HomeThe first morning I was a little bit scared. The scaffolding was a little late in setting up. Plus, some of the entry blanks went to Pago Pago, Samoa, because of a typo, 96799 not Makaha 96792. Those kids got to surf anyway, but I was voiceless after the first day, answering all the same questions.
All the usual families were there, but this year since Rell wasn't feeling so well and Pua wasn't there, it was really hard for me. Not having my two heroes there was stressful. I kept looking at Wendell Aoki and thinking "How do you do this?" But Brian (Keaulana) stepped up to the plate. The Moncatas helped tons. Jan, Rell's daughter, not only did a lot of work, but made sure it was run the way Rell wanted.
Although there was a high surf advisory on the first day, the waves only reached three feet. The next day was huge, six to eight with ten-foot sets, and the girls were charging. We moved some heats to Rest Camp, but everybody complained. They all wanted to surf Makaha. Brian said, "What are you worried about, your son surfs this all the time?" I replied, "I know, but these kids are young...."
Kekoa Auwea showed his Phil Edward's style, noseriding on big waves and Makua Rothman was impressive. Usually nobody rubs Melanie Bartels, but Kristen Quizon was ripping on both short and longboards. Teddy Lee Sipe did well, too. There were not as many girls as boys, but they all ripped. Over 375 kids entered, from ages one to 15 years old. Some were first timers and others "forever."
A week before the contest Rell called me and said she had no prizes, but she made some more calls, and the industry provided. Nobody cared that it was a non-profit, tax deductible thing, they just gave for the kids and for Rell. Linda and Richard Robb donated two boards. Plus, Quiksilver fed everybody on the beach for three days. Every year Rell makes sure certain kids get boards. We had five boards and they went to Aunty Rell's favorites.
All in all, things went well. A lot of kids wanted to see Aunty Rell and thank her for the prizes. We said, "The reason why Rell does this contest is not so you can win prizes. It's to watch you kids surf." No other event perpetuates surfing like this one. It's all about watching the little kids.
ADDITION, Spring 98
It is with deep regret and sadness that I report the death of Rell Sunn, Queen of Makaha, after a long and brave battle with breast cancer. Read the full story here.
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