On August 1st, 12-year-old Kalama Stratton joined the early morning group at Puerto Escondido, a popular yet not overcrowded spot. His dad was already on the beach, signaling to him with a whistle as he paddled out to catch a wave. However, Kalama had his sights set on a wave behind it, and the supportive lineup encouraged him to go for it.
Not many kids were surfing at Puerto that morning, but Kalama has been a regular there for a few years, earning the respect of the local surfers who have taken him under their wing. He paddled out on a borrowed 7’0″ board (he usually surfs his trusty 5’1″ step-up) and managed to catch the wave in the perfect spot.
As he made the bottom turn and started driving, Kalama was thrilled. “I didn’t think I’d make it,” he exclaimed. “I was on the foamball, but when the lip hit my back, I thought for sure I’d wipe out. But instead, I came out, claimed the wave, and then fell off.” Despite falling off, Kalama couldn’t help but feel stoked about his ride – it was the best wave he’s ever caught at Puerto.
Undeterred by his fall, Kalama paddled back out to the lineup and continued surfing throughout the morning. His dad, who had been waiting on the beach, was overjoyed when Kalama returned from his epic wipeout and showed him the video footage of his ride. However, his dad soon had to leave for work, so Kalama simply shrugged it off and kept shredding the waves at Puerto.
Source: Surf Line
