The finalists were (from left): Patrick Fukuda, Eric Casco, Lara Claydon, Kalei Kauhane, Matt Pasamonte and Mark Anderson.

LAHAINA — The Kimo’s Longboard Contest in Memory of Rob Thibaut has manifested a soulful legacy of community bonding for 44-plus years. For the pandemic breakthrough, 45th renewal of the event, organizers enriched the tradition by adding “The Pioneers of Surfing” to the contest moniker.

Organizer Jack “Da Rippa” Starr added that the first honoree as the Pioneer of Surfing for the 2022 contest is Laura Blears, often referred to as the “Queen of Surfing” and the first women’s world champion and professional surfer.

“We thought it would be fitting to recognize our own Laura Blears (a lifelong employee at TS Restaurants’ first store, Kimo’s, in Lahaina),” said Starr.

The contest took off on Monday, June 27, at Mala Wharf, in near perfect conditions.

“The waves were three to five feet with great conditions,” said Starr from a seaside table at Kimo’s, where he has been an energetic manager for decades.

“The wind came up in the afternoon and chopped it up a bit, but there was some terrific surfing going on all the way through the finals.”

For this iconic Maui surfing event, the competitors are required to ride nine-foot or longer single fin boards, with no leashes allowed. Fifty-four of Maui’s top longboarders competed in the double-elimination format for the 45th championship and grand prize of a custom-shaped Ole longboard, produced by world-renowned manufacturer Bob “Ole” Olson.

When the mist had cleared and the judges’ scores were tabulated by the state-of-the-art electronic system engineered by, and courtesy of, Kim Ball and Hi-Tech, Lahaina’s Eric Casco, who grew up almost across the street from Mala Wharf, took first place honors. He was followed by Patrick Fukuda in second place, Kalei Kauhane in third, Lara Claydon in fourth (and the first female to place in the finals), Matt “Postman” Pasamonte in fifth, and venerable surf legend Mark Anderson in sixth place.

Starr praised the work and contributions of all who helped create a successful return to the water of the Kimo’s Longboard Contest. The judges included wave riding legends of Maui Fred Petersen, Nathan Moody, Roy Yamada, Greg Unabia, Dave Gott and Chief Judge Al Sagon.

Shout-outs went to Kim Ball and Hi-Tech for the computerized scoring system that allowed the judges to relay scores immediately via hand held devices. This allowed Starr the ability to announce ride-by-ride updates and increased the suspense and excitement of everyone on the beach.

Special mahalos also went out to Doug Pitzer and Pitzer Built Construction for the scaffolding of the officials’ stand; Ola Shaw and We Are More sound systems for the contest audio system; and Hans Buetzer from the Maui Water Safety unit and jet ski operator.

Starr also thanked Dr. Norm Estin of Doctors on Call, who stood by all day to render first aid when needed; Beach Marshal Neal “Armadillo” Norris; Kona Brewing Company for post contest refreshments; Maui Jim Sunglasses for six pairs of their iconic eyewear; Lincoln Construction for custom trophies; and to Ole Olson for the generous donation of the grand prize: a custom longboard from his shop.

Starr also praised Laura Lee Blears, co-coordinator of the event; key grips Jen Starr, Tule Souza and Kawai Kauhane; Grant Rohloff vintage surf posters; Handsome Bugga Productions and Rodney Kilborne for continuous support and advice; DNLR official Seiko Jun for permitting facilitation; Lahaina Jodo Mission’s Reverend Hara; and Kalei Kauhane for a stirring puli to bless the event.

“Our hearts go out to all the volunteers who helped set up for the contest and helped us come back from the pandemic shutdowns of the last two years,” Starr said. “Mahalo to all!”