O'Neill presented the first annual Rat Boy's Rodent Rampage this past weekend at 26th avenue in Santa Cruz. The grommet surf contest was met with great surf and optimal conditions. 3-4 foot combo sets rolled through all day to keep the performance levels high and spectators engaged. The Rodent Rampage was held in a non-traditional contest format, designed to encourage kids to compete in surf contests and to meet their peers. This unique format is based on the airshow format of the late 90's and early 2000's that Rat Boy dominated.
O'Neill's own Wyatt Barrabee won the 17 and under division starting the day off by getting two barrels in one heat with a total score of17.6. This secured his slot in thesemi-final, but had Kale Boothman nipping at his heals in the semi-Finals and into the Finals. In the finals Barrabee secured another wave that scored above 8, which solidified the win. In the 14 and under division Carlos Carpenter took the win. He started off the final with a big backside tail blow, which was followed with consistent surfing, keeping him ahead of Richie Schmidt.
The great turnout demonstrated that all the kids were stoked. 56 kids under the age of 18 competed out of 60 slots available. The beach was packed with over 200 spectators consisting of family, friends, beach goers and professional local surfers who came down to support the youth. "It was the best kids surf contest I have ever done!" said Richie Schmidt who finished 2nd in the 14 and under division. All of the competitors received a pancake breakfast, cooked on the beach, and a pizza lunch, complimentary of Pleasure Pizza. "It is cheaper to have your kids in this contest than at home. Free food, free contest and huge prize packages," said Jason Collins, A.K.A. Rat Boy, about his name inspired event.
Rat Boy's Rodent Rampage was a success. The kids had fun through friendly competition and the format was a hit. O'Neill will keep this tradition going based on popular demand by the competitors, their parents, and the community.