Older wave riders gather Coastside, stay gnarly at benefit surf contest
PACIFICA -- The 24th Annual Kahuna Kupuna Benefit Surf Contest recently took place in Pacifica to celebrate the talents of older surfers.
Participating surfer Steve Dwyer expressed enthusiasm for the event.
"It brings the community together, includes a lot of my friends and it's always good to hang out at the beach and see my friends," he said.
The competition is the only amateur surf contest in the world specifically designed for surfers age 40 and over. The founder of the contest, Roy Earnest, created the event after growing tired of hearing negative names for older community sports leagues.
"Like the 'Geezer Division' or the 'Old Fart Division,' you know? So I decided to create a surf contest that respected older surfers," he said.
Dwyer, a seasoned surfer himself, appreciates the respect. Having begun surfing at the age of 8, it continues to be a lifeline for him.
"I'm 63 and if I don't get regular physical activity, especially in the water, I feel stale," he said.
The competition offers separate subdivisions for both men and women extending up to age 80 and beyond for longboard and shortboard surfers.
Earnest hopes to see more events like this.
"Our culture is very youth-focused and I understand all the reasons why but I think we are missing out on having better connections with older generations."
It's the connection to the water that Dwyer feels is the ultimate unifier.
"Everybody feels better, usually, after getting in the water and nothing's quite like salt water for a daily baptismal."
The event proved to be a refreshing ride for all generations.
