Dane, Tanner and Patrick Gudauskas have announced the return of their Stoke-o-Rama locals only surf contest September 14 at T Street. Photo by Andrea Swayne
Entries for this free locals only contest will be taken August 12-13 at Jack’s
By Andrea Swayne
San Clemente-based professional surfers Patrick, Dane and Tanner Gudauskas have announced the September 14 return of their Stoke-o-Rama San Clemente locals only surf contest to T Street.
The contest, produced in conjunction with the nonprofit Friends of San Clemente Beaches Parks & Recreation Foundation, was started last year as a way to raise money for the foundation while providing a fun and positive experience for local groms and their families.
“This is an opportunity to spread the message that positive vibes are what surfing is all about, and having fun is No. 1,” Tanner said.
Last year the Gudauskas brothers, through their many surf industry contacts, managed to raise $10,000 which was used by the foundation to provide swimming lessons to children whose families could not afford to pay for them. Sponsoring companies including Jack’s, Vans, Channel Islands Surfboards, Electric and Skullcandy also donated prizes for all the contestants.
Surf contest attendees are also invited to make private donations onsite the day of the contest to support the foundation’s efforts to supplement San Clemente parks and recreation program needs and provide scholarships to the city’s low-income youth.
And speaking of scholarships; the brothers have also provided a “scholarship” fund to cover all contest entry fees making the event free for everyone.
“We wanted to provide all the groms of San Clemente an opportunity to enjoy the beach and waves with us and some of our professional surfing friends, while giving back to the organization to help out underprivileged kids in town”, said Dane Gudauskas.
Surfers will be able to compete in Boys U14, Boys U12, Boys U10, Girls U14 and the Pops and Pups U8 Expression Session.
Entries will be taken at Jack’s surf shop, the Surfers Outlet by Jack’s Surfboards, 176 Avenida Del Mar in San Clemente from 9 a.m. August 12 through 4 p.m. August 13.
Patrick said, based on last year, all divisions are expected to fill up fast and suggested arriving early on August 12 .
Entries will be taken on a first-come-first-served basis.