Youth surf competition set for June

By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer

(May 19, 2023) Similar to the Red Bull Foam Wreckers “anti-surf, surf contest” held last July, Ocean City is welcoming another competition in June geared toward young wave riders.

Set tentatively for June 3, with a rain/no wave date on June 4, pro surfer Ben Gravy’s Gromathon Surf Competition will take place from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the beach between 34th and 35th streets.

City Council members approved a request this week from K-Coast Surf Shop owner Chris Shanahan to sponsor the event, which will be geared toward surfers ages 14 and under. Participants will use only foam or soft-top boards.

The organizers billed the event as family-friendly, which Mayor Rick Meehan applauded at Tuesday’s meeting after council members unanimously approved the private event request.

“This is really a kids event and I think it’s great you have so many kids out there involved and enjoying the beach,” Meehan said.

According to a staff report, Shanahan asked for permission to place four 10-by-10-foot tents within the event footprint, use generators and a PA system on site, award prizes to participants, and place a port-o-let on 35th Street.

Risk management staff said they support the event because it is sponsored by a local business owner and focuses on families with young children to build an interest in surfing.

The report said Beach Patrol will provide at least one surf beach facilitator to oversee crowd control and safety needs.

Pro surfer Ben Gravy participates in the Red Bull Foam Wreckers anti-surf, surf competition July 23 in Ocean City. City Council members approved a request this week from theowner of K-Coast Surf Shop to sponsor a similar youth surf competition June 3 called Ben Gravy’s Gromathon Surf Competition.

During the event, staff will also establish east and west lanes in the footprint for emergency access, maintain a 50-yard ocean buffer, mark an area in the water with buoys, and set up beach boundaries visible to everyone.

The organizer will pay the town $350 in private event fees.