Newport Elementary holds first surf contest

While the waves and the surfers were both small Tuesday afternoon, a surf contest at the Newport Pier was a pretty big deal for students from Newport Elementary School’s after school surfing class.

For most, it was their first taste of surfing competition. They battled in 15-minute heats amid 1- to 2-foot high waves and light winds. The final had six fierce competitors, with Kealoha Gunal taking the win.

Students from the Newport Harbor High School surf team volunteered to judge the contest. All finalists received wooden surfboard trophies handmade by Tim Reda. Other prizes were donated by Surfside Sports and Quiksilver. The contest was organized by Endless Fun Surf School.

Here are the results:

First: Kealoha Gunal

Second: Dustin Amick

Third: Kaleb McNerney

Fourth: Blake Jackson

Fifth: Strider Stade

Sixth: Hunter Ellis

— Mike Reicher