Two-foot waves high enough for young Newport Beach surfers

Forget Little League. Students from Newport Elementary School held their first competition Tuesday afternoon at the Newport Pier.

The waves and the surfers were both small, but the contest was a pretty big deal for students at the school's after-school surfing class, the Daily Pilot reported.

For most, it was their first taste of surfing competition. They battled in 15-minute heats amid 1- to 2-foot waves and light winds. The final had six fierce competitors, with Kealoha Gunal taking the win.

Students from the Newport Harbor High School surf team volunteered to judge the contest. All finalists received wooden surfboard trophies hand made by Tim Reda. Other prizes were donated by Surfside Sports and Quiksilver.

Dustin Amick took second place, followed by Kaleb McNerney, Blake Jackson, Strider Stade and Hunter Ellis.

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-- Mike Reicher, Times Community News

Photo: Kaleb McNerny, 10, is up and riding as he competes in the Newport Elementary surf club year end contest at Newport Pier on Tuesday. Credit: Don Leach / Times Community News