LOCAL

A LOOK BACK: Wahine Surfing Competition

Camden Hoover competes during the 2nd annual Wahine Classic Wrightsville Beach on the south end of Wrightsville Beach Saturday, August 16, 2014. The competition included more than 100 surfers ranging in age from 4 to over 60. It continues on Saturday beginning at 8 a.m.Staff Photo By Matt Born/ Wilmington StarNews
Camden Hoover competes during the 2nd annual Wahine Classic Wrightsville Beach on the south end of Wrightsville Beach Saturday, August 16, 2014. The competition included more than 100 surfers ranging in age from 4 to over 60. It continues on Saturday beginning at 8 a.m.Staff Photo By Matt Born/ Wilmington StarNews
Wilmington StarNews
Marty Mentzer catches a wave as she takes part Sunday morning in the finals of the 2nd Annual East Coast Wahine Championships held at Wrightsville Beach. More than 80 girls and women ranging in age from 6 to 48 took part in the competion.
Marty Mentzer catches a wave as she takes part Sunday morning in the finals of the 2nd Annual East Coast Wahine Championships held at Wrightsville Beach. More than 80 girls and women ranging in age from 6 to 48 took part in the competion.
Wilmington StarNews
Ella Champion competes during the Wrightsville Beach Wahine Classic on the south end of Wrightsville Beach Saturday, August 20, 2016. The event featured various levels of surfers and a Stand Up Paddleboard division with ages ranging from 5 to more than 65. The competition continues on Sunday.  Matt Born/StarNews
Ella Champion competes during the Wrightsville Beach Wahine Classic on the south end of Wrightsville Beach Saturday, August 20, 2016. The event featured various levels of surfers and a Stand Up Paddleboard division with ages ranging from 5 to more than 65. The competition continues on Sunday. Matt Born/StarNews
Wilmington StarNews
Leah Thompson competes during the 19th annual Wrightsville Beach Wahine Classic on the south end of Wrightsville Beach on Saturday, August 15, 2015. The competition starts again Sunday at 8 AM. Ellen Kanzinger/StarNews
Leah Thompson competes during the 19th annual Wrightsville Beach Wahine Classic on the south end of Wrightsville Beach on Saturday, August 15, 2015. The competition starts again Sunday at 8 AM. Ellen Kanzinger/StarNews
Wilmington StarNews
Local surfer Samantha Newkirk catches a wave during the Girls Longboard Finals Sunday at the 15th Annual Wahine Surf Competition on Wrightsville Beach. PHOTO BY: Jeff Janowski/Wilmington Star-NewsN
Local surfer Samantha Newkirk catches a wave during the Girls Longboard Finals Sunday at the 15th Annual Wahine Surf Competition on Wrightsville Beach. PHOTO BY: Jeff Janowski/Wilmington Star-NewsN
Wilmington StarNews
Terri Tanner of Folly Beach, S.C. takes part Saturday morning in the 2nd Annual East Coast Wahine Championships held at Wrightsville Beach. The all girl competion continues Sunday morning with the finals. More than 80 girls and women ranging in age from 6 to 48 took part in the competion.
Terri Tanner of Folly Beach, S.C. takes part Saturday morning in the 2nd Annual East Coast Wahine Championships held at Wrightsville Beach. The all girl competion continues Sunday morning with the finals. More than 80 girls and women ranging in age from 6 to 48 took part in the competion.
Wilmington StarNews
Darsha Pigford catches a wave during the finals of the pro shortboard at the second day of the Wrightsville Beach Wahine Classic at the south end of Wrightsville Beach Sunday, August 18, 2013.  Photo By Matt Born/ Wilmington StarNews
Darsha Pigford catches a wave during the finals of the pro shortboard at the second day of the Wrightsville Beach Wahine Classic at the south end of Wrightsville Beach Sunday, August 18, 2013. Photo By Matt Born/ Wilmington StarNews
Wilmington StarNews
Olivia Wendell carves through the wave throwing a nice ride into the Wahine Classic surfing event Sunday in Wrightsville Beach. Chip Ellis/For the Star News
Olivia Wendell carves through the wave throwing a nice ride into the Wahine Classic surfing event Sunday in Wrightsville Beach. Chip Ellis/For the Star News
Wilmington StarNews
Surfer Hannah Frazelle competes in the Jr. Women Short Board Finals Sunday at the 15th Annual Wahine Surf Competition on Wrightsville Beach. PHOTO BY: Jeff Janowski/Wilmington Star-NewsNp;l.
