2022 HIO (Hale‘iwa International Open) Recap: Surfing + Beach Cleanup

That’s a wrap. The 51st Annual HIO (Hale‘iwa International Open) concluded on Dec. 30 with a successful beach cleanup hosted by Nixon. All four days of the event were full of good times and proper surfing across 14 divisions. Nixon was stoked to be a part of the action, which has deep community roots and is considered the longest-running surf contest on Hawaii’s North Shore.

When Nixon Team rider John John Florence asked us to support the event, we wanted to do something a little extra. With the help of local organizers, the beach cleanup was a total success. Everyone who participated got a free Nixon shirt, and the top trash collectors got a Time Teller OPP watch (which has a case made from recycled plastic).

Free t-shirts all around, but only the biggest hauls scored a fresh Time Teller OPP.

Nixon also came through with trophy watches for each division. Which watch model did we bring? The Heat—it was an easy choice. Designed with John John himself, it’s our thinnest digital with a 10 ATM water rating. These trophy Heats featured custom casebacks with artwork specific to the event.

One of the 14 Nixon The Heat trophy watches awarded to the winners of each division.

“We had about 50 people take part in the beach cleanup, mainly kids,” said event organizer and Nixon Team alumni Joel Centeio. “I’m guessing we had 20 bags of trash come in at about 25 pounds. Thankfully our beaches are pretty clean!”

“Nixon’s participation in this year’s event was great,” Joel added. “The brand helped elevate the competition, and the beach cleanup was a nice way to finish off 4 days of competition. The trophy watches were sick!”

Event organizer and Nixon Team alumni, Joel Centeio also held it down as M.C.

Part of the Nixon fam, Luke Tema's presence was fully felt at the 51st HIO.