Spotlight on Youth Surfers at Annual Menehune Mayhem

One of the competitors in Saturday’s boys division. Photo by Rodney S. Yap.

By Rodney S. Yap

Ian Walsh’s Menehune Mayhem celebrated its 12th Anniversary on Saturday, April 4, in 3- to 6-foot surf at the Pavilions at Hookipa Beach Park.

More than 150 youth surfers participated in 11 divisions, starting with boys and girls 5-and-under through 17-years old. The free contest focuses on skill, sportsmanship and scholarship.

“When I first started this event, it started as something for the kids to look forward to and give them something to do at the beach because th

ere was a lapse in surf events on Maui at that time,” Walsh said. “It’s something that has grown into a carnival like event. Each year I love bringing new activities to the event.”

There were plenty of activities Saturday at the 12th annual Menehune Mayhem at Hookipa Beach Park. Photo by Rodney S. Yap.

Last year, Walsh had renown shaper Matt Kinoshita of Kazuma Surfboards and his son Chaz do a demonstration of how to shape a surfboard.

“This helped the kids see how a board is shaped and learn what it is they are riding while giving them the opportunity to watch and ask questions.”

Kinoshita was Walsh’s first shaper more than 20 years ago.

Saturday’s Menehune Mayhem at Hookipa Beach Park. Photo by Rodney S. Yap.

Walsh is a Maui native who resides in Kuau and is an internationally recognized professional surfer.

Growing up, Walsh took both his surfing and his studies seriously. At 16 he began surfing Jaws. At 18 he graduated valedictorian of King Kekaulike’s Class of 2001.

No wonder Walsh’s Menehune Mayhem rewards academic achievement in addition to their talents in the water.

The boys get busy during a mid-day heat Saturday at Hookipa Beach Park. Photo by Rodney S. Yap.

Last year, Maui County Mayor Alan Arakawa helped Walsh present the academic excellence awards at the conclusion the meet.

“For Ian Walsh to be willing to come back, sponsor an event like this, specifically for the youth, and to encourage them to not only be very active sports wise, but to reward their scholastic ability sends a real strong message that it’s important to have athletic skill, as well as be a good scholar is tremendous for the community,” Arakawa said.

In addition to surfing, Saturday’s other activities included a scavenger hunt, a keiki art center, a surf art contest, Taiko drummers, a ukulele band and a pro surfer signing center.

Three surfers paddle out before the start of their heat Saturday at Hookipa Beach Park. Photo by Rodney S. Yap.

Ian Walsh’s Menehune Mayhem 2015

Saturday, April 3, Results

GIRLS DIVISION

5-and-under — 1. Iwalani Amadeo, 2. Amy Simpson Kane, 3. Kayo Wallace, 4. Ilana Caserta, 5. Ehakai Huesing, 6. Ruby LaPrade.

6-7 — 1. Chrislyn Simpson Kane, 2. Sophia Bunch, 3. Milan Welch, 4. Skye Rosenblad, 5. Mya Pilila’au, 6. Peyton Prouty.

8-9 — 1. Emma Davis, 2. Tia Rista, 3. Maya Maki, 4. Naiya Eide, 5. Leimomi Amadeo, 6. Pheonix Farrell.

10-11 — 1. Savanna Stone, 2. Nora Liotta, 3. Kirra Spalding, 4. Ivy Flores, 5. Ellie May Brown, 6. Lainie Brados.

One of competitors in Saturday’s boys division. Photo by Rodney S. Yap.

12-16 — 1. Summer Macedo, 2.

Tatiana Ebro, 3. Isabella Pickery, 4. Jasmine Crawford, 5. Aloha Lopez, 6. Elan Estomo.

BOYS DIVISION

5-and-under — 1. Kassius Wallace, 2. Makoa Kapuniai, 3. E.J. Sargent, 4. Mylo McKinney, 5. Memphis Brown, 6. Cannon Koomoa.

6-7 — 1. Ethan Simran, 2. Dylan Sloan, 3. Marley Franco, 4. Zolten Pouisen, 5. Tiago Shoup-Banega, 6. Steve Roberson.

8-9 — 1. Shion Crawford, 2. Justin Roberson, 3. Cash Berzolla, 4. Eric Roberson, 5. Roran Mullan, 6. Kyle Kelmenson.

10-11 — 1. Jackson Bunch, 2. Kailuna Paula, 3. Ty Simpson Kane, 4. Chase Anderson, 5. Gabriel Girardin, 6. Levi Young.

12-14 — 1. Eli Hanneman, 2. Axel Rosenblad, 3. Ocean Macedo, 4. Cole Alves, 5. Logan Bediamo, 6. Marco Rista.

15-17 — 1. Cody Young, 2. Kelson Lau, 3. Khristen Olsen, 4. Mark Kekoa Garnaas.

A pair of competitors walk out to the break in preparation for their heat Saturday at Hookipa Beach Park. Photo by Rodney S. Yap.

GPA AWARDS

Jasmine Crawford, Wailua Intermediate, 4.0 GPA

Cody Young, King Kekaulike High School, 4.0 GPA

Finn Bedimol, King Kekaulike High School, 4.0 GPA

Logan Bedimol, King Kekaulike High School, 3.9 GPA

Seth Thompson, Kalama Intermediate, 3.8 GPA

Cecila Buckingham, Carden Academy, 3.5 GPA