particular about its existence. Thousands of miles from our coast, we want maximum, sustained winds…over a large area, for a long time. Locally, a few days later, we desire minimal wind or maybe light wind blowing from a very distinct, offshore direction. That’s a lot to ask for and it’s the reason we cherish the days with swell and good wind.
We want this thousands of miles away…
…and this at home.
The atmospheric condition which shall not be named. The moment it is mentioned, the conditions begin to deteriorate. “Bro, its soooo glassy out here!”…then the wind picks up, onshore. “Good, the wind hasn’t picked up yet!”…the waves are textured one minute and blown out the next.
It’s a constant struggle. Its the reason we get up at 5am and blow off dinner plans in the evening. We want the best possible wind conditions. Wake up before dawn, groggily drive to your spot in the dark, check the palm fronds. Fist pump…it’s light offshore! But for how long? On average, dawn is the best time of day to surf. Diurnal, prevailing wind patterns guarantee an eventual onshore flow probably 360 days a year. Skateboarding was invented because surfers got frustrated by the afternoon onshores and looked for something to do once the surf blew out.
Each day, good conditions are fleeting. We dread the coming of the onshores. Sometimes the palm fronds and flags are pointed inland even before the sun rises. Sad face. Sometimes the wind is perfectly calm at dawn and stays that way through the morning. Sheet glass. Sometimes the wind is beautiful offshore at dawn before calming into glass through the morning. The ghastly onshores could bring the dreaded texture at 8am or 1pm…the later the better. Sometimes Santa Anas bring strong, grooming offshores all day.
The evening glassoff isn’t guaranteed but it is always anticipated. Sometimes it never comes. Sometimes the atmosphere teases a glassoff before picking up stronger onshore. Sometimes the first sets of a new swell are greeted in the late evening with perfectly calm winds and orange sunset water.
Sometimes we anticipate a swell for days. Good looking size, period and direction. Only to have it onshore at dawn and howling all day, ripping a solid swell to shreds. Other times, without expectations, a windswell will turn on super fun seemingly out of nowhere. Sometimes it’s perfectly glassy all day but the surf is double over ankle. Sometimes it’s pumping but the devil wind won’t quit. But then there are those situations we dream about and mythologize. Perfect, pure groundswell…and a light offshore breeze for days at time.
-KS
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Visions of the Month- August 2015
We love seeing stoked bodysurfing shots from across the globe. Starting this month, we will be including photos that tag us on Instagram (@SwellLinesMag) in our Visions of the Month feature. We continue to accept submissions through email at SwellLinesMag@gmail.com. Get tubed and share it with the bodysurfing world!
Swell Lines 