In what’s being billed as the first ever Pro/Grom surfing event on the East Coast, this weekend’s Microwave Surf Contest will feature over 50 surfers competing for over $8000 in prize money.
Held in Garden City Beach Saturday and Sunday, the event is an opportunity to bring big time surfing to the Grand Strand.
A Microwave surf event refers to the fact that no matter how big the waves are, the contest will be held.
Local surf organizer Denny Green says “We want to provide a really cool contest for the kids. They don’t get to participate in these type of contests. We hope to get them really stoked about surfing. There’s never been a pro contest for kids on the East Coast, especially with this kind of purse. “
The event is bringing in ASP sanctioned judges from out of town for the contest to eliminate any local bias.
Beginning at 8:30am at the second access south of the Garden City Pier, the event will have 6 divisions including Under 12, Under 14, Under 16, Under 18, Open, and Girls. Just like a standard pro contest held anywhere in the world, the event will have 4 man, 20 minute heats.
“We’ve got about 55 surfers now, a lot of those surfers will compete in multiple divisions” said Green.
Local Shaper and Village Surf Shoppe owner Kelly Richards says, ”We’re doing this to bring the next level of surfing to these kids, in their own backyard. We’re trying to attract the best kids on the East Coast to this event.“
Those scheduled to compete include Cam Richards, winner of multiple national and international contests. His brother Cole also will be competing, along with former Boys East Coast Surfing Champion Hunter Lineback and well known surfer Keenan Lineback. Micha Cantor, Luke Gordon, and Stevie Pittman are also popular East Coast surfers registered for the event.
With over $8000 being award to the participants, Richards was grateful to the sponsors for their help. “All of this would not be possible without Hyatt Automotive putting up the purse, they are the ones that provided the bulk of the money for this contest”
The proceeds from the event go to raise money for the Boys & Girls Club, and the American Red Cross.
