Building the Next Generation of Surfers: T&C Grom Contest Set for Father’s Day Weekend

This is the greatest thing we do. It’s our way of giving back,” exclaims T&C Surf founder Craig Sugihara about the highly anticipated 27th annual T&C Surf Grom Contest presented by Duke’s Waikiki taking place on June 14th and 15th, 2025. 

Sure, T&C sells some of the most sought-after surfboards in the world as well as apparel and accessories that cater to our brothers and sisters in and around the surf, skate, and island communities for over half a century…but what drives us most at T&C is sharing the stoke we get from the ocean and passing that love along to everyone, most of all, our next and most precious generation. 

Do you remember the first time you really connected with the ocean? Or the first time you rode a wave? Or maybe your first time competing in a surf contest? There’s something so special about those ocean firsts. What makes our event unique is that it’s only open to those who have not gone on to amateur surf events with rankings, such as NSSA or HSA clubs. Uncle Craig Sugihara remarks, “This is the next generation, and we’re giving back to the kids that aren’t already doing contests. We look forward to doing this event all year and couldn’t be happier to host it.” The reason for this rule is to allow the keiki that haven’t started competing to have the most fun possible and get a feel for competition as well. 

Giving back to the community has always been the goal, and we are proud to continue to work with the Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii, the event’s non-profit sponsor. Paddy Kauhane, president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii states, “For 16 years, the Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii has been the proud non-profit sponsor of the T&C Surf Grom.  We are honored to support this amazing event as T&C celebrates the youth of Hawai’i with surf and play in Waikiki!  Ho’omaika’i ana e T&C for making our world a better, healthier place!”

What you may find different about this year’s event is a bit of a change in the contest format, and we split the Kokua division into boys and girls to ensure an equal number of boys and girls get a chance to surf Baby Queens.  The other divisions will be treated, as usual, to two days of an uncrowded lineup at Queens main break, one of the best waves on the planet. 

Another change that took place this year is the City and County of Honolulu and the Department of Parks and Recreation revised the rules for granting permits for surf competitions. The new rules were designed to make surfing events more equitable. Applicants will be ranked on whether they include bodyboarding, bodysurfing, or stand-up paddle surfing, and not just surfing; whether they create opportunities for young surfers and kupuna, and not just adult surfers in their prime athletic years; whether they include amateur participants and not just professional surfers; whether they include people with disabilities; and whether they create opportunities for female and non-binary surfers. Fortunately for us, our T&C Grom contest met the criteria and is only one of four events allowed at this spot during the summer. 

All year long, we plan, create, and bring together all the working pieces that make up our annual event. It’s a labor of love that most of our staff do in addition to their regular duties. The saying goes, ‘It takes a village,’ and our modern-day village of surfers, parents, sponsors, staff, and volunteers all come together to celebrate youth in surfing. 

The fun and games will begin at 8am Saturday morning on June 14, with nonstop heats at Queens in all divisions, along with the family favorite Kokua division at Baby Queens. The open divisions run from 6 years of age to 12 and include boys and girls longboard, shortboard, and co-ed bodyboard divisions. The Kokua division is for all keiki 3-8 years of age who might need a little help or Kokua getting into the wave from mom, dad, auntie, or uncle. There will also be fun games and prizes galore on land for event participants. Lunch will be catered by Duke’s Waikiki for all competitors. And, of course, our FreeSurf Expression Session will take place on Sunday, the 15th, right before the finals. In this special two heats of competition, groms will pair up with an adult to see who can catch the best tandem wave at Queens. Mike Latronic, publisher of FreeSurf Magazine, says, “We are proud and honored to be a partner with T&C Surf for this legendary event for the kids! Having been a collaborator on this event for many years, I can honestly say it never gets old to see the joy, camaraderie, and family fun at the T&C Grom Contest in Waikiki!”

Families travel to the T&C Grom Contest from all over the islands to gather at Kuhio Beach, O’ahu - the gathering place where it all began so many years ago with legends like Duke Kahanamoku, George Freeth, and Rabbit Kekai, on down to Olympic Gold Medalist Carissa Moore, who got her competitive start right here at the T&C Grom Contest. It has been an absolute joy to watch generations come through our keiki event and go on to greatness in the surf world. 

Mark your calendars for Father's Day weekend, June 14-15 and come support Hawaii's future surfing legends! The contest is usually at full capacity each year, and usually sells out on the first day followed by a waiting list in hopes of any openings . All contestants receive a goodie bag with a contest T-shirt, lunch courtesy of Duke's Waikiki, and memories for a lifetime! 

Big thanks to our sponsors who help make this happen every year: Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii, FreeSurf Magazine, Dakine, Futures Fins, Vans, RVCA, GoPro, Sun Bum, Yeti, PSD Underwear, Science Bodyboards and Melin. 

See you on the beach and in the water! Aloha!