Ken Whalen Surf Challenge

USD Alumnus Ken Whalen leaves a legacy inspiring the next generation of surfers and students

Griffon Hooper / Contributor / The USD Vista

The Ken Whalen Surf Challenge was back for its annual event on  Sept. 19.  Its roots in the USD community make it a special part of the Mission Beach and San Diego coastal lifestyle that many students enjoy. Open to the public and in association with the Challenged Athlete Foundation, an organization dedicated to providing opportunities and support to people with physical challenges, this Surf event brings the community of San Diego together for a celebration of Ken Whalen’s life and values. 

Ken Whalen, a USD  alumnus, passed away unexpectedly in 2014 at the age of 47, leaving behind his family. 

At the Challenge, youth surfers come together to earn trophies, and volunteers share their love of the ocean with physically-impaired athletes.

More information is available on the Ken Whalen Surf Challenge website where a spotlight on Whalen describes his touch; “Ken was always there to encourage people to take steps to better their lives. This was Ken’s gift. This is Ken’s legacy.”               

USD senior, Natalie Jones spent her Sunday wearing a bright red shirt marking her as a volunteer for the event. Jones assisted the event organizers throughout the day and cheered on individuals competing in the youth surf contest. 

“It has been so special to see the challenged athletes that have been competing in this event for multiple years and to see their growth of passion and overall skill as a surfer,” Jones said. “It is truly an emotional experience and so beautiful to be a part of, I truly feel so lucky to volunteer every year.”

Trophies were given to every competitor no matter their placement. Each trophy represents much more than surfing skill. Contestants, ranging from ages four to sixteen, push themselves to break through barriers and challenge their comfort zones. 

Sharply at noon, a break occurred   in the  youth  competition as the entire event came to a halt. More than 30 volunteers rushed into the water, guiding the surfboards of seven young individuals over the whitewater and out into the surf. For some of them, this was the first time ever encountering the sport. 

Tanlee Gaspar, a senior at USD, volunteered for the event as well. Gaspar shared how the event had a personal impact on her.

“I was inspired by watching the joy of all of the surfers and their ability to overcome unique challenges,” Gaspar said. “I am so grateful to have been surrounded by such an uplifting community of people who promote inclusivity and positivity in surfing.”

The Ken Whalen Surf Challenge was considered a huge success by its attendees and its organizer, Kevin Flynn. Flynn knew Whalen personally from his days in class at USD and is also a USD alumnus. 

Flynn stated the lasting impact of the event.

“Our mission statement is to foster a deeper love of the ocean and surfing for young kids. I think we do that,” Flynn said. 

Flynn models the event after Ken’s unique values. 

“He loved kids and he loved getting kids to surf, he liked to push kids to surf even if they were scared, and we try to channel that into the event,” Flynn shared. 

Flynn weaves Whalen’s uplifting philosophy with USD’s coastal community year after year with this competition. Some of these young San Diego surfers are the future students of USD.  He hopes that this event leaves a lasting impression on young competitors.  “What we hope is that maybe the next time one of the kids needs to do something, like take a driving test or speak in public or something that is uncomfortable for them,” Flynn said. “Maybe they can remember how uncomfortable they were before they did this contest, and they did it, and it turned out to be a great experience for them.” 

Whalen’s vibrancy and enthusiasm about life continues to be felt by Flynn’s efforts and all who Whalen impacted. He finds himself frequently recalling Whalen’s legacy.

“God, I’m inspired by Ken every day, my whole friend group, we frequently say to ourselves, ‘what would Ken do’ when we are faced with a challenge,” Flynn said. “He was so gifted.” 

The Whalen Surf Challenge had a single, understated, billboard committed to Ken Whalen and his legacy. This was done purposefully as Whalen  did not want his surf challenge to be a memorial. His spirit is woven throughout the community of volunteers and participants each of whom finds themselves inspired by a fellow ocean lover and USD’s own, Ken Whalen.