Rell Sunn Surf Contest

Saturday July 15, 2023 was the 25^th annual Rell Sunn Surf Contest.  It was a banner year for the contest.   The weather started out iffy but the sun broke through, the surf was choppy, but improved in little pockets during the day.  The contestants took it all in stride, had tons of fun and were excited to be there.  Evelyn O’Doughtry made a great comeback as the announcer for the day.  She set the tone throughout the day, with aloha and fun.

The most popular events were the Menehune events with over 35 kids entering the surf and body board categories.  Contestants came in for the Women’s Long and Short Board, showing they have the same amount of talent as the men.  The Men’s short board covered a broad age range, as usual.  The Open Long board is the event that everyone wants to see who comes out the winner.  It comes down to those that have put in the time and the friendly competition is watched by all.  The final event of the day is the Wet, Wild & Whatever, which is a full out hysterical mehem.  Kids, adults and some parents all take part together.  People dress up in costume, tandem and ride different floating crafts.  Silliness is a prerequisite.

This was also a notable year because it marks the retirement of Roger Feit and Alice Houseknecht.  These two started the contest 25 years ago to provide funds to community members that were fighting cancer.  They have quietly given out help to those in need with generosity and respect.  Their continued support of this fundraiser and others via the East End Foundation has been one of pillars of the community of Montauk.  Roger and Alice will continue to run the East End Foundation and be active in the community.  A big thank you goes out to both.

Below is a list of the top winners

Menehune Body Board                                  Open Long board

1^st Olivier Vongerichten                                         1^st Noah Avallone

2^nd Baron Hildreth                                                   2^nd Tucker Coleman

3^rd Georgica Spooner                                              3^rd Matthew Goldfarb

 

Menehune Surf

1^st Zander Bell

2^nd Wilds Gallo

3^rd Oliver Early

 

Women’s Long Board

1^st Chloe Coleman

2^nd Mikeala Miller

3^rd Lyla Wilson

 

Women’s Shortboard

1^st Mikeala Miller

2^nd Maya Broder

 

Men’s Shortboard

1^st Tucker Coleman

2^nd Noah Avallone

3^rd Leo Sandel