Kids join in the annual tug-of-war at the Delray Beach Surf Festival. Photo provided
By Shelley Gilken
Even if the waves aren’t big, it’s still a swell time at the Delray Beach Surf Festival.
“Our motto of the whole surf festival is the winner is the one who is having the most fun,” said Sven Mautner, organizer of the event. “If the waves come, fantastic. … This is more of a family fun surf festival.”
In the event’s second year, there’s a slew of activities planned to entertain people of all ages — in addition to the surf competitions.
There will be a clown skit, beach games, relays, prizes, food, music and hundreds of people, all celebrating the beach lifestyle.
For younger kids, there’s a boogie board “competition” where parents can help push children into the waves.
One of the more popular activities for kids is digging in the sand for shark’s teeth. The teeth were all collected during a local dredging project.
“These aren’t phony shark teeth,” Mautner said. “Kids can take them home.”
Then there’s the really intense competition: tug-of-war. On either side of the rope, opposing sides could be one local Italian restaurant against the other. Surfers against lifeguards. One family against another.
Then there’s the way intense competition: all hands on deck tug-of war. That’s when hundreds of people grab the rope at the same time to tug.
In other words, it’s not just about the waves. It’s a reflection of the laid-back surf lifestyle of Delray Beach.
“Delray has a great local vibe … it’s very friendly. We have a good mix of short boarders, long boarders and paddle boarders and everyone knows everyone. Crystal clear blue water and a gorgeous beach. Plenty of parking.”
But if there are waves, then yes, there will be surfing. The competition can be stiff among teenagers. There are also divisions for 10 and under, and 35 and up.
There are surfing prizes in categories such as most courageous and longest ride.
The event is nonprofit, and the mayor of Delray Beach supports the event as an avid surfer, Mautner said. All proceeds for the festival will go toward the purchase of two beach chair lifts so that people with disabilities can safely enjoy the water.
“They’re cool with big balloon tires. We lift them out of the wheelchair into the beach chair and then (someone) is in there loving the ocean like the rest of us,” he said.
IF YOU GO
Delray Beach Surf Festival
When: Nov. 15
Location: Delray Beach across from Anchor Park
Registration: 8 to 10 a.m. on-site. Late arrivals will compete in a separate heat at the end. Surfing heats run all day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: $25 per person. Equipment is provided.
Info: facebook.com/
delraybeachsurffestival
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