12.12.95

12-Year-Old Wins National Meet

James O'Brien of the North Shore won the Ironman Award at the United States Surfing Federation National Championships held last week in South Padre Island, Texas. James is the youngest person ever to win this event The award is given to the best overall performer of the contest. Jim finished first in the longboarding and bodyboarding divisions (14 and under) and second in surfing for the menehune (12 and under).
There were nearly 250 amateur surfers from all over the U.S. participating in the event. But it was definitely James' day. "He was phenomenal", according to contest judge Jack Shipley. Jack went on to say that it's "usually an older guy who has the experience" to win this contest. "You never see a kid win it." Until now.