Surfers 18 years old and younger are set to shred for glory at the 8th annual Menehune Contest, coming to La Jolla Shores on Saturday, April 12.

The Menehune (meh-neh-HOO-neh) are a mythical race of dwarfish, crafty, mischievous, and generally grom-ish creatures who live out of the view of humans in the forests and valleys of the Hawaiian islands. Despite their secrecy, the La Jolla Shores Surfing Association has, for the 8th straight year, convinced them to come out of hiding and compete.

Shortboard and longboard heats are to be held in the following brackets. (Male and Female heats will be separate.) 

• 16 – 18 years
• 13 – 16 years
• 10 – 12 years
• 7 – 9 years
• 6 years and younger (not judged)
• Novice Division (for those who have surfed less than one year)

Heats begin at 7am (see event schedule). The deadline for signing up is Monday, April 7. Online applications can be found here.

The past seven events have been smashing successes (click here for photos from the 2007 contest), and this year’s promises to deliver more of the same. So whether you're a menehune or a run-of-the-mill adult, be sure to get out to the Shores for the show.