‘Dad dunk’ yields Queen of the Hook for Kayla Schurton

Erin Sutherland and Colton Zack, freshmen this fall at Hood River Valley High School, competed in tandem, but unlike their competitors, they did so on separate boards, accurately matching moves while dressed in sequin get-ups.

Most competitors donned imaginative costumes, from Josh Nardone’s “The Creature” to Luka Stash’s rainbow wig and tie-dye and Davies’ commodore-in-ascot get-up. Columbia Gorge Windsurfing Association hosted the 13th-annual event at The Hook.

Brian Schurton jumped on a c. 1994 board during the finale, while fully dressed, and when he drove his board over that of his daughter, Kayla, she responded by leaping onto his and pulling him into the water, to everyone’s delight.

The judges gave the overall prize, and a Sailworks Gyro 36 sail, to Kayla.

“It was getting my dad off his board, I think that was a crowd pleaser,” Kayla said. “Everyone was entertained by that.” She called the Gyro “a good sail to have in my quiver. It’s a good one to have in the Gorge.”

King of the Hook results:

Queen of the Hook: First, Kayla Schurton; second, Marilee Vorster and her pooches Twiggy and Thabie; third, Barb Ayers and the Surf Hounds

King of the Hook: Jon “Judge Smails” Davies; second place, “with very technical moves,” said Greg Steigl, announcer and president of CGWA, went to “Working Class Hero” Steve Hawk; third place, Brian Schurton

Groms: First, Sequins and Superdog, Erin Sutherland and Colton Zack, and labrador Ginger; second, Josh Nardone and Maverick Geller; Luka and Nina Stash, aka Oogie and Nina. “Why Oogie?” Luka was asked. “Because that’s what I call him,” replied Nina of her younger brother.

Supergroms: First, Maverick Geller; second, Luka Stash, “the most colorful outfit of the evening;“ third, “Wicked” Walker Godfrey

Tandem: Marilee Vorster and her dogs; second, Flop and Splash; third, Barb Ayers and the Surf Hounds.

“I think we need dog prizes next year,” Steigel said.

Honorable Mention went to “Cowboy” David Kao, for helping out every year; he received a Chinook extension.

Flair award went to a trio of girls, “The Seattle Stars.“ Judge Heidi Chappell said the award went to the entry “that gives us goosebumps, makes us stop and say, ‘wow, they brought the spirit of windsurfing to the Hook.’“ (The girls also delivered beer to the judges; bribing goes a long way, noted Steigel.) The Stars are Makari Posen-Long, Allie Meyers, and Tessa Guerra of Issaquah and Mercer Island, Wash.