Remembering a Special Lady…

story and photos by Bill Hill

Photos and story by Bill Hill                            CLICK ARROWS ABOVE FOR FULL SCREEN

 Welcome to Island Waves, a monthly visit to the surfing community that calls Galveston Island home. 

I am honored to tell you about a very special event we had on the Island in August.
The Texas Gulf Surfing Association (TGSA) and the Ashlyn Would Go Foundation have teamed up again for the 5th Annual Ashlyn Shoemaker Memorial Grom Round up. The event was held on August 22nd at the 47th street jetty here on the Island and it was absolutely incredible.
These grom roundup surf contests are designed to introduce competitive surfing to children ages 13 and under, to promote surfing as a family sport and to remember Ashlyn, a young woman who died at age 14.
Ashlyn inspired people with her dedication to Galveston, the beach & ocean and tremendous love of surfing. The Ashlyn Would Go! Foundation for Futures was established in memory of Ashlyn Shoemaker, who died at age 14 on April 21, 2005 from Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.
 
First of all I would like to say thank you to all the wonderful people who came out in support of the Grom Roundoup. We had a record crowd and the vibe was incredible as was the surfing. These kids had a blast, but make no bones about it, the competition was tough and the heats were so close that only a half a point would seperate the winners.
It was truly our finest TGSA event in a long time, thank to Crissy and Joel for putting on such and awesome event. And remember … Take Your Kid Surfing!

I invite you to check out www.g-townsurf.com. We give you a daily tour of what is going on at the beach along with a live HD web cam that gives one of the best views of the beaches around. Until next month, have fun, be safe and thanks for checking us out … Mahalo!

  Bill “Billyblues” Hill is a full time Realtor who publishes a popular daily website about the beach lifestyle known as www.g-townsurf.com. Billy also does a Daily Surf Report on KSET 1300 AM in Beaumont.

TGSA & AWG