By Morgan Deane, Staff Writer
For 12 years, the Outer Banks community has gathered together to support a good cause with the annual Throwdown Surf Classic. Despite the uncertainty the last few months has brought, this year will be no different.
The Throwdown will take place on Sunday (Oct. 18) at the Chicahauk Beach access in Southern Shores from 8 a.m. to around 4:30 p.m.
“It really brings the community together, from Manteo to Southern Shores. It brings everyone together to get excited to surf,” said sophomore Chloe Wienert, a four-time Throwdown competitor.
Usually, the event’s earnings go to a specific person or family in need in the community.
“This year, all proceeds are going directly to the Outer Banks Relief Foundation so they can spread the money out to the needs of the community,” said First Flight science teacher Jason Breiholz, an announcer at the event who helped start the Throwdown years ago with friends Greg Sherman and Steve Lamm.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the event will look slightly different, Breiholz said. Competitors, volunteers and observers alike will be asked to follow social distancing guidelines as they are attending the event, but as Breiholz pointed out, “It’s pretty easy to spread out on the beach!”
Still, that can be a challenge at the Throwdown. More than 140 competitors from 7 to 18 years old will compete in different divisions, and their families and friends will fill the Chicahauk Beach as the surfers compete for all sorts of prizes donated by local sponsors from across the OBX.
Rip Curl is a major sponsor of the event, with local surf shops also participating in major ways. The Throwdown Instagram and Facebook pages highlight the sponsors and include photos and details, including the schedule. (Note: Organizers are watching the weather that is moving in and will post last-minute updates on social media.)
There is even a “just for fun” division for moms and dads called the Grom Mom and Rad Dad divisions, but the focus is on the kids.
“This is the largest local youth surf contest on the Outer Banks. The entire community from all over Dare County comes to participate, watch and take part in volunteering for a good cause,” Breiholz said. “People want to give back to this great community. It’s the best place in the world to have grown up.”
For all the fans who come out to watch on Sunday, the Town of Southern Shores is generous in allowing street parking for this one day each year, Breiholz said. Spectators will also be able to participate in a raffle with numerous prizes put together by the local sponsors, ranging from goody bags and gift cards, to a surfboard donated by WRV. Awards will be presented a little after 4.
Sophomore Morgan Deane can be reached at 23deanemo20@daretolearn.org.
