Waterman’s Challenge returns to celebrates 21 years of surfing, style on Cocoa Beach
What began as an annual surf contest more than two decades ago to fund support for the history and preservation of surfing on the East Coast has since become part of history itself.
After being delayed from its original June 4 date, the 21st annual Waterman’s Challenge will take place July 9 on the waves of Cocoa Beach — offering participants of all ages an opportunity to compete in individual and group divisions.
It returned in 2021 after a one-year hiatus in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Appropriately named, it will be one that will feature a diversification of board riding and watermen and women.
This year, though the event will be a one-day competition, the heats will include many of the same innovative formats as in past years, including the traditional men’s and women’s longboard age divisions (18 years and under to 70 years old and up).
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The popular Vintage competition, a favorite of both competitors and spectators, will feature riders on twin, single fin and retro surfboards designs from the 1950s through the 1980s.
All contestants will be asked to dress in bathing suits and swim trunk styles of these eras to resemble the historic surf and beach fashions.
“This contest is always a great time for the community here,” said John Hughes, Florida Surf Museum Director. “With minimal waves, it’s a time all ages can enjoy warmer water temperatures, typically smaller waves and family-friendly fun.”
New to the event this year, the “Surf & Turf” Golf event was added to entice those who are versed in both sports — maybe!
The requirements for entrants for this event are riding a longboard, surfing a wave into the beach, then chipping a golf ball into a hula hoop ring.
Once this is accomplished, they will have 20 minutes to repeat the process, and will be judged on how many times the sequence is completed to determine their standings in each individual heat.
Other events will include an 11-year-old and younger division and Scholastic Challenge event.
Trophies will be awarded for first through fourth place.
The contest will begin at 8 a.m. on Saturday, July 9, at the Cocoa Beach Hilton Oceanfront, 1500 N. Atlantic Avenue, Cocoa Beach.
Special rates will be available for participants at the Hilton. To find out more: visit, www.floridasurfmuseum.org
Tickets and registration for all events can be purchased on www.eventbrite.com.
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Waterman’s Challenge: Cocoa Beach welcomes event back for 21st time
