SEVENTH ANNUAL ROOTS CONTEST
THE BEST OF BIG ISLAND BODYBOARDING
What do body boards, banana-eating contests, and compost have in common? The Roots Bodyboarding Conest! The 2009 event will be held July 11 at the birth-beach of bodyboarding - Wai‛aha (Honl’s). Registration begins at 7:00 a.m., with opening ceremonies at 8:00 a.m. The contest includes divisions for all age groups, males and females.
The Roots Contest is 100% Big Island; created by local bodyboarders to educate keiki and community about Wai’aha’s historical and cultural significance. As the birth place of Hawaiian monarch Queen Emma and the world-wide phenomena of modern bodyboarding, Wai’aha enthusiasts have much to share.
Bag-of-beach-trash entry fees and this year’s pumping summer swells equal good times. The seventh annual event will be “zero waste” by employing compostable food service ware, recycling centers, and refillable water stations (as opposed to individual water bottles). They will feature locally made, caught, and grown food for participants. The event will also enlist games, music, prizes, and is significant as the only competition held at Wai’aha and the only bodyboarding-focused contest on the West Side.
They are excited to provide uplifting and empowering educational opportunities in 2009. Kona Kai ‘Ea, a newly-formed local chapter of the Surfrider Foundation and contest sponsor, will be on hand. A spokesperson from sponsor Hawai’i Island Land Trust will be attending, along with information about the Wai’aha watershed and local efforts to stop destructive mauka development. Kumu Angel Pilago will bless the day. Contest organizers and participants are eager for 2009’s community wave-riding celebration!
Please join them July 11 as keiki, teens, wahine, Big Braddah, and “ali‛i” bodyboarders compete, learn about Wai‛aha, and consider how we can all make Wai’aha a better beach.
