NSSA - National Scholastic Surfing Association

This Web site is for anyone who is interested in the sport of surfing. We've organized the National Scholastic Surfing Association into categories on the top of the page so you can jump easily into areas of interest. Many areas of the site will be updated on a regular basis. So, make sure to visit us as often as you like.

Southeast/North Explorer Super Seniors
#	Surfer	Points
1	Chilly Willey Gilreath	3100
2	Jason Motes	300
Click here for full list.

Southeast/North Open Boys
#	Surfer	Points
1	Vance Weyandt	8760
2	Athan Robertson	6910
3	Gus Hultgren	6490
4	Kyan O'Rourke	5350
5	Asher Eastwood	4890
Click here for full list.

Northeast Explorer Super Groms
#	Surfer	Points
1	Gavin Mitchell	3000
2	James Brooks	2250
3	Finn Holloway	1680
Click here for full list.

Southeast/North Explorer Duke
#	Surfer	Points
1	Chilly Willey Gilreath	5350
1	Rob Persan	5350
3	Charley Hajek	3300
Click here for full list.

Northwest Explorer Boys
#	Surfer	Points
1	Max St. Denis	5250
2	James Daniel	4680
3	Adam Bartlett	3430
4	Riley Auble	2480
5	Cooper Shank	2440
Click here for full list.

Southeast/North Explorer Girls
#	Surfer	Points
1	Savannah Love	10120
2	Ava Lavender	9220
3	Carlie Eastwood	8430
4	Delaney Spruill	6630
5	Ellie Walsh	5080
Click here for full list.

Northeast Explorer Juniors
#	Surfer	Points
1	Ryan Tracy	3000
2	Miller Brennan	2250
3	Seamus Carey	1680
4	Gavin Mitchell	1260
5	Nic Gardella	1220
Click here for full list.

Southeast/North Explorer Super Groms
#	Surfer	Points
1	Grady Love	12120
2	Sawyer Glynn	9740
3	Auburn Hilley	8480
4	Asher Eastwood	8430
5	Athan Robertson	6070
Click here for full list.

Southeast/North Explorer Women
#	Surfer	Points
1	Madison Lavender	12100
2	Ivy Bradley	5160
3	Maddie Franz	4800
4	Grace Knoechel	2260
5	Ella McGowan	300
Click here for full list.

Mid Atlantic Explorer Boys
#	Surfer	Points
1	Finn Viorel	9360
2	Matton Bain	7020
3	William Deane	6000
4	Evan Oblinger	4500
5	Mack Landry	2520
Click here for full list.

Southeast Explorer Masters
#	Surfer	Points
1	Brandon Taylor	9000
Click here for full list.

Southeast Explorer Seniors
#	Surfer	Points
1	Darlan Lopes	200
Click here for full list.

Mid Atlantic Open Juniors
#	Surfer	Points
1	Kendrick Remahl	7260
2	Nathan Graff	6080
3	Charles Oblinger	6000
4	William Deane	4500
5	Owen Carter	3360
Click here for full list.

Mid Atlantic Explorer Women
#	Surfer	Points
1	Callie Hertz	6000
Click here for full list.

Southwest Open Mens
#	Surfer	Points
1	Jackson Taylor	0
1	Wheeler Hasburgh	0
1	Bryse Celaya	0
Click here for full list.

Mid Atlantic Open U10
#	Surfer	Points
1	Story Martinez	6000
Click here for full list.

Southwest Explorer Boys
#	Surfer	Points
1	Trevor Jeffrey	0
Click here for full list.

Mid Atlantic Open Mini-Grom Girls
#	Surfer	Points
1	Story Martinez	6000
2	Skylar Steinmetz	200
Click here for full list.

Southeast/North Open Mini-Grom Girls
#	Surfer	Points
1	Auburn Hilley	4030
2	Carlie Eastwood	3200
3	Summer Bistyga	3000
4	Alyssa Gilreath	1960
5	Lila McGowan	300
Click here for full list.

Northwest Explorer Girls
#	Surfer	Points
1	Vela Mattive	5250
1	Zoe Chait	5250
3	Holly Hegna	3160
4	Jessie Engel	2940
5	Shea Lovato	2520
Click here for full list.

Northeast Explorer Duke
#	Surfer	Points
1	Gavin Mitchell	3000
Click here for full list.

Southeast/North Explorer Juniors
#	Surfer	Points
1	Braeden Kopec	9450
2	Carl Burger	6300
3	Tristan Clarke	6080
4	Justin Pras	5860
5	Benji Lange	5060
Click here for full list.

Mid Atlantic Explorer Girls
#	Surfer	Points
1	Sunshine Barton	200
Click here for full list.

Southeast/North Explorer Super Girls (12 & under)
#	Surfer	Points
1	Auburn Hilley	11610
2	Carlie Eastwood	8450
3	Alana Lopez	6100
4	Alyssa Gilreath	3180
5	Delaney Spruill	3020
Click here for full list.

Southeast/North Open Juniors
#	Surfer	Points
1	Carl Burger	9200
2	Braeden Kopec	8760
3	Ethan Harbinson	6460
4	Ty Jansen	5060
5	Benji Lange	3620
Click here for full list.

Southeast/North Explorer Longboard
#	Surfer	Points
1	Rob Schweizer	9200
2	Maddie Franz	5550
2	Maddie Franz	5550
4	Chaz Guernsey	2650
Click here for full list.

Northwest Explorer Juniors
#	Surfer	Points
1	Adam Bartlett	6000
2	Tyler Chin	3510
3	Kierran Ware	2860
4	Braeden Frame	2520
5	Dylan Wilmers	2465
Click here for full list.

Mid Atlantic Open Longboard
#	Surfer	Points
1	Mack Landry	6000
2	Gus Hertz	4500
3	Sterling Stewart	3360
Click here for full list.

Northwest Explorer Women
#	Surfer	Points
1	Keanna Miller