CAROLINA BEACH — Are you ready to whomp? The 6th Annual “Intergalactic” Body Surfing Competition, better known as “Whomporama,” returned to the shores of Carolina Beach Saturday, to help raise money for the non-profit Cape Fear Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation.
The spray was harsh, and the waves heavy, but Saturday’s conditions were ideal for the competition, which pits body surfers with handplanes (think miniature surfboards strapped to your hands) and flippers against one another. It is more or less a “no holds barred” competition to prove who has the best skills on the beach.
According to former Surfrider President Ethan Crouch, the goal each year is to make the competition as “ridiculous and fun” as possible for competitors and spectators alike.
Announcers offer joking commentary from the shore, chiding the body surfers while simultaneously entertaining the crowd. In the water, competitors are encouraged to disrupt each other’s waves through body slams, tackling and any other physical contact that may occur.
Over the past six years, “Whomporama,” named for the “whompings” participants receive in the shore break waves, has grown from a single division of men’s competitors to multiple divisions of male and female competitors of all ages.
According to Crouch, around 75 people had signed up for this year’s event. With a $25 entry fee the competition helps fund the non-profits environmental and conservation efforts throughout the year.
Working with the Town of Carolina Beach, as well as sponsors like the Lazy Pirate restaurant, Island Beverage and the CB Handplane Federation, this year saw the biggest turnout to date, with hundreds of people gathered on the shore to spectate.
According to Crouch, the Mayor’s Office donated the sound system for the announcers and music, and City Council provided a solar powered generator to keep the event as green and environmentally conscious as possible.
Later in the day, The Lazy Pirate donated restaurant space to be used for the awards ceremony, and an after party to celebrate the “whompingest” event of the summer.
“It’s really neat,” said Crouch with a laugh. “And that’s the best part of the whole thing, this is a community development event for Surfrider. It brings everyone together, and that’s what really gets us stoked. It just warms my heart.”
For more information, and to find out how you can get involved in next year’s event, visit the groups Facebook page. For more information on the Cape Fear Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation, including local events, volunteer efforts, and campaigns, visit their website at capefear.surfrider.org.
Get in touch with Reporter Cory Mannion: follow him on Facebook, Twitter, or send an email at cory@localvoicemedia.com.
