Hometown Surfer Wins Big

Craig Lieder congratulated his son, Chase, on getting first place in menehune short board contest and two third-place finishes in boys long board and open long board at the Rell Sunn Surf Contest at Ditch Plain Beach on Sunday.

Jane Bimson

Aug. 17, 2017

Jackie Pape

Despite the rain on Saturday, which forced the Rell Sunn Surf Contest in Montauk to be moved to Sunday, the event was a success.

“Because of the rain, it was postponed, but it was the best decision,” said Alice Houseknecht, an assistant to Roger Feit, a co-founder of the East End Foundation, which holds the Rell Sunn contest annually. “On Sunday we had weather on our side and we had waves, and therefore the turnout was greater than ever.”

The number of contestants was relatively typical, about 100 over all.

Jared Bono, 17, of Montauk, a junior professional surfer who competes in New York, California, and Costa Rica, also surfs in the Rell Sunn contest almost every year. He agreed that there were a lot of spectators this year. On Sunday, he won the men’s short board competition, but even with his many surfing accolades, this first place was special.

“It’s always nice to surf for a good cause and give back as much as you can,” Mr. Bono said. “And it’s fun to win something for your hometown, with your family and friends watching.”

In addition to the money raised from competitors’ registrations, throughout the day the East End Foundation sold raffle tickets and Rell Sunn T-shirts, sweatshirts, and posters. Ms. Houseknecht said they made several thousand dollars on Sunday but are continuing to tally it up.

The foundation is also looking forward to raising more money for the six families it is supporting this year during the Rell Sunn benefit art auction, which ended bidding on Tuesday. A party at the Atlantic Terrace Gallery in Montauk will take place on Saturday from 5 to 9 p.m. Jettykoon will provide the music.

The list of contest winners includes Noah Berkhofer in the menehune body board category; menehune short board, Chase Leider; boys long board, Noah Avallone; girls short board, Chloe Coleman; open long board, Eric Schwab; stand-up paddleboard, Julius Yudelson; women under 30 long board, Brooke Esposito; women over 30 long board, Kristin Angiulo; women’s short board, Brooke Esposito, and men’s short board, Jared Bono.