7 a.m at Pinetrees Beach on Hanalei Bay. It’s a cool, overcast morning. The outside waves are large, and the current is swift. But the groms (young surfers) are ready for the Volcom Pufferfish Surf Series in Kauai.
Among the groms, is our little Max. His very first surf contest. He was nervous, because the waves were big and the current was fast on this morning (especially true when you’re just over four feet tall).
Helping his little dude get past his nerves, Michael sat down with Max, and together they studied the surf and currents to come up with a strategy for Max’s upcoming, ten minute heat.
Max donned his bright orange contest jersey, and walked to the shore with his daddy by his side.
Waiting for the starting horn, Max readied himself for his first ever surf contest (I’m thinking, “Take in the moment, this first of his, only happens once”). He was in the Squid division, 10 years old and under.
The horn sounds, and Max is off and running, to charge the surf.
He paddles hard, and we watch, as the current carries him quickly to the left.
Max catches his first wave. He paddles back out, and repeats this two more times, riding a total of three waves before the end of the heat horn blows.
He rides his last wave all the way to shore, and walks his way back to the Volcom tent.
Arriving at the tent, he gets a huge high five from his daddy, turns in his wet jersey, and he receives his prized Volcom Pufferfish Surf Series Hat.
Max is proud of earning his hat. But not as proud as Michael and I, as we watched our little 50 pound grom suck up his fears, and finish his very first surf contest with pride of accomplishment.
Way to go little dude!
Totally proud!
AWESOME!!! Auntie Peggy & Uncle Vic so proud too. Those are big waves for little dude we would have been very nervous can’t wait to watch Max in action soon…..
Less than two weeks away! Can’t wait to see our three boys enjoying the Kauai surf together again…and our sister time!!!
This is so sweet! I wish we could watch have seen his 1st surf contest. Awesome job Max. We are so proud of you!
Me too!