Paia Bay Beachfest is Two-Day Event This Year

Zach Zane, the 2013 Men’s Open champion, finished fifth in the same division last year. File photo by Rodney S. Yap.

By Rodney S. Yap

Since it took two days to finish last year, organizers of the Pa’ia Bay Beachfest decided to make this year’s 18th annual contest a two-day event.

Many of Maui’s top male and female bodyboarders and amateur surfers are expected to compete in the annual north shore competition, which is set for Saturday, Jan. 17, and Sunday, Jan. 18, at Pa’ia Bay.

Because of a record number of participants, last year’s event was extended to Sunday after preliminary heats and semifinals took all day Saturday. This time, the Pa’ia Youth & Cultural Center (PYCC), a non-profit organization that runs the annual event with staff members and volunteers, chose to extend the competition one more day.

There will be competition in six divisions and all participants must complete and sign the Contestant Entry Form. Registration opens at 7 a.m. The competition starts at 7:30 a.m. on both days, but ends at 5 p.m. on Saturday and 2 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 18.

Brandon Shine had a big weekend at Paia Bay last year, finishing second in the Men’s division and third in the Drop Knee division. File photo by Rodney S. Yap.

Early bird entry is $20. Beach entry on event day is $30. The entry fee includes a shirt, plate lunch and one division entry. Early entry will be accepted until Friday, Jan. 16, 7 p.m. All entry fees must be paid in cash only.

Divisions include Menehune (co-ed; ages 9-14), Juniors (co-ed; ages 15-17), Women’s Open (all ages), Men’s (18 and older), Drop Knee (co-ed; all ages) and Freestyle Surf (co-ed; all ages).

Additional divisions are $10 each.

The Pa’ia Youth & Cultural Center that works with Maui’s keiki, providing them with a safe environment where they can engage in social, educational, cultural, vocational and recreational activities.

Visit PYCC Maui for more information and to download the Contestant Entry Form.

The Paia Youth & Cultural Center is located at 28 Hana Highway (Pa’ia Bay). Open Tues.-Sat. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Phone: 808-579-8354.