The 29th annual Pineapple Contest

Tradition of Melbourne Beach’s Founder’s Day

Story/Photos By SurfGuru and Tri Bell

The 29th annual Pineapple contest, a much loved tradition of Melbourne Beach’s Founder’s Day, did not disappoint. Curtis Byrd, who has been running this contest since its inception had the contest running like a well-oiled machine.  More than 80 competitors came out to compete in the full day event. While the waves were nothing to write home about (kind of small) they were adequate to provide fun and friendly competition.   It was definitely a day that you did not want to forget your sandals, as the August-like 90◦+temperatures made the sand blistering hot.

As always, the Pineapple was a great learning experience for competitors who were encouraged to take part in the judging. The morning started with valuable instruction on judging criteria by ASP judge, Gordon Lawson.

 This year, the event also included a pro-am contest to benefit the Sasha Fund, a fundraiser to help contest director, local board shaper, and all-around great guy Glenn Klugel and his wife Courtney bring home their adopted son from the Ukraine. Sasha has spent most of his 13 years of life in an orphanage and will finally be coming home to his new parents this summer.  

 Corey Howell took home $100 for winning the Pro-Am, defeating Tommy Coleman (2nd), CT Taylor (3rd) AND Marshall Alberga (4th) in the final.  Lea Taylor won the women’s division.

 The community also came out in full force support for the contest.  Steven G. Casanova, PA was the main sponsor; George Robinson crafted some amazing carved surfboards for the trophies, and many others contributed products and gift certificates for prizes for the winners.

 Following are the results for the amateur event:

 MENEHUNES
1. Tommy Coleman
2. Blake Speir
3. Noah Dovin
4. Tyler Helock
5. Jonathan Wallhauser

 BOYS
1. Chauncey Robinson
2. Tommy Coleman
3. Jaric Fink
4. Christian James Morny
4. Jonathan Wallhauser
5. Giovanni Ottomanelli

 JUNIOR MENS
1. Fisher Grant
2. Sebastian Carver
3. Brandon DeFillippo
4. Tyler Kelsey
5. Wiley Robinson
6. Patrick Ruppert

 MENS
1. Kieran Grant
2. Fisher Grant
3. Dale Nemeth

 MASTERS
1. Randy Sanders
2. Jimmy Norfolk
3. Henry Edwards
4. Matt Conneen

 SENIORS
1. Randy Sanders
2. Jeff Bell
3. Barry Pasonski
4. Mike Grant
5. Jimmy Norfolk
6. Tee Davis
7. Alec Buchress

 SUPER SENIORS
1. Charlie Paxton
2. Larry Holmes
3. Henry Edwards
4. Curtis Byrd

 LONGBOARD
1. Fisher Grant
2. Warrick Smith
3. Matt Conneen
4. Charlie Paxton
5. Eric Fodge
6. Jaric Fink

 GIRLS
1. Lea Taylor
2. Storm Portman
3. Shea Senti
4. Kylee Bousquet
5. Abbie Grant
6. Melissa Marker
7. Brook Davis
8. Anna Lussiter
9. Reese Meart

 WOMENS
1. Lea Taylor
2. Ariel Martin
3. Nicole Golden
4. Tee Diaz
5. Anna Lussiter
6. Natalie Wilson

 

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