T&C Surf has been organizing our annual Grom Comp since the 1998 at the iconic Queen's surf break at Waikiki Beach. The goal of the event is to give kids a positive experience with surf competition. To create a more relaxed and fun competitive atmosphere we don't allow ranked or national event competitors to enter our competition. It's for fun and spreading the stoke of surfing. Founder Craig Sugihara says "The arrival of summer creates a lot of anticipation for so many reasons - the end of school, long sunny days, south swells and the GROM Contest. This event has become an annual highlight for me kicking off summer. Creating a fun family-friendly environment giving keiki the opportunity to enjoy the sand and surf and get an introduction to competitive surfing is a true pleasure. Seeing the stoke in the eyes and smiles of the kids is priceless. It all about having fun!" 

The two day event is held every summer and even during the pandemic we held a virtual competition online to keep the kids involved. Keikis from ages three to twelve convene from all sides of the island chain to compete in shortboard, longboard, and bodyboard divisions, along with the kokua division and the FreeSurf Magazine Expression Session, where parents and kids get to ride waves together. No one walks away empty handed. Each contestant receives a goodie bag full of cool prizes from the event sponsors including Dakine, RVCA, Vans, Vertra, and of course, T&C Surf Designs.

If you live on Oahu and surfed as a kid you probably participated in the T&C Grom Comp at least one time in your life. Notable past participants include current legends such as Billy Kemper, Brisa Hennessy, John John Florence, Carissa Moore, Barron Mamiya, Coco Ho, Betty Lou Sakura-Johnson, Mason Ho, Ezekiel Lau, Seth Moniz, Luana Silva, Kelia Moniz, Honalua Bloomfield, Kelis Kaleopa, Keani Canullo, Haley Otto, Keoki Saguibo and Kanela Stewart to name a few.

We look forward to many more contests and many more keiki to experience our event. We hope we play a part in their lifelong stoke for surfing and loving the ocean in general. The smiles and laughs say it all for us. We hope to see you all there! Mahalo from the T&C Ohana.