News & Events
Brisa Hennessy Wins Rip Curl GromSearch Nationals
Brisa Hennessy
Uppers saw brilliant talent and stoke as the groms took over in the Rip Curl Gromsearch National Final presented by Mophie. Appropriately finishing off an epic season with pumping surf, the nations best kids under age 16 fought for the $500 cash and an all expenses paid trip to Bells Beach, Australia to compete in the International GromSearch Final that is partnered with the Rip Curl Pro in 2014. Oahu girl Brisa Hennessy brought home the gold in a nail-biting finish in the Girls 16 & Under division. With her winning score announced at the podium, the 13 yearold little lady showed that her intelligent, dynamic and fluid surfing in conjunction with
her ability to connect multiple maneuvers really paid off. An excited Hennessy went on and expressed her enthusiasm to compete in such an “iconic venue” where she will be able to walk amongst her heroes and “down the stairs through surf history”.
Big Wave Surfers Play Polo to Benefit Hawaii Children’s Cancer Foundation Photos courtesy of C.J. DeWolf Big wave riders are used to risking their lives in the water, but on October 27th these adrenaline charged surfers again risked their lives- and possibly their ego’s -on the polo field to raise money for a good cause in a very special exhibition polo match. Some of the biggest names in the surfing industry got on a horse and played polo for the cause, “Ride to Survive” for children’s cancer at the Maui Polo Club in Makawao, Maui. The Players: Nakoa DeCoite, Jamie Sterling, Paige Alms, Pete Cabrinha, Francisco Porcella, Marlon Lewis, Sierra Emory and Juan Gomez. Hawaii Children’s Cancer Foundation (HCCF)
is the only organization in the State of Hawaii dedicated exclusively to providing services to children with cancer and their families. They provide a wide range of services and programs to their families, including financial assistance, support groups, social events, education and advocacy. Paige Alms and the rest of the players practiced every week to get ready for the big game, “It’s so much fun, I’m getting to ride an amazingly sweet horse named Cisco, who is putting up with me to say the least. It’s been a challenge learning how to hit the ball while riding a horse. To be involved in doing something so fun and raising awareness and money for the Hawaii Children’s Cancer Foundation truly is unreal.”
Big wave surfer Nakoa DeCoite actually grew up playing polo with his dad Herman-Louis DeCoite and older brothers Ka’aina, and Ka’eo, who both played at the benefit and who both surf as well. Nakoa enjoyed sharing the field with his surf buddies, and says it will definitely be one for the books. “I’m glad I can help out a good cause and laugh at my friends at the same time,” says Nakoa. A big Mahalo to The DeCoite family for putting this amazing event together and a special dedication to Coral DeCoite’s son Azure who kicked cancer’s butt! To see more of what Hawaii Children’s Cancer Foundation is about please visit their website: www.hccf.org #icancervive