Honua Finals Recap: World Cup of Interscholastic Surfing in Hawaii
The surfing world witnessed a groundbreaking event as the inaugural Honua Finals took place on July 9-10, 2024, at Ala Moana Bowls on the south shore of O'ahu, Hawaii. This first-of-its-kind international high school surf competition brought together talented young surfers from around the globe, marking a significant milestone in scholastic surfing.
The Birth of Honua Finals
The Honua Finals was the brainchild of the Kazama family, with Sunny and Dave Kazama at the helm. As mentioned in the event's closing ceremony, it took a full year of planning and preparation to bring this vision to life. The competition aimed to provide a platform for high school surfers to showcase their skills on an international stage while promoting cultural exchange and sportsmanship.
Event Format and Participation
The two-day event brought together over 120 surfers representing top high school surf teams from New Zealand, the surfing team from Whangamatā Area School, California, and for the first time ever, all four counties in the State of Hawaiʻi were present.
The competition adopted a team-based format, allowing schools to demonstrate their collective talent. Surfers competed in different categories, including shortboard divisions for both boys and girls. According to the official Honua Finals Instagram account (@Honua.Finals_), the event brought together some of the world's best high school surfers. The organizers carefully selected the dates to coincide with the best surf conditions, ensuring optimal waves for the competitors.
Spotlight on Local Talent: 'Iolani School and Coach Chino Butler
Among the participating teams, Hawaii's own 'Iolani School made a strong showing under the guidance of their esteemed coach, Chino Butler. Coach Butler, a respected figure in the local surfing community, has been instrumental in developing young surfing talent on the island.
Coach Chino Butler's Impact
Chino Butler's dedication to nurturing young surfers extends beyond his role at 'Iolani School. As highlighted in a feature by Hawaiian South Shore, Butler has been a significant influence in the Hawaiian surfing scene for years. His commitment to the sport and his students has played a crucial role in elevating the standard of high school surfing in Hawaii. Butler's approach to coaching emphasizes not just skill development but also character building. He believes in the importance of respect, both in and out of the water, and instills these values in his team.Competition Highlights
The Honua Finals saw intense competition over the two days, with young surfers displaying impressive skills in challenging conditions. The event utilized the LiveHeats platform for scoring and heat management, ensuring a professional and transparent judging process. As the competition concluded, the atmosphere was electric with excitement and camaraderie. In the words of one of the organizers during the closing ceremony, "Thank you all for coming. We couldn't have done it without all of you guys. We learned a lot from you guys."
Looking to the Future
The success of the inaugural Honua Finals has set a promising precedent for future international high school surfing competitions. It has opened doors for young surfers to gain exposure on a global stage and potentially pursue professional careers in the sport. The organizers expressed their hope to continue this event, with one stating, "This is a dream. Let's keep it going." This sentiment was echoed by the enthusiastic response from participants and spectators alike.
Courtesy @honua.finals_
The Honua Finals has undoubtedly left its mark on the surfing world. By bringing together young talent from across the globe, it has not only elevated the status of high school surfing but also fostered a sense of global community among the next generation of surfers. As events like these continue to grow, we can expect to see even more exciting developments in the world of competitive surfing at the scholastic level. The inaugural event's success is a testament to the vision of its organizers, the skill of its participants, and the support of the broader surfing community. As one organizer aptly put it, they are "making history" at Ala Moana Beach, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting future for international high school surfing competitions.
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