Posted on: Friday, December 12, 2003

Wooden surfboard series begins

Advertiser Staff

The Hawaiian Longboard Federation's Old Hawai'i Wooden Surfboard Series will start tomorrow at Kuhio Beach, Waikiki.

The event will showcase surfers riding surfboards carved out of wood, similar to the Hawaiian boards of the late 1800s.

All 10 boards available for the event were carved out of Hawai'i trees — seven wiliwili, two mango and one kamani. Some of the boards weigh more than 100 pounds.

By comparison, modern surfboards are made out of foam and fiberglass, and usually weigh less than 10 pounds.

The event will start with a Hawaiian blessing around 8 a.m., followed by surfing competition from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

WALKING/RUNNING

• King walk/run set: The Freedom Walk/Run, in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday, is scheduled for Jan. 19.

The event starts at 6:30 a.m at the diamond head side of the Waikiki Aquarium, and goes twice around Kapi'olani Park. Donations can be made to African American education cultural programs in Hawai'i.

Entry forms are available at state libraries. For information, call 597-1341.

LACROSSE

• Two lacrosse organizations are holding clinics for youths:

• The Aloha Youth Lacrosse Association will offer free clinics from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday and on Jan. 4, 11, 18 and 25 at Kapi'olani Park.

The clinics are open to boys and girls ages 7 to 15. Participants are asked to bring a mouthguard, sneakers and water. The association's league begins in March.

For details, call Rudie at 548-0451 or e-mail alohayouthlax@yahoo .com.

• The Hawaiian Islands Youth Lacrosse's free clinics (ages 6 to 18) are every Sunday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Central O'ahu Regional Park. All equipment will be provided. League play begins in February.

For details, call Mark at 685-1773 or Bonnie at 681-5394.