Local surfers make a big splash

FOLLY BEACH — Good surfers know you must be able to compete in all types of conditions.

Although the fifth annual Governor's Cup of Surfing on Saturday and Sunday at The Washout saw less than epic waves, it certainly was good enough for more than 250 of the region's top surfers to prove they had what it took to be the next South Carolina state champion.

In 2006, Anthony Osment of Johns Island was crowned champion. Two years later, he once again surfed his way to the top, winning not only the Master's division, but also the overall Men's Open title in a final that had hundreds of beachgoers on their feet cheering for the local.

With about 7 minutes remaining in the 20-minute heat, Osment's patience paid off by grabbing a solid, waist-high wave and ripping it to shreds, putting up a 9.0 — the highest score of the entire contest.

"I'm really stoked," Osment said. "Being a professional surfer, I'm usually surfing in contests for money, but this contest is fun. I get to surf with my friends in my hometown. You can't ask for more than that."

In the women's division, another previous state champion came out victorious.

It has been three years since Jenny Brown of James Island brought home the trophy. But this year, the goofy-footed (meaning surfs with right foot forward) champion returned to top form with a polished and consistent style to secure the 2008 women's open title and also a win in ladies' longboard.

Winners

ShortBOARD: Men's Open: Anthony Osment; 1A Menehunes: Coleman Bess; 3A Menehunes: Luke Gordon; 1A Boy's: Jordan Lemmon; 3A Boy's: Cam Richards; 3A Girl's: Leldon McClary; 1A Junior Men: T. Runion; 3A Junior Men's: Cole Richards; 3A Junior Women's: Devon Kim; 3A Men's: Tony Silvagni; 3A Women's: Holly Nettles; Masters: Anthony Osment; Senior Men's: Chris Brown; Ladies: Jenny Brown; Grand Masters: Glenn Tanner; Legends: Keith Thompson.

LONGBOARD: Menehunes: Cam Richards; Juniors: Cole Richards; Mens: Tony Silvagni: Women's: Leldon McClary; Ladies: Jenny Brown; Masters: Kai Dilling; Legends: Glenn Tanner.

BODYBOARD: Menehunes: Luke Gordon; Open: Boyd Hinton.

SPECIAL AWARDS: Iron Man: Chris Brown; Iron Women: Jenny Brown; Jr. Iron Man: Cam Richards; Jr. Iron Women: Leldon McClary; Sportsmanship: Carlyle Carter.