18 Photos
The 25th annual Rell Sunn Surf Contest and Benefit was hosted at Ditch Plains once again this past Saturday. KYRIL BROMLEY
Roger Feit, co-founder and co-director, hands out flowers to those in attendance for "Blessing of the Water." KYRIL BROMLEY
The annual "Blessing of the Water" takes place just before surfing gets underway. KYRIL BROMLEY
The annual "Blessing of the Water" takes place just before surfing gets underway. KYRIL BROMLEY
The annual "Blessing of the Water" takes place just before surfing gets underway. KYRIL BROMLEY
Flowers are thrown into the water each year to remember those lost. KYRIL BROMLEY
Flowers are thrown into the water each year to remember those lost. KYRIL BROMLEY
Younger surfers get ready for the contest. KYRIL BROMLEY
Younger surfers get ready for the contest. KYRIL BROMLEY
Younger surfers get ready for the contest. KYRIL BROMLEY
Younger surfers get ready for the contest. KYRIL BROMLEY
Surfers head into the water at Ditch Plains. KYRIL BROMLEY
Surfers enjoy the waters at Ditch Plains. KYRIL BROMLEY
Surfers enjoy the waters at Ditch Plains. KYRIL BROMLEY
Surfers enjoy the waters at Ditch Plains. KYRIL BROMLEY
Surfers enjoy the waters at Ditch Plains. KYRIL BROMLEY
Surfers enjoy the waters at Ditch Plains. KYRIL BROMLEY
Surfers enjoy the waters at Ditch Plains. KYRIL BROMLEY
The Rell Sunn Surf Contest and Benefit celebrated 25 years on Saturday at Ditch Plains.
Following the “Blessing of the Water,” where those in attendance lay flowers in the ocean’s edge in memory of those recently lost, surfing got underway. While the event is more about celebrating community and the sport of surfing and the “aloha” of it all, more so than serious competition, many of the surfers who competed went home with custom-made wood carved trophies, covering the different age and style of board groups. An art auction and a raffle with collectible T-shirts sold as well at the event.
The event is a benefit for the East End Foundation which has been providing vital support to those in need and to improve health and happiness within the community. All proceeds go to local families in need.
The contest is named for Rell Sunn, a Hawaiian native and women’s surfing pioneer who died in 1998 after a 15-year battle with breast cancer. In the early 1970s, she was instrumental in establishing the Women’s Professional Surfing Association and founding the women’s pro surfing tour. During her competitive career, she finished in the top eight in the world seven times, twice reaching number three.
