Dane, Pat, and Tanner Gudaskaus are spreading stoke in the surf community once again. Through their nonprofit, Positive Vibe Warriors, they’re running a charity based surf event for kids 12 and under. Aptly named, Stoke-O-Rama is less about competition than having a good time and raising awareness and funding for a good cause. As Dane explained in an interview with Beau Flemister for SURFER Magazine, “We wanted to celebrate an entry-level experience for kids in surfing contests. The format is like a non-loser event, so the kids can surf twice regardless of if they lose the first time. Basically, we just wanted to bring people together, have a fun time and celebrate surfing and camaraderie.”
While the event is free to kids who enter, money from sponsors goes towards youth water safety programs like junior lifeguarding and swimming scholarships in San Clemente and Huntington Beach or the Na Kama Kai organization in Makaha, Oahu. This year’s event will funnel money directly to the Huntington Beach YMCA and their effort to promote water safety skills and awareness.
Among other under 12 divisions is the “Pops and Pups” category for kids aged 8 and under. In this one, parents will be directly involved, helping their kids into waves and pushing the family surf vibes to new levels of engagement.
In partnership with Vans US Open of Surfing, Stoke-O-Rama is set to run July 29, 2017, opening day for the internationally significant marquee surf competition. What better way could there be for kicking off a major surf contest than sending super stoked groms and families out into the line-up to spread positive vibes?
To learn more about the Positive Vibe Warriors or to make a donation to the organization click this link.
Events posted on The Good Brine are subject to change. Please check directly with organizations and venues to confirm times and locations.
sources and links: