Same stoke, different kids.

That premise was enough to lure more than 220 youth surfers to Waikiki for the T&C Surf/Surfer Magazine Grom Contest this weekend.

In what would seem like an oxymoron, novice youth surfers get a chance to shine at the two-day contest.

"The goal is to give kids who might not have as much experience in contests an opportunity to make a final, or even win," contest director Adam Borrello said. "The reality is, a lot of the same kids win all the other contests because they're just that good. We want to give other kids that feeling, too."

The contest started yesterday at Kuhio Beach, Waikiki, and will conclude today.

The contest features surfers ranging in age from 5 to 14. Competitors who are ranked in the top 15 of the state's amateur/scholastic organizations are ineligible.

Vince Otteman of Waialua heard about it through friends, and entered his three children — Ikaika, Moon and Zion — for the first time.

Moon, who is in the second grade at Waialua Elementary, is exemplary of the type of surfer the contest targets. She does not practice surfing every day because she also enjoys kickboxing lessons. And she's just inexperienced enough to still appreciate the purest thrill of surfing.

"When you catch a good wave, you feel like you're flying," Moon said.

Her father said: "There's a tremendous focus and effort that's required for a kid to be a competitive surfer, not only physically, but emotionally. The ones who can do it are impressive to say the least. Some kids are not ready for that, but they still want to enjoy a contest."

But the T&C Grom Contest is also viewed by some as a form of preparation for more serious competitions.

"This is a good way to test their competitiveness and skill," said Kolohe Blomfield, who entered his two children in the contest. "If they do well here, maybe they can move on to something bigger."

His 12-year-old son, Keone, signed up for the shortboard, longboard and bodyboard divisions. "I like that all the rated kids aren't in it," he said.

In keeping with the theme of the event, the best prizes — including a Nintento Wii game system — are awarded via random drawing.

"Even if you don't make a final, we want to give you a chance to win something," Borrello said. "Some of these kids might never be good enough to make it as a competitive surfer, but we still want to give them a good feeling about surfing."