Youth Movement: Dylan Kowalski and Airlie Pickett Steal The Show At Clean Water Surf Classic

The Cleanwater Classic was held last weekend after being postponed on October 4-5 due to flat conditions. After pushing the date back to October 25-26, organizers and contestants were treated to a good dose of waves over the weekend and Cole Richards walked away with the $1,000 first prize in the Open 18+ Pro/Am Division.

Dylan Kowalski (pictured), who just turned 15 last week, won the Open Grom Division and then stepped it up in the Open 18+ by claiming second. For his efforts, Kowalski took home $500 and $400 toward a custom Uhuru surfboard. The Wrightsville Beach local has gone from being the #1 boy in the ESASNC district 2007/2008 season, to being one of the top contenders in the men's divisions. Apparently his training with Ben Aipa on the North Shore of Hawaii and with Team USA in California has paid off.

The youth movement showed up in the Open Female Division, as well. Airlie Pickett took out her mom, Jo, and the rest of a fine women's field, winning $400 towards an Uhuru surfboard. Jo, the third place finisher and owner of Crystal South Surf Camp, apparently taught Airlie a little too well. Brittany Golmuka, second, and youngster Darsha Pigford rounded out the top four spots.

In the Open Longboard Division, favorite Tony Silvagni topped Drake Courie, his brother Andrew, and longboard-grom of the future Weston Williams, in that order. Silvagni was also bestowed with $400 toward a new board.

Open Grom 13-17
1- Dylan Kowalski - $400 towards a custom UHURU board!
2- Evan Barton
3- Mason Barnes
4- Cole Richards
5- Cam Richards
6- Shane Burns

Open 18+ Pro/Am
1- Cole Richards $1000
2- Dylan Kowalski $500
3- Mike Powell $250
4- Mark Yonkers $150
T5 Evan Barton $100
T5 Brian Herron $100
T6 Slater Powell $100
T6 Nick Bland $100

Open Longboard
1- Tony Silvagni - $400 towards a custom UHURU board!
2- Drake Courie
3- Andrew Silvagni
4- Weston Williams

Open Female
1- Airlie Pickett - $400 towards a custom UHURU board!
2- Brittany Golmuka
3- Jo Pickett
4- Darsha Pigford

Tag Team Event
1- UNCW Alumni
2- UNCW Surf Club
3- UNCW Surfrider Team B
4- Cape Fear Academy

Team Grom
1- Evan Barton Sweetwater Rippers
2- Gus Bird Doublewide Surf & Skate
3- Weston Williams Vatos Locos
4- Ollie Connell Aussie Shredding Roosters

Team Female
1- Darsha Pigford Sweetwater Rippers
2- Liz Hauser Aussie X Factor
3- Jo Pickett Aussie Shredding Roosters
4- Airlie Pickett Aussie Team Tres

Team Adult
1- Nick Bland Surf City Crew B
2- Jonathan Mincher Surf City Posse
3- Michael Powell Sweetwater Rippers
4- Derrick Pigford Aussie Shredding Roosters

Team Longboard
1- Tony Silvagni Vatros Locos
2- Tim McAuliffe Surf City Crew B
3- Bradley Rose Aussie X Factor
4- Weston Williams Sweetwater Rippers

Team Master
1- Pete Viele Surf City Posse
2- Daniel Sacchi Aussie X Factor
3- Daniel Cerqueira Vatros Locos

Team Shop Title
1- Sweetwater Rippers
2- Surf City Posse
3- Aussie Island X Factor
4- Aussie Island Shredding Roosters

Photo: Jan Krohl

-- Jesse Jones, CAPE FEAR SPORTS REPORT