The second annual Ken Whalen Surf Challenge is a free surf contest for beginning and first-time surfers ages 5-16. Last year’s inaugural event brought 150 young surfers together, many trying the sport for the first time. The response was overwhelmingly positive. The event, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 2 at San Fernando Court, Mission Beach, has expanded with multiple simultaneous heats allowing for up to 250 total surfers. A high percentage of 2015 participants have registered to return. All contestants will compete in one 15-minute heat (no advancing). Local high school and college-aged surfers will be available to assist all participants in the water as needed. This fall marks two years since the community lost a well-loved family man and avid surfer after suffering a stroke at age 49. Ken Whalen grew up surfing all the local beaches, and traveled the world to enjoy other amazing surf spots. “Ken loved nothing more than spending a day at the beach with friends and family,” says event co-organizer and childhood friend Kevin Flynn. “He also felt very strongly about supporting Challenged Athletes Foundation, including its adaptive surfing programs that help get physically challenged kids and adults on boards and in the waves.” “Ken was all about family, adventure, being physically active, and living up to our fullest potential” says Paula Whalen, spokesperson for the event. “He would be so happy to know that this event in his honor elicited these reactions last year:” – “That was an absolutely awesome event! My boys, who were a bit tentative about surfing, are now hooked!” – “Our son recently took up surfing and loves it. The event was perfect for his first contest. The music, location, food, timing and organization couldn’t have been more perfect.” – “I didn’t know Ken Whalen but I am sure he is looking down at all his friends and family, proud of what they put together in honor of him.”