Surfrider Youth Competition at Otter Rock Also Cleans Up This Part of Oregon Coast

Published 6/21/24 at 9:25 p.m.
By Andre' Hagestedt, Oregon Coast Beach Connection

(Newport, Oregon) – Dozens of young surfers gathered at one central coast hotspot this past Saturday, June 15, and dozens more spectators came to check it all out, as the Surfrider Foundation’s Newport Chapter welcomed some 55 kids to the Otter Rock and Roll Youth Surf Contest and Beach Cleanup Challenge in honor of International Surfing Day. (Photo Oregon Coast Beach Connection: Otter Rock's surfing area)

Surfrider spokesman Vince Pappalardo said the day is observed globally, but on the central Oregon coast it is also celebrating the sport of surfing and helps raise awareness of issues facing the world's ocean, waves, and beaches.

“Celebrating its 14th year in the Newport community, the Otter Rock and Roll is Oregon’s longest-running and only surf contest designed exclusively for kids, even featuring a Best Beginner division to support young learners,” he told Oregon Coast Beach Connection.

That Saturday, dozens within the surf community gathered at Devil’s Punchbowl State Park for the event. 55 youth surfers, along with their families and friends, plus many dedicated volunteers and contest sponsors hit the beach for some friendly competition and fun.

“The Otter Rock and Roll Youth Surf Contest is a celebration of our love for the ocean and the stewardship and responsibility that comes with it,” said Mike Harrington, lead organizer of the event.

Surfrider spokesman Vince Pappalardo said the day is observed globally, but on the central Oregon coast it is also celebrating the sport of surfing and helps raise awareness of issues facing the world's ocean, waves, and beaches.

“Celebrating its 14th year in the Newport community, the Otter Rock and Roll is Oregon’s longest-running and only surf contest designed exclusively for kids, even featuring a Best Beginner division to support young learners,” he told Oregon Coast Beach Connection.

That Saturday, dozens within the surf community gathered at Devil’s Punchbowl State Park for the event. 55 youth surfers, along with their families and friends, plus many dedicated volunteers and contest sponsors hit the beach for some friendly competition and fun.

Previous years' competition: courtesy photo

“The Otter Rock and Roll Youth Surf Contest is a celebration of our love for the ocean and the stewardship and responsibility that comes with it,” said Mike Harrington, lead organizer of the event.

The 18-and-under surf contest and beach cleanup challenge kicked off in the morning under sunny Oregon coast skies. It featured 18 fifteen-minute heats across various divisions, ranging from “Best Beginner,” which includes a wetsuit and surfboard rental plus surf lessons provided by volunteers, to the 16-18 year-old division composed of more experienced surfers.

The most popular division this year was Parent with Child, which allows parents to get in the water with their kids to encourage and help them. This year, the competitors ranged on the young side, awhole new generation of beach stewards in the making.

As is expected on the Oregon coast, the group said it cycled through periods of gorgeous sun and slight drizzle, with surf conditions becoming more challenging throughout the day.

"The Beach Cleanup Challenge, with the goal of leaving the beach in better condition than it was found, awarded prizes for various achievements: most microplastics collected, most items collected, and the heaviest bag of debris. This challenge not only promotes beach stewardship but also raises awareness about the growing marine debris crisis. Microplastics were the most commonly found item, consistent with other Surfrider beach cleanups. Additionally, cans and bottles were frequently discovered this year.

The Friends of Otter Rock Marine Reserve Team joined Surfrider to support its stewardship efforts and increase awareness of this unique location and its wildlife and habitat protections.

Attendees had a fantastic time exploring the tidepools at the north end of the beach, said Surfrider, learning about the various critters that call it home.

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Andre' GW Hagestedt is editor, owner and primary photographer / videographer of Oregon Coast Beach Connection, an online publication that sees over 1 million pageviews per month. He is also author of several books about the coast.

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