Rell Sunn
“Surfing frees everything up, it’s just the best soul fix” – Rell Sunn
On July 13th Montauk hosted the annual Rell Sunn Surf Contest and Benefit, celebrating its 26th year at Ditch Plains. Founded by Roger Feit and Alice Houseknecht twenty-five year ago, the tradition continues to grow in popularity while remaining true to its roots. The event is one that brings the community together, fosters friendly competition and pays tribute to surfers that are no longer with us via a paddle out as an opening to the day. Along with the spirited contests are local prizes, raffles, silent art auction and Rell Sunn merchandise, with proceeds benefiting CCOM (Concerned Citizens of Montauk) and the Montauk Food Pantry,
Rell Sunn is memorialized for the establishment of the Women’s Professional Surfing Association, for creating the first women’s pro-surfing tour, and for her success as a world-class surfer and best female longboarder in the world at the time. Born in Hawaii, Sunn started surfing as a toddler and stayed close to the ocean, something those growing up on the east end may find relatable.
The paddle out ceremony is the cornerstone of the contest. The ritual of staying connected to the sea to honor loved ones departed evolved from the Hawaiian tradition of linking the spiritual afterlife and physical realm, the ocean. Those participating in any of the Montauk paddle-outs witness the bonds formed in and out of the water, as the community joins together to grieve and celebrate life. Referred to as ‘gathering the tribe,’ surfers choose to paddle-out in a particular place that is meaningful to the person of honor, often bringing flowers or wreaths to send out to sea. Forming a circle in the water symbolizes a bond that shows mutual respect and one that is unbreakable. The display of such a tight-knit community is moving. Sharing the paddle-out, memories of the person, releasing flowers, a moment of reflection and silence is a communal sense of closure and tribute to one’s life and legacy.
The Rell Sunn surf contest mimics the traditional paddle-out by participating in something joyful to follow, surfing! Waves are a metaphor for the rhythm of the ocean, the rhythm of the seasons, and our lives. The best aspects of the Rell Sunn event include honoring the sea, departed friends, one another, the community and surfing.
