7th annual Garden Island Boogie Board Classic set for July 18-20

Nonprofit Kaikeha announces the return of a bodyboarding competition that not only attracts competitors from throughout the state, but some of the best bodyboarders from around the globe.

The 7th annual Garden Island Boogie Board Classic is slated for July 18-20 at Prince Kūhiō Beach, also known as Lāwaʻi Beach, in Poʻipū on Kauaʻi’s South Shore.

Registration is now open, and there are several divisions in which to compete:

• Super Grom (9 years old and younger push-in).
• Menehune (10 to 13 years old).
• Juniors (14 to 17 years old).
• Girls (17 years old and younger).
• Open Women (18 years old and older).
• Open Men (18 years old and older).
• Masters (35 years old and older).
• Open Pro.

Registration fees are $25 for amateur divisions and $200 for pro divisions.

You can register online.

Hawai‘i continues to produce some of the world’s best bodyboarding talent, which is proudly showcased during this event.

World champion bodyboarders such as Tanner McDaniel, Aarya Tabalno, Sammy Morretino and the Hubbard brothers, all from Kaua‘i, are slated to compete in this year’s classic.

Bodyboarders from O‘ahu, Maui, Moloka‘i, Hawai‘i Island and of course Kaua‘i participate.

And while interest throughout the state continues to grow, overseas competitors as far away as Japan also make the trek to Kaua‘i to compete. Three international competitors already signed up this year — one of whom is Hayato Enokido of Chiba, Japan, the 2022 Garden Island Boogie Board Classic Open Pro champion.

Enokido beat out Kōloa’s Sammy Morretino, Līhuʻe’s Jeff Hubbard and Līhuʻe’s Nash Burkart — who clinched the top spot in the Open Men division that year — to claim the Open Pro victory.

Morretino also placed second in the Drop Knee Pro (IBC World Tour) division in 2022.

While progression is seen year-after-year throughout each division, the competition also continues to pay tribute to the cultural origins of bodyboarding, keeping it grounded in the past as it provides opportunities for the future.

Kaikeha was founded by watermen Chris Burkart and Jeff Hubbard. It is focused on engaging Hawai‘i youth in water sports to foster a lifelong connection with the ocean by nurturing a competitive athletic spirit.

The nonprofit continues to receive support from Kamehameha Schools Kaiāulu to host the annual Garden Island Boogie Board Classic.

Follow the Garden Island Boogie Board Classic on social media @gardenislandboogieboardclassic for additional information.

You can also follow @kaikeha_hawaii on social media or visit Kaikeha’s website for more.