What a treat to be in town this year for, in my opinion the only real summer surf contest worthy of the name.  After surfing all day on Friday July 28 on my short board and having not been on a long board more than 4 times in the past 12 months,  Jack Starr, Hymee and Dickey Moon made the call - It was on for Saturday morning - I had been back in town for about two weeks from a great indo trip and was leaving on Monday August 1, to spend time with my family in northern Michigan at our lake house for some killer wake boarding and sailing.  It was one of those unbelievable days with chest to over head waves that just got better and better all day - the normal gang was all there and with perfect surf, great vibes and a beautiful Lahaina day - what more could you ask for.  We had some great competition this year and with the great waves it made for some very exciting heats - this one had to be a nail puller to judge but the boys did great - Thanks to all of the staff and judges that pulled this together and have continued the tradition into its 29th year - It’s funny the more I think about the contest the more it becomes a part of life and not just a thing that we are all trying to win - of course we are but its about being with your bros - both male and female and making a memory.  I am writing this about two weeks after the competition and would just like to add in that this year we lost one of our great competitors Chris Vander Vort - nice man and great surfer - we are going to miss you.

In the end it came down to close to a repeat of last year with the exception of Mark Anderson being dethroned by Woozy - MA in 2nd, me in 3rd -then Ken, Dwain and Albert Jenks - It was a classic final and one that I really thought I had a chance to win - I pushed the limit and lost my board twice in the final and paid the price - oh well its all about the ride.  Life is good when you can spend it on Maui with the great waves, sun and people