The 18th installment of the free Keith Noel Memorial Jetty Kid Surf Kontest will again draw young surfers to the South Mission Beach Jetty on Saturday, Sept. 23 in a showcase of young talent and tribute to a well-known local surfer. The contest — which is open to girls age 8-16 and boys age 8-15 — will feature prizes like surfboards, wetsuits, board bags and tropies for each of the six divisions, according to organizers. Sponsored surfers are not allowed to enter because the event is designed to encourage newer surfers. There is no entry fee. The event runs from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and participants will gather at San Diego Place Beach. Noted surfer and Mission Beach native Keith Noel left a rather unusual but noteworthy request in his will when he died in 1995. Noel owned a vintage Hawaiian shirt shop in this beach community for 17 years and grew up surfing at his home break at the jetty in South Mission Beach. Noel became known to the local surfers up and down the coast as “The Jetty Kid.” Noel wanted to be remembered by providing funding for a yearly surf contest for kids — all completely free of charge — all leading to the establishment of the South Mission Beach Crew Foundation. Winners in the judged divisions also receive fresh flower leis as a nod to Keith’s affinity for the Hawaiian culture. All pre-registered participants will receive a custom-designed “Kontest” T-shirt and have a chance to win other surf-related prizes donated by local businesses and friends. The “Super Menehune” division for kids 7 and under is a parent-accompanied exhibition with no judging, and each pre-registered child goes home with a surfing trophy. Many volunteers assist the event and Noel’s old surfing buddies run the competition and judging while Marianne Kendall and her crew man the food tent in honor of her late fiancée. All contestants and their families are treated to free food and drinks during the day, including breakfast items, burritos and pizza. For more information or entry forms, visit Coldwell Banker Real Estate in Pacific Beach at 4090 Mission Blvd., call Kendall at (858) 539-4422, or email her at [email protected]. More information can also be obtained by emailing Kim Fox at [email protected].
