34th Annual Longboard Classic Includes Retro-Hawaiian Event

Photo by Bob Sato
Long time participant, Ryan Hakman surfing Pinetrees.

The 34^th Annual Pinetrees Longboard Surfing Classic is scheduled for March 23 at Waioli Beach Park, aka Pinetrees. Jeff Coleman and Glen Ka`ulukukui launched the first Classic as an informal, fun community event.

This year two specialty events are included with the standard longboard divisions. The first is a timed nose-riding event. The surfer who spends the most accumulated time on the nose in a special heat will be deemed winner. Last year’s nose-riding winner was Natalia Smith, who also won in her girls division.

For the first time ever, by popular request, an alaia event has been added. An alaia (pronounced: ah-LIE-ah) is a thin, round-nosed, square-tailed surfboard ridden in pre-20th century Hawai`i. The boards were between 7 and 12 feet long, weighed up to 100 pounds and were generally made from the wood of Acacia koa. They are distinct from modern surfboards in that they have no ventral fins. Modern alaias are 5 to 12 feet long and are the larger version of the Paipo board used for knee or belly surfing. The smaller version of the Olo board is between 18 and 24 feet long. All of these board types shre one thing in common, they are made of wood and ridden without a fin/skeg. Entry forms are available at local surf shops. Early entrys must only be turned in to Hanalei Surf Company prior to March 15. Beach entry’s accepted space permitting. Trophies and prizes will be awarded. Competition begins at 8 a.m.

For more information call Charlie Cowden at Hanalei Surf Company.