Innovative wave riders compete in unique contest, proceeds benefit Outer Banks Relief Foundation

Published 8:01 am Sunday, October 24, 2021

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Enthusiasts of nontraditional surf crafts met on October 2 at Byrd Street in Kitty Hawk for a unique contest that benefited Outer Banks families.

The Which Craft Surf Gathering brought together the creators of nontraditional surf crafts and the freethinkers who ride them. Entrants spun a wheel to find out which type of innovative board they’d be riding in each heat.

Sponsored by Ashley’s Espresso Parlour, Forefront Dermatology, Scarborough Lane Shops, Surf & Adventure, Swells’a Brewing, Sunken Surf Co. and The Waterfront Shops, the event builds community around challenging the traditional ideas of surfing and exploring the ways we can ride waves.

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At the end of the contest, rider Erik Linnken came out on top and so did local families.

The $5,000 in proceeds from the event were donated to the Outer Banks Relief Foundation to pay household bills for people who live or work in the local community and are burdened with financial difficulties due to debilitating illnesses or other personal tragedies. There were also free skincare checks on the beach performed by Dr. Linda Heffernan-Stroud of Forefront Dermatology.

unique contest

Matt Price, organizer of the Which Craft Surf Gathering, presents $5,000 – 100% of event proceeds – to Outer Banks Relief Foundation executive director Patty McKenna. Courtesy Outer Banks Relief Foundation

“Thanks to fundraising events like the Which Craft Surf Gathering and the generosity of community philanthropists, the Nags Head-based Outer Banks Relief Foundation has distributed over $2 million of financial relief to more than 1,100 local families since 2005,” stated an Outer Banks Relief Foundation press release.

Text OBRF to 269-89 or visit obrf.org to learn more.

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