Surfer Hannah Frazelle competes in the Jr. Women Short Board Finals Sunday at the 15th Annual Wahine Surf Competition on Wrightsville Beach. PHOTO BY: Jeff Janowski/Wilmington Star-NewsNp;l.
Wilmington StarNews
Betsy Lewis comes in on a wave during the 2019 Wahine Classic at Wrightsville Beach, N.C. Saturday Aug 24, 2019. [CASEY PERRELL/STARNEWS]
Betsy Lewis comes in on a wave during the 2019 Wahine Classic at Wrightsville Beach, N.C. Saturday Aug 24, 2019. [CASEY PERRELL/STARNEWS]
Wilmington StarNews
Kat Neff catches a wave during a pro short board heat at the Wahine Classic at Wrightsville Beach, N.C., Saturday, August 12, 2017. Approximately 80 surfers are competing in the event that concludes on Sunday with the competition starting at 8:00 a.m. [Matt Born/StarNews Photo]
Kat Neff catches a wave during a pro short board heat at the Wahine Classic at Wrightsville Beach, N.C., Saturday, August 12, 2017. Approximately 80 surfers are competing in the event that concludes on Sunday with the competition starting at 8:00 a.m. [Matt Born/StarNews Photo]
Wilmington StarNews
Justin and Sofia Fulford grab a wave during the 2019 Wahine Classic at Wrightsville Beach, N.C. Saturday Aug 24, 2019. [CASEY PERRELL/STARNEWS]
Justin and Sofia Fulford grab a wave during the 2019 Wahine Classic at Wrightsville Beach, N.C. Saturday Aug 24, 2019. [CASEY PERRELL/STARNEWS]
Wilmington StarNews
Samantha Newkirk catches a wave during a pro short board heat at the Wahine Classic at Wrightsville Beach, N.C., Saturday, August 12, 2017. The event concludes on Sunday with the competition starting at 8:00 a.m. [Matt Born/StarNews Photo]
Samantha Newkirk catches a wave during a pro short board heat at the Wahine Classic at Wrightsville Beach, N.C., Saturday, August 12, 2017. The event concludes on Sunday with the competition starting at 8:00 a.m. [Matt Born/StarNews Photo]
Wilmington StarNews
Ella Champion grabs a wave during the 2019 Wahine Classic at Wrightsville Beach, N.C. Saturday Aug 24, 2019. [CASEY PERRELL/STARNEWS]
Ella Champion grabs a wave during the 2019 Wahine Classic at Wrightsville Beach, N.C. Saturday Aug 24, 2019. [CASEY PERRELL/STARNEWS]
Wilmington StarNews
Lucy Ferguson surfs during the 2019 Wahine Classic at Wrightsville Beach, N.C. Sunday Aug 25, 2019. [CASEY PERRELL/STARNEWS]
Lucy Ferguson surfs during the 2019 Wahine Classic at Wrightsville Beach, N.C. Sunday Aug 25, 2019. [CASEY PERRELL/STARNEWS]
Wilmington StarNews
Swain Curtin whips a strong turn through the surf at the Wahine Classic Sunday the 21st,2016 during the Open Short Board finals, as large crowds of spectators cheer from the beach in Wrightsville. Chip Ellis/For the Star News
Swain Curtin whips a strong turn through the surf at the Wahine Classic Sunday the 21st,2016 during the Open Short Board finals, as large crowds of spectators cheer from the beach in Wrightsville. Chip Ellis/For the Star News
Wilmington StarNews
Leah Thompson shows the youngsters she can still cruise during the finals of the Open Short Board competition Sunday at the Wahine Classic. Chip Ellis/For the Star News
Leah Thompson shows the youngsters she can still cruise during the finals of the Open Short Board competition Sunday at the Wahine Classic. Chip Ellis/For the Star News
Wilmington StarNews
Callie Summerlin catches a wave during an open short board heat at the Wahine Classic at Wrightsville Beach, N.C., Saturday, August 12, 2017. The event concludes on Sunday with the competition starting at 8:00 a.m. [Matt Born/StarNews Photo]
Callie Summerlin catches a wave during an open short board heat at the Wahine Classic at Wrightsville Beach, N.C., Saturday, August 12, 2017. The event concludes on Sunday with the competition starting at 8:00 a.m. [Matt Born/StarNews Photo]
Wilmington StarNews
Leilani Pickett catches a wave during a pro short board heat at the Wahine Classic at Wrightsville Beach, N.C., Saturday, August 12, 2017. Approximately 80 surfers are competing in the event that concludes on Sunday with the competition starting at 8:00 a.m. [Matt Born/StarNews Photo]
Leilani Pickett catches a wave during a pro short board heat at the Wahine Classic at Wrightsville Beach, N.C., Saturday, August 12, 2017. Approximately 80 surfers are competing in the event that concludes on Sunday with the competition starting at 8:00 a.m. [Matt Born/StarNews Photo]
Wilmington StarNews
Ella Newkirk shows off strong paddle work as she competes in Wahine Classic's SUP event Sunday in Wrightsville Beach.
Ella Newkirk shows off strong paddle work as she competes in Wahine Classic's SUP event Sunday in Wrightsville Beach.
Wilmington StarNews
Natalie Fox of Wilmington does the "Guppy" class proud as she shreds through the surf Sunday during the Wahine Classic. Chip Ells/For the Star News
Natalie Fox of Wilmington does the "Guppy" class proud as she shreds through the surf Sunday during the Wahine Classic. Chip Ells/For the Star News
Wilmington StarNews
Members of the Wrightsville Beach Junior Elite SUP team gather for a photo before the finals of the Wahine competition Sunday. Chip Ellis/For the Star News
Members of the Wrightsville Beach Junior Elite SUP team gather for a photo before the finals of the Wahine competition Sunday. Chip Ellis/For the Star News
Wilmington StarNews
Kinsey Ginsberg competes during the Wrightsville Beach Wahine Classic on the south end of Wrightsville Beach Saturday, August 20, 2016. The event featured various levels of surfers and a Stand Up Paddleboard division with ages ranging from 5 to more than 65. The competition continues on Sunday.  Matt Born/StarNews
Kinsey Ginsberg competes during the Wrightsville Beach Wahine Classic on the south end of Wrightsville Beach Saturday, August 20, 2016. The event featured various levels of surfers and a Stand Up Paddleboard division with ages ranging from 5 to more than 65. The competition continues on Sunday. Matt Born/StarNews
Wilmington StarNews
Kat Neff competes during the Wrightsville Beach Wahine Classic on the south end of Wrightsville Beach Saturday, August 20, 2016. The event featured various levels of surfers and a Stand Up Paddleboard division with ages ranging from 5 to more than 65. The competition continues on Sunday.  Matt Born/StarNews
Kat Neff competes during the Wrightsville Beach Wahine Classic on the south end of Wrightsville Beach Saturday, August 20, 2016. The event featured various levels of surfers and a Stand Up Paddleboard division with ages ranging from 5 to more than 65. The competition continues on Sunday. Matt Born/StarNews
Wilmington StarNews
Natalie Fox makes a strong move across the break during the Wahine Classic Sunday in Wrightsville. Chip Ellis/For the Star News
Natalie Fox makes a strong move across the break during the Wahine Classic Sunday in Wrightsville. Chip Ellis/For the Star News
Wilmington StarNews
Carrie Copenhaver competes during the 19th annual Wrightsville Beach Wahine Classic on the south end of Wrightsville Beach on Sunday, August 16, 2015. Ellen Kanzinger/StarNews
Carrie Copenhaver competes during the 19th annual Wrightsville Beach Wahine Classic on the south end of Wrightsville Beach on Sunday, August 16, 2015. Ellen Kanzinger/StarNews
Wilmington StarNews
Saylor Emmart competes during the Wrightsville Beach Wahine Classic on the south end of Wrightsville Beach Saturday, August 20, 2016. The event featured various levels of surfers and a Stand Up Paddleboard division with ages ranging from 5 to more than 65. The competition continues on Sunday.  Matt Born/StarNews
Saylor Emmart competes during the Wrightsville Beach Wahine Classic on the south end of Wrightsville Beach Saturday, August 20, 2016. The event featured various levels of surfers and a Stand Up Paddleboard division with ages ranging from 5 to more than 65. The competition continues on Sunday. Matt Born/StarNews
Wilmington StarNews
Cindy Stokes competes during the 19th annual Wrightsville Beach Wahine Classic on the south end of Wrightsville Beach on Sunday, August 16, 2015. Ellen Kanzinger/StarNews
Cindy Stokes competes during the 19th annual Wrightsville Beach Wahine Classic on the south end of Wrightsville Beach on Sunday, August 16, 2015. Ellen Kanzinger/StarNews
Wilmington StarNews
Misty Manglacapre competes during the 19th annual Wrightsville Beach Wahine Classic on the south end of Wrightsville Beach on Sunday, August 16, 2015. Ellen Kanzinger/StarNews
