Congratulations Melanie on Maui, Honolua to Hookipa Bay!

     Happy New Years and may all your goals and dreams be fulfilled this year!  In the beginning weeks of December 2008 I followed Melanie Bartels to the last jewel of the famous Triple Crown Hawaii competition held at traditionally at Honolua Bay, Maui.  In 2-3 foot Hawaiian style wave heights the competition took off!!  It was exciting and the women charged it hard!  In December 2006 I followed the young Hawaiian phnom and she unfortunately was taken out before the semi’s by Australian Jesse Dyer Myer.  Surfing is different as far as competition goes because a lot depends on the waves you may or may not get during your 20-30 minute heat.  If the waves don’t come in…you’re done.  And such was the case in 2006.  This year Melanie was victorious over the Australian to move on to the quarter finals.  After a week long break due to no surf and a storm hitting Hawaii the contest resumed at Hookipa Bay.  There Melanie challenged Punahou youngster Carissa Moore.  Taking her down Melanie then went on to the Semi final surfing against Brazilian Silvana Lima and then surfing the final against Steph Gilmore.  Melanie opened up with a good solid scoring wave and so did Steph.  For me watching & listening to the scoring it seems the judges score Steph Gilmore a lot higher then the rest of the competitiors and she does less maneuvers.  I haven’t figured that one out yet, but when I do I will let you know.  Anyway, Steph Gilmore won the event as well as the Triple Crown Title for 2008 but for me my champion and friend Melanie made me so proud!!  She didn’t give up, believed in herself and her ability and appreciated all her friends coming to Maui to support her and as she says “give her their mana (divine power)”.  She is humble and surfs her heart out for her son Ezekiel as well as her nation, the nation of Hawaii.  We are proud of you and will continue to support, encourage and inspire you to attain your dreams!  Dream BIG!  Dream come TRUE!!

Aloha