Stoke-o-Rama Kid Surf Contest Taking Sign-ups

For kids who want to compete in the first Stoke-o-Rama surf contest Sept. 15, signups are open now, but slots are filling fast.

Created and sponsored, in part, by local pro-surfer brothers Dane, Tanner and Patrick Gudauskas, the contest signup deadline is Aug. 15.

The Stoke-o-Rama will take place at T-Street in San Clemente preceeding the arrival of the , a major Association of Surfing Professionals competition that each year hosts the best wave riders from all over the world.

The Gudauskases approached the Beaches, Parks and Recreation Department as well as San Clemente City Council to obtain permits for the contest earlier this year.

"We grew up surfing T-street our whole lives, and we feel like its the epicenter of the surf community in San Clemente," Pat Gudauskas said at the June council meeting.

Don Kindred, one of the event organizers, said as of Monday morning that the 100 slots open were nearly half full.

The categories for competition are 14-and-under boys, 14-and-under girls, 12-and-under boys and 10-and-under boys.

There will also be an expression session for kids 8 and under, Kindred said.

Jack's Surfboards at the corner of Avenida Del Mar and Ola Vista is taking signups.

The contest is presented by the Friends of San Clemente Beaches, Parks and Recreation, and all proceeds go to that organization. The group works to improve parks and beaches, as well as provide scholarships that allow everyone to participate in parks and rec programs in the city.

More details about the event will be announced over the next month, Kindred said.