Pacifica: Generations of surfers catch waves at Kahuna Kapuna amateur surf event

The competition for wave riders ages 40 and up returned for its 23rd year.

Over the last two decades, Pacifica’s Kahuna Kapuna amateur surf competition has become notorious for falling on a day of choppy waves and chilly conditions. But on Saturday morning, dozens of competitors at this year’s event were treated to a steady swell and even a hint of blue sky peeking through the fog.

“It’s glassy and clean, and there’s some good sets rolling through,” said Anya Arthur after her first heat of the day. “So this is a real gem.”

Kahuna Kapuna — which translates roughly to “Big Chief, wise elder” in Hawaiian — is billed as the world’s only amateur competition showcasing older wave riders, ages 40 and up. It returned to Pacifica State Beach — the one with the beachside Taco Bell — for its 23rd year.

“It’s a good reason to get together and have a good time and chill on the beach all day,” said Arthur, 41. “Clear your schedule and make a day for it.”

Roy Earnest, a gerontologist by profession, launched the event in 2000 after releasing “Surfing for Life,” a documentary about more senior surfers.

“There’s a whole bunch of ways to make a community more livable for older adults,” Earnest said. “And this is my way of making Pacifica more livable for older surfers.”

The contest also serves as a fundraiser for Pacifica’s Environmental Family, an environmental nonprofit focused on preserving open space in and around the beach town. “It’s a fun way to raise money,” Earnest said.

Steven Baker, who competed in the “grand master” longboard heat for men ages 55 to 59, is a veteran of local amateur surf competitions.

“They’re all fun, but this one’s a little bit special because it’s aimed at the older community,” said Baker, as he emerged from the surf to the sounds of Little Feat, a 1970s Southern California rock band, playing over the loudspeakers.

Younger surfers also competed in the event as part of five teams, each representing three generations. This year, the youngest surfer was 11, and the oldest was 69.

Before her heat got underway, Antoinette Cresci de la Torre, 61, limbered up on the beach and chatted with friends returning for another Kahuna Kapuna. As the starting horn blared, she grabbed her board and paddled out to the breakers, but not before posing for a quick photo with her fellow competitors.

“There’s a sense of community,” Torre said. “It’s less competitive.”

She caught a handful of long rides during a nice set before returning to shore. Stoked, Torre fist-bumped another surfer, exclaiming, “That was fun!”