Misty Manglacapre competes during the 19th annual Wrightsville Beach Wahine Classic on the south end of Wrightsville Beach on Sunday, August 16, 2015. Ellen Kanzinger/StarNews
Wilmington StarNews
Carly Carter competes during the 19th annual Wrightsville Beach Wahine Classic on the south end of Wrightsville Beach on Sunday, August 16, 2015. Ellen Kanzinger/StarNews
Carly Carter competes during the 19th annual Wrightsville Beach Wahine Classic on the south end of Wrightsville Beach on Sunday, August 16, 2015. Ellen Kanzinger/StarNews
Wilmington StarNews
Saylor Emmart competes during the 19th annual Wrightsville Beach Wahine Classic on the south end of Wrightsville Beach on Saturday, August 15, 2015. The competition starts again Sunday at 8 AM. Ellen Kanzinger/StarNews
Saylor Emmart competes during the 19th annual Wrightsville Beach Wahine Classic on the south end of Wrightsville Beach on Saturday, August 15, 2015. The competition starts again Sunday at 8 AM. Ellen Kanzinger/StarNews
Wilmington StarNews
Female surfers competed Sunday August 17, 2014 in divisions Novice to Pro at the Wrightsville Beach Wahine Classic in Wrightsville Beach, N.C. (Jason A. Frizzelle)
Female surfers competed Sunday August 17, 2014 in divisions Novice to Pro at the Wrightsville Beach Wahine Classic in Wrightsville Beach, N.C. (Jason A. Frizzelle)
Wilmington StarNews
Bree Labiak competes during the 19th annual Wrightsville Beach Wahine Classic on the south end of Wrightsville Beach on Saturday, August 15, 2015. The competition starts again Sunday at 8 AM. Ellen Kanzinger/StarNews
Bree Labiak competes during the 19th annual Wrightsville Beach Wahine Classic on the south end of Wrightsville Beach on Saturday, August 15, 2015. The competition starts again Sunday at 8 AM. Ellen Kanzinger/StarNews
Wilmington StarNews
Madeline Eckel competes during the 2nd annual Wahine Classic Wrightsville Beach on the south end of Wrightsville Beach Saturday, August 16, 2014. The competition included more than 100 surfers ranging in age from 4 to over 60. It continues on Saturday beginning at 8 a.m. Staff Photo By Matt Born/ Wilmington StarNews
Madeline Eckel competes during the 2nd annual Wahine Classic Wrightsville Beach on the south end of Wrightsville Beach Saturday, August 16, 2014. The competition included more than 100 surfers ranging in age from 4 to over 60. It continues on Saturday beginning at 8 a.m. Staff Photo By Matt Born/ Wilmington StarNews
Wilmington StarNews
Kayla Durden competes during the 19th annual Wrightsville Beach Wahine Classic on the south end of Wrightsville Beach on Sunday, August 16, 2015. Ellen Kanzinger/StarNews
Kayla Durden competes during the 19th annual Wrightsville Beach Wahine Classic on the south end of Wrightsville Beach on Sunday, August 16, 2015. Ellen Kanzinger/StarNews
Wilmington StarNews
Beach goers watch the competition at the 19th annual Wrightsville Beach Wahine Classic on the south end of Wrightsville Beach on Saturday, August 15, 2015. The competition starts again Sunday at 8 AM. Ellen Kanzinger/StarNews
Beach goers watch the competition at the 19th annual Wrightsville Beach Wahine Classic on the south end of Wrightsville Beach on Saturday, August 15, 2015. The competition starts again Sunday at 8 AM. Ellen Kanzinger/StarNews
Wilmington StarNews
Female surfers competed Sunday August 17, 2014 in divisions Novice to Pro at the Wrightsville Beach Wahine Classic in Wrightsville Beach, N.C. (Jason A. Frizzelle)
Female surfers competed Sunday August 17, 2014 in divisions Novice to Pro at the Wrightsville Beach Wahine Classic in Wrightsville Beach, N.C. (Jason A. Frizzelle)
Wilmington StarNews
Abby Jolly competes during the 2nd annual Wahine Classic Wrightsville Beach on the south end of Wrightsville Beach Saturday, August 16, 2014. The competition included more than 100 surfers ranging in age from 4 to over 60. It continues on Saturday beginning at 8 a.m.Staff Photo By Matt Born/ Wilmington StarNews
