By ALEXANDREA BAILEY
editor@portisabelsouthpadre.com
Three local groms from the South Padre Island-based 77 Surf Team have been selected to be on the Texas Gulf Surfing Association’s [TGSA] All-Star Team for the 2024-2025 season.
The three surfers are Eva Castillo, Elle Hable and Rudy Whittington. As a part of the TGSA All Star Team, they will have the opportunity to travel to Waco for a training session and attend the summertime USA Surfing Championships in California, as well as other undecided California-based surf comps.
According to his mother, Deb Roemer, 13-year-old Whittington has been surfing for the last two and a half years, after beginning lessons with 77 Surf. She says Whittington is delighted and proud of securing his spot on the All-Star Team for the second year in a row. Last season, he came in second place in the Menehune Boys Division with 2,952 points.
Lauren Hable, mother of 11-year-old Elle Hable, says her daughter started surfing when she was five. This is also her second year securing a spot on the All Star Team. She has competed with TSGA for the last four years, earning many accolades. During the 2022-2023 season, she earned first place in both the Menehune Girls Division and the co-ed Menehune Longboard Division. The following season, she came in second place in the Menhune Girls Division.
In the Menhune Girls Division for the 2023-2024 season, first place went to 12-year-old Eva Castillo. Her mother, Erica Macaulay, who coaches the 77 Surf Team, says Castillo’s been surfing since she was seven years old.
According to Erica Macaulay, they surf every chance they get. This will be Castillo’s third year competing with TGSA, and she is immensely excited.
The three young surfers are currently meeting weekly to train ahead of this season’s competitions.
10 other young surfers were chosen for the team as well, Yates Harris, Parker Whitfield, Evelyn McDevitt, Banyan Smith, Caden Shelton, Keagan Sohl, Phoebe Rogers, Kiahla Shelton, Brixton “Fish” Morris and Beckem Edwards Morgan Faulkner, former team member, will coach the All Star Team along with Kris Hopkins and Walter Sohl.
According to Faulkner, the members of the All Star Team are selected at the end of each season by the TGSA. The chosen ones were some of the top finishers in the state in their respective divisions.
“I’ve seen all of them start surfing as younger surfers, and even though they’re still young right now, I’ve seen each of them improve year after year. Seeing them improve and excel in surfing just shows the mental determination that they have. I’m super stoked to see them keep progressing and what they’re going to do in the future with surfing,” said Faulkner.
Faulkner says the number one goal for the All Star Team is continuous skill improvement. He is also motivated to secure the ability for the team to travel out of state for competition. However, to make this possible, community support is needed.
This Saturday, Nov. 9, 77 Surf and Skate will be hosting a TSGA fundraiser for the All Star Team at Nautico Island Grill, located at 1313 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, from 6-8 p.m. 77 Surf and Skate is asking for donation items for the fundraiser’s silent auction and raffle. To make a donation, contact 77 Surf and Skate at (956) 433-9770 or 77surftexas@gmail.com. The fundraiser will also feature live music from local psychedelic surf rock band, Los Surfvivers.
“Surfing has always been a great tool for self-development, character building, physical fitness and spiritual growth,” stated Los Surfvivers bassist and uncle to Castillo, Sean Macaulay. “Nobody works harder and nobody has as much fun as a surfer.”
Lauren Hable shared some words of encouragement for the young surf trio ahead of their participation in the All Stars Team 2024-2025 season.
“Trust in yourselves, stay fearless, and ride each wave with confidence. Remember, every challenge out there is just another chance to grow stronger and push your limits. Win or lose, you’re already champions for stepping up and supporting one another out there. Go catch those waves and enjoy every moment—you’ve got this,” stated Hable.