Hi-Tech wins Oakley Surf Shop Challenge
Hi-Tech Surf Sports won the Oakley Surf Shop Challenge at Ala Moana Bowls on Thursday in Honolulu.
Each team comprised two employees and two shop riders. The Maui shop’s team members were employees John Chiu and Keoni Eliab Perkins, and shop-sponsored surfers Imaikalani Devault and Cody Young.
In the final, Hi-Tech edged Hawaiian Island Creations 36.48-36.41. Town & County surfboard factory was third with 23.30.
Devault scored a 9.77. He was the “Whammy” surfer, so he had the option to claim his best wave 15 seconds after riding it. The “Whammy” surfer score counted double. Cody Young had an 8.67, Eliab-Perkins scored 6.10 while Chiu, the team captain, followed with a 2.17.
“It was the closet final we’ve ever had,” said Jason Sakamoto of Oakley.
As the winner of the Hawaii region, Hi-Tech earned a trip to the national contest at a site to be determined in Southern California this October. They will compete against five other regional champions.