Abby Jolly competes during the 2nd annual Wahine Classic Wrightsville Beach on the south end of Wrightsville Beach Saturday, August 16, 2014. The competition included more than 100 surfers ranging in age from 4 to over 60. It continues on Saturday beginning at 8 a.m.Staff Photo By Matt Born/ Wilmington StarNews
Wilmington StarNews
Isabella Gunn competes during the 2nd annual Wahine Classic Wrightsville Beach on the south end of Wrightsville Beach Saturday, August 16, 2014. The competition included more than 100 surfers ranging in age from 4 to over 60. It continues on Saturday beginning at 8 a.m. Staff Photo By Matt Born/ Wilmington StarNews
Isabella Gunn competes during the 2nd annual Wahine Classic Wrightsville Beach on the south end of Wrightsville Beach Saturday, August 16, 2014. The competition included more than 100 surfers ranging in age from 4 to over 60. It continues on Saturday beginning at 8 a.m. Staff Photo By Matt Born/ Wilmington StarNews
Wilmington StarNews
Kat Neff competes during the 2nd annual Wahine Classic Wrightsville Beach on the south end of Wrightsville Beach Saturday, August 16, 2014. The competition included more than 100 surfers ranging in age from 4 to over 60. It continues on Saturday beginning at 8 a.m.Staff Photo By Matt Born/ Wilmington StarNews
Kat Neff competes during the 2nd annual Wahine Classic Wrightsville Beach on the south end of Wrightsville Beach Saturday, August 16, 2014. The competition included more than 100 surfers ranging in age from 4 to over 60. It continues on Saturday beginning at 8 a.m.Staff Photo By Matt Born/ Wilmington StarNews
Wilmington StarNews
Madeline Eckel catches a wave during the finals of the guppies competition at the second day of the Wrightsville Beach Wahine Classic at the south end of Wrightsville Beach Sunday, August 18, 2013. Photo By Matt Born/ Wilmington StarNews
Madeline Eckel catches a wave during the finals of the guppies competition at the second day of the Wrightsville Beach Wahine Classic at the south end of Wrightsville Beach Sunday, August 18, 2013. Photo By Matt Born/ Wilmington StarNews
Wilmington StarNews
Malia Harrell catches a wave during the finals of the guppies competition at the second day of the Wrightsville Beach Wahine Classic at the south end of Wrightsville Beach Sunday, August 18, 2013. Photo By Matt Born/ Wilmington StarNews
Malia Harrell catches a wave during the finals of the guppies competition at the second day of the Wrightsville Beach Wahine Classic at the south end of Wrightsville Beach Sunday, August 18, 2013. Photo By Matt Born/ Wilmington StarNews
Wilmington StarNews
Surfer Madison Huckabee competes in the Grommett Short Board Finals Sunday at the 15th Annual Wahine Surf Competition on Wrightsville Beach. PHOTO BY: Jeff Janowski/Wilmington Star-NewsNp;l.
Surfer Madison Huckabee competes in the Grommett Short Board Finals Sunday at the 15th Annual Wahine Surf Competition on Wrightsville Beach. PHOTO BY: Jeff Janowski/Wilmington Star-NewsNp;l.
Wilmington StarNews
Johanna Kiesbo catches a wave during the Wrightsville Beach Wahine Classic at the south end of Wrightsville Beach Saturday, August 17, 2013. 108 surfers registered for the competition.   Photo By Matt Born/ Wilmington StarNews
Johanna Kiesbo catches a wave during the Wrightsville Beach Wahine Classic at the south end of Wrightsville Beach Saturday, August 17, 2013. 108 surfers registered for the competition. Photo By Matt Born/ Wilmington StarNews
Wilmington StarNews
Surfer Alexandra Morse competes in the Women's Body Board Finals Sunday at the 15th Annual Wahine Surf Competition on Wrightsville Beach. PHOTO BY: Jeff Janowski/Wilmington Star-NewsNp;l.
Surfer Alexandra Morse competes in the Women's Body Board Finals Sunday at the 15th Annual Wahine Surf Competition on Wrightsville Beach. PHOTO BY: Jeff Janowski/Wilmington Star-NewsNp;l.
