Duke’s 24th annual OceanFest kicks off in Waikiki with longboard competition

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Duke’s OceanFest kicked off in Waikiki on Tuesday, launching its 24th year of celebrating ocean sports and the enduring legacy of Duke Kahanamoku.

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Kuhio Beach was packed as the Pacifico Longboard Contest brought out professional and amateur surfers, including menehune competitors as young as 6.

OceanFest Executive Director Billy Pratt and organizers decided to move forward with the ocean celebration — supported by the Hawaii Tourism Authority — while acknowledging the ongoing hardships facing communities across the state following Tropical Storm Lala.

Several events originally scheduled for last weekend, including the regatta and ocean swim, were postponed to this coming weekend.

For some competitors, Tuesday’s contest was a first.

“That was my first time ever, first time getting in a contest,” said James Stevens, who entered after seeing the competition while on his way to work.

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“Finally this year they had an opening in my age group and I slid in,” Stevens said. “I just caught a couple of waves, had fun.”

The longboard finals are scheduled for Wednesday, along with the tandem championship beginning at 8 a.m.

The popular dog surfing competition will take place Thursday, featuring 25-minute heats. Among the competitors hitting the water are Victoria Chin and her two dogs: Sol, a 14-year-old dog, and Mahina, a 5-year-old rescue dog.

OceanFest events will continue throughout the week in Waikiki. For more information on the event, visit dukekahanamokuoceanfest.com.

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