Me, handboarding (Mike Rogers of RipPanics.com photo)

Date: July 30, 2006
Time: mid-day
Spot(s): PPs
Conditions: Sunny and smooth
Swell: Small south
Surf: 2-3' Haw'n

Words: The Redwings Memorial Handboarding Championships went off during the weekend. Because of my studies of PPs, I decided to check it out.

Originally intending to just talk story with the crew, I was invited to enter. On a whim, I went for it. Surf was too inviting.

Thankfully, Al Balderama (president of the Hawaii State Bodysurfing Association) was there and loaned me shorts, fins and a handboard. I was styling, all in blue.

My competitors included Ace Cool and another local boy. Looked like just the three of us, so we started surfing. I was stoked to be in line for a set wave, and just sat in the hook while the wave did the rest.

Unfortunately, we found out later that the heat hadn't started. One more competitor came out late. Oh well, at least I got the shot.

Pretty laid back heat. No real hassling. Just cruising. We had a pretty good heat with lots of waves. I didn't do as good as I hoped, but still had a great time.

Ended up third, with top two advancing. Sour grapes, but I had to leave anyway.

Aloha from Paradise,

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