Ex-Isle surfer flies in, then soars above competition

By Dayton Morinaga
Advertiser Staff Writer

Less than 24 hours after arriving in Honolulu, Gavin Sutherland was still flying high yesterday.

Gavin Sutherland arrived in Honolulu on Friday night and won the T&C/Surfer Magazine Air Invitational yesterday. Sutherland won by completing several 360-degree aerial spins. Bernie Baker • Special to The Advertiser

Sutherland was in California on Thursday when contest officials told him he could compete, and he arrived in Honolulu on Friday night.

"I thought this contest was going to be on Memorial Day weekend (next week)," said Sutherland, 29. "I found out on Thursday that the contest was actually this weekend, so I had to scramble to get a ticket and fortunately I was able to get in (Friday) night."

The unique contest rewards surfers for completing aerial maneuvers above the waves. Normal surfing moves like cutbacks and floaters are not scored.

Sutherland has now won the T&C contest three of the past four years.

"This is one of my favorite contests," said Sutherland, who grew up on O'ahu but now lives in San Diego. "It means a lot to me to get to surf in Waikiki with the Duke Kahanamoku statue right there."

Sutherland's father, Jock Sutherland, is a North Shore surfing pioneer and was once a member of the famous Duke Kahanamoku surf team.

"Because of my dad, I know how important Duke was to the whole community of the Hawaiian Islands," Sutherland said. "So before I went out for my heat today, I went to the statue and said a little prayer."

Waves were only in the 1- to 2-foot range yesterday, but Sutherland was still able to complete several 360-degree aerial spins on his waves.

"That's the style I always use," he said. "I stick to what ever works."

Sutherland's best 360 spin move in the final received a score of 7.0 (out of 10).

"It wasn't the best conditions for a contest like this," he said. "But it comes down to the one biggest air, so it's about picking a good wave with a nice section to help get you up high."

Macy Mullen of Mililani won last year's event, and placed second yesterday.

"There's no pressure in this contest," said Mullen, 25. "You just go out there and have fun because all you're looking for is that one big move."

Sutherland received $2,000 for the victory and Mullen got $1,000.

Kawika Stillwell of Kaua'i got one of the highest aerial moves in the final, but he fell on the way down and had to settle for third place and $750.

Brian Pacheco of Makaha sustained a deep gash on his ankle during the contest and wound up in fourth place.

The T&C Surf Grom Contest will continue today at Queen's Surf. The Grom Contest is for surfers and bodyboarders ages 14 and younger.

Final results

T&C/Surfer Magazine Air Invitational

1, Gavin Sutherland, $2,000. 2, Macy Mullen, $1,000. 3, Kawika Stillwell, $750. 4, Brian Pacheco, $250. 5 (tie), Sean Moody and Kaupena Miranda. 7 (tie), Kekoa Bacalso and Joel Centeio. 9, Dustin Cuizon.

Reach Dayton Morinaga at dmorinaga@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-8101.