Hurricane Dorian brought strong wind and driving rain Sept. 6, but less than 24 hours later, the sun was out and the waves were plentiful for the 3rd Annual Diamond State Surf Classic.
Put on by the Delaware chapter of Surfrider Foundation as a fundraiser, the Sept. 7 competition took place at the northside beach of Indian River Inlet. Nearly two dozen competitors participated in the randomly paired event. Michael Powell and Tristan Ridings were the winners.
“We couldn’t have asked for better weather,” said Kevin Chandler, Surfrider Foundation Delaware Chapter chair, in between his emceeing duties.
“It’s just amazing,” said Powell, standing near the jetty watching the other surfers. “It was the first day of the competition window, and we’re getting some of the best waves of the season.”
The juniors division winners were Tristan Barnes and Carolina Labin. The Dewey Beach Surf Shop Surfer of the Day was Ridings. Brothers Surfboards Air of the Day was won by Tom Brecht. The Pete’s Steak Shop Wave of the Day winner was Kyle Kaminsky. The East of Maui Cutback of the Day winner was Jason Davis. The Surfrider Foundation Volunteer of the Day was Brian Overman.