Wilmington StarNews
Ryan Dadds fights the wind while carrying her stand up paddleboard during the Wrightsville Beach Wahine Classic at the south end of Wrightsville Beach Saturday, August 17, 2013. 108 surfers registered for the competition.   Photo By Matt Born/ Wilmington StarNews
Ryan Dadds fights the wind while carrying her stand up paddleboard during the Wrightsville Beach Wahine Classic at the south end of Wrightsville Beach Saturday, August 17, 2013. 108 surfers registered for the competition. Photo By Matt Born/ Wilmington StarNews
Wilmington StarNews
Leah Thompson catches a wave during the finals of the guppies competition at the second day of the Wrightsville Beach Wahine Classic at the south end of Wrightsville Beach Sunday, August 18, 2013. Photo By Matt Born/ Wilmington StarNews
Leah Thompson catches a wave during the finals of the guppies competition at the second day of the Wrightsville Beach Wahine Classic at the south end of Wrightsville Beach Sunday, August 18, 2013. Photo By Matt Born/ Wilmington StarNews
Wilmington StarNews
Surfer Hannah Frazelle competes in the Jr. Women Short Board Finals Sunday at the 15th Annual Wahine Surf Competition on Wrightsville Beach. PHOTO BY: Jeff Janowski/Wilmington Star-NewsNp;l.
Surfer Hannah Frazelle competes in the Jr. Women Short Board Finals Sunday at the 15th Annual Wahine Surf Competition on Wrightsville Beach. PHOTO BY: Jeff Janowski/Wilmington Star-NewsNp;l.
Wilmington StarNews
Surfer Elizabeth Head competes in the Girls Body Board Finals Sunday at the 15th Annual Wahine Surf Competition on Wrightsville Beach. PHOTO BY: Jeff Janowski/Wilmington Star-NewsNp;l.
Surfer Elizabeth Head competes in the Girls Body Board Finals Sunday at the 15th Annual Wahine Surf Competition on Wrightsville Beach. PHOTO BY: Jeff Janowski/Wilmington Star-NewsNp;l.
Wilmington StarNews
Surfer Paula Bushardt competes in the Women's Body Board Finals Sunday at the 15th Annual Wahine Surf Competition on Wrightsville Beach. PHOTO BY: Jeff Janowski/Wilmington Star-NewsNp;l.
Surfer Paula Bushardt competes in the Women's Body Board Finals Sunday at the 15th Annual Wahine Surf Competition on Wrightsville Beach. PHOTO BY: Jeff Janowski/Wilmington Star-NewsNp;l.
Wilmington StarNews
Surfer Abby D'Lugin competes in the Girls Body Board Finals Sunday at the 15th Annual Wahine Surf Competition on Wrightsville Beach. PHOTO BY: Jeff Janowski/Wilmington Star-NewsNp;l.
Surfer Abby D'Lugin competes in the Girls Body Board Finals Sunday at the 15th Annual Wahine Surf Competition on Wrightsville Beach. PHOTO BY: Jeff Janowski/Wilmington Star-NewsNp;l.
Wilmington StarNews
Danielle D'Amato Talbert catches a wave during the 15th annual East Coast Wahine at Wrightsville Beach Saturday, August 20, 2011. The competition continues on Sunday.   Staff Photo By Matt Born/WILMINGTON STAR NEWS
Danielle D'Amato Talbert catches a wave during the 15th annual East Coast Wahine at Wrightsville Beach Saturday, August 20, 2011. The competition continues on Sunday. Staff Photo By Matt Born/WILMINGTON STAR NEWS
Wilmington StarNews
Cayce Patterson catches a wave during the 15th annual East Coast Wahine at Wrightsville Beach Saturday, August 20, 2011. The competition continues on Sunday.   Staff Photo By Matt Born/WILMINGTON STAR NEWS
Cayce Patterson catches a wave during the 15th annual East Coast Wahine at Wrightsville Beach Saturday, August 20, 2011. The competition continues on Sunday. Staff Photo By Matt Born/WILMINGTON STAR NEWS
Wilmington StarNews
Cousins Elizabeth Head (white) and Lizzie Baer have fun as they compete against each other in the Final heat of the Girls Body Board competition Sunday at the 15th Annual Wahine Surf Competition on Wrightsville Beach. PHOTO BY: Jeff Janowski/Wilmington Star-NewsN
Cousins Elizabeth Head (white) and Lizzie Baer have fun as they compete against each other in the Final heat of the Girls Body Board competition Sunday at the 15th Annual Wahine Surf Competition on Wrightsville Beach. PHOTO BY: Jeff Janowski/Wilmington Star-NewsN
Wilmington StarNews
Lyndsey Bennett catches a wave during the 15th annual East Coast Wahine at Wrightsville Beach Saturday, August 20, 2011. The competition continues on Sunday.   Staff Photo By Matt Born/WILMINGTON STAR NEWS
Lyndsey Bennett catches a wave during the 15th annual East Coast Wahine at Wrightsville Beach Saturday, August 20, 2011. The competition continues on Sunday. Staff Photo By Matt Born/WILMINGTON STAR NEWS
Wilmington StarNews
The 13th annual East Coast Wahine Championships took place at Wrightsville Beach Saturday, August 8, 2009. The contest involves 117 women competing in 13 divisions.    Staff Photo By Matt Born/Wilmington Star-News.
