Wahine seeks surfers, sponsors

For eight years, the Folly Beach Wahine Classic has helped foster surfing for girls and women in the Lowcountry.

The annual surfing competition, which will be held May 30-31 at the Washout on Folly Beach, is currently registering female surfers and seeking sponsors for the event. The cost to participate is $35 for one division and $10 for each division (up to three divisions). Divisions include age groups from Menehune (12 and under) to Ladies (35+) for shortboard, longboard, novice and bodyboard.

The contest raises money for the Aug. 11 Surfer's Healing surf camp for autistic children.

Hale Horstman, who has been involved in the Wahine Classic since the beginning, expects the event to come close to reaching its cap of 100 participants this year.

"It's really going well. We've worked out the kinks and things are running smoothly," says Horstman, adding that despite the economy, preregistrations and sponsorships have been steady.

The contest appeals to girls and women because it is "less intimidating than surfing with the men and inspiring for other women to watch."

And while the weekend is "for the girls," Horstman says the contest wouldn't be possible without its male volunteers.