FLAGLER BEACH, Fla. – Shattering her own event’s personal best in fundraising and celebrating her son’s first participation in the event, mom and pro surfer Haley Stephens has a lot to be thankful for.
Hosting the 13th Annual MayDay Memorial Surf Classic on Saturday in Flagler Beach, the surf contest maxed out on participants, helping ensure the mom of two will be able to put nearly $25,000 towards a cause that is near and dear to her own heart.
“We had a record number of participants this year – 117 registered athletes and what’s really cool about that is it ranges from kids as young as four all the way through surfers 65-years-old,” said Stephens.
Creating the surf contest when she was just 17 years old after the passing of her beloved mother Dollie Sue Watson from heart disease when Haley was just 14, she’s transformed the festival into more than just a way to work through the grief, and into a celebration of life and way to raise awareness for a heart-healthy lifestyle.
Partnering with Halifax Health, the pro athlete says the event has raised $67,000 over the past decade. With this year’s strong turnout and support, the donation to the cardiac center to support heart health will be tremendous.
“I feel like we’re really doing good work,” she said. “What we’re doing is making a difference.”
Harnessing her passion for the sport into something bigger, Stephens was thrilled to ride the waves with her 4-year-old son Mason in the minnows category this year, for his very first competition.
“He loves being in the water. He is really excited about surfing. I would never push him if he didn’t want to, but he was excited to go out there and surf with me. We caught a couple of waves,” she said with pride.
Not the only mom out to cheer on her youngster, Flagler Beach Mayor Suzie Johnston beamed as daughter Sydney Adams nabbed third place in the 13-17-year-old category.
“This is a great event because it brings together the community,” said Johnston.
“It’s fantastic to see your child surf in a local competition (on the beach) that you grew up and learned to surf in,” she said, holding flowers gifted to her by some of the winners.
The surfing community is known for generosity and compassion and it’s part of the reason for the event’s continued success.
“I think that it’s human nature that people want to be a part of something bigger than themselves,” said Stephens.
“Throughout these 13 years and the evolution of the MayDay, the event has kind of proven to be a not only a celebration of our moms on Mother’s Day weekend, but a celebration of life and of love and of community that is a natural draw.”
Featured Image/Flagler News Weekly: Carla Cline and Haley Stephens.