The 13th annual East Coast Wahine Championships took place at Wrightsville Beach Saturday, August 8, 2009. The contest involves 117 women competing in 13 divisions. Staff Photo By Matt Born/Wilmington Star-News.
Wilmington StarNews
Margaret Haga (cq) competes in the women's funboard division finals during the 10th Annual East Coast Wahine Championships Sunday Aug. 21, 2006 near the Crystal Pier at Wrightsville Beach.  Staff Photo BY PAUL STEPHEN / WILMINGTON STAR NEWS
Margaret Haga (cq) competes in the women's funboard division finals during the 10th Annual East Coast Wahine Championships Sunday Aug. 21, 2006 near the Crystal Pier at Wrightsville Beach. Staff Photo BY PAUL STEPHEN / WILMINGTON STAR NEWS
Wilmington StarNews
Terri Tanner(cq), of Charleston, SC, competes in the goddess shortboard heat during the 2006 East Coast Wahine Championship at Wrightsville Beach August 20, 2006.          Photo by MATT BORN / WILMINGTON STAR-NEWS
Terri Tanner(cq), of Charleston, SC, competes in the goddess shortboard heat during the 2006 East Coast Wahine Championship at Wrightsville Beach August 20, 2006. Photo by MATT BORN / WILMINGTON STAR-NEWS
Wilmington StarNews
Jasset Umbel (cq) competes in the gromette division finals during the 10th Annual East Coast Wahine Championships Sunday Aug. 21, 2006 near the Crystal Pier at Wrightsville Beach.  Staff Photo BY PAUL STEPHEN / WILMINGTON STAR NEWS
Jasset Umbel (cq) competes in the gromette division finals during the 10th Annual East Coast Wahine Championships Sunday Aug. 21, 2006 near the Crystal Pier at Wrightsville Beach. Staff Photo BY PAUL STEPHEN / WILMINGTON STAR NEWS
Wilmington StarNews
The 13th annual East Coast Wahine Championships took place at Wrightsville Beach Saturday, August 8, 2009. The contest involves 117 women competing in 13 divisions.    Staff Photo By Matt Born/Wilmington Star-News.
The 13th annual East Coast Wahine Championships took place at Wrightsville Beach Saturday, August 8, 2009. The contest involves 117 women competing in 13 divisions. Staff Photo By Matt Born/Wilmington Star-News.
Wilmington StarNews
Jo Pickett (cq) and Airlie Pickett (cq) competes in the 9th Annual East Coast Wahine Championships at Wrightsville Beach Saturday Aug. 20, 2005.   Staff Photo BY PAUL STEPHEN / WILMINGTON STAR NEWS
Jo Pickett (cq) and Airlie Pickett (cq) competes in the 9th Annual East Coast Wahine Championships at Wrightsville Beach Saturday Aug. 20, 2005. Staff Photo BY PAUL STEPHEN / WILMINGTON STAR NEWS
Wilmington StarNews
Leilani Pickett (cq) and Airlie Pickett (cq) competes in the 9th Annual East Coast Wahine Championships at Wrightsville Beach Saturday Aug. 20, 2005.   Staff Photo BY PAUL STEPHEN / WILMINGTON STAR NEWS
Leilani Pickett (cq) and Airlie Pickett (cq) competes in the 9th Annual East Coast Wahine Championships at Wrightsville Beach Saturday Aug. 20, 2005. Staff Photo BY PAUL STEPHEN / WILMINGTON STAR NEWS
Wilmington StarNews