The event took place in the quaint village of Sayulita, Mexico, featuring 250 of the best surfers and stand-up-paddlers in the world participating in the SUP Surf and Longboard contests as well as SUP Elite, and Offshore Distance and Fun races where several father-daughter teams participated paddling together. Over 3,000 people attended throughout the weekend with beautiful sunny skies and consistent 3-5 foot swells creating fun, yet challenging waves for all. International reggae recording star Mishka performed to a lively beach crowd and the event culminated with a very special awards dinner for family and friends.
Our company wide, hands-on participation included participating in the Punta Sayulita Classic’s Friday “Foundation Day” where it partnered with various organizations including local, ecological and community-oriented private school, Costa Verde International School (CVIS) in educating youth on the plastic recycling process and why its so important.
We also collaborated on additional activities including: a surf clinic for special needs and underprivileged children under the supervision of renowned longboard surfer, Jimmy Gamboa and members of his TheraSURF organization; a community-wide beach cleanup managed by former pro surfer James Pribram of the Eco-Warrier Foundation and members from Project Save Our Surf; and a children’s interactive Reef Day art camp with local artist Treva Dea of Sayulita Art Camps. All events were free and open to the public. In addition, we donated shoes and tee-shirts to locals and event participants.
“The Punta Sayulita Classic is a special event for many reasons but one in particular stands out for us,” says Kerry Konrady, OluKai’s marketing director. “There is truly such a massive focus on giveback, and everyone, including the athletes, event organizers and attendees band together to make a difference. We are inspired by the ‘Ohana of the event.” 100% sponsorship dollars went to area Reef Check and to the Punta Sayulita Foundation’s children development programs.
For more information about the event visit: http://puntasayulitasurfclassic.com
