Surfing Contest Organized by the Eastern Surfing Association
July 12, 2009 - Fernandina Beach, FL
Photos by Ed Hardee - Report by Bradley Dunham
Bruce and Deborah Dunham with their son, Bradley.
All different ages of competitors participated for fun, entertainment and excitement. A lot of the surfers enter the competitions to get noticed by surfing companies and to get their name out in the surfing world.
The conditions weren’t the best, but everyone made the most of it. Surfers riding smaller boards had a harder time than surfers with longer, wider and thicker boards. Larger boards will provide more flotation, making an easier ride.
To join in on this exciting event, you may call Richie Obszarski at (904) 891-3032 or co-director Brad Long at (904) 415-6033. The ESA hopes to see surfers with enthusiasm and a great attitude out there at their next competition! You can also visit Pipeline Surf Shop, 2022 First Ave., for more information.
The contests are open to surfers of all ages and abilities, said Robert Ruy, co-owner of Pipeline Surf Shop. The events “create a sense of community and help develop some out-of-this-world athletes,” he said. Winners accumulate points that allow them to advance to regional competition.
Brad Long said he was especially pleased with the participation among young people, and is hoping for more in the upcoming events. “I got into surfing when I was 13 years old, 22 years ago,” he said. “Surfing helps keep kids healthy, happy, focused – and it goes hand-in-hand with swimming and other cardiovascular training activities, such as bicycling. Also, once you purchase the equipment, there’s not much else you need to buy except sunscreen -- the beach is free every day.”
Event headquarters on the beach.
Nick Isabella and Chance Bennett head into the surf.
Bradley Dunham in action.
Surf Contest Results
Menehune (age 11 and under) short board
1. Sutton Kerlin
2. Gage Kropff
3. Gavin Johnson
4. Scotty Rivenbank
Boys/Juniors
1. Bradley Dunham
2. Jesse Chapman
Junior Men’s
1. Walter Obszarski
Men’s Final SB
1. Nick Isabella
2. Chance Bennett
3. Chris Igou
4. Jake Combs
Women’s
1. Leslie Baker
Senior Women’s
1. Shellie Kropff
Men’s Longboard Final
1. Nick Isabella
2. Scott Kellogg
3. Eric Hatton
4. Todd Burwell
Senior Men’s LB
1. Kevin Leary
2. Brad Long
3. Scott Riven
4. Frank Blake
Men’s Open Final
1. Eric Hatton
2. Nick Isabella3. Chris Igou
4. Walter Obszarski
Women’s LB
1. Leslie Baker
Sr. Women’s LB
1. Joy Anderson
2. Shellie Kropff
Grand Masters SB
1. Kevin Leary
2. Frank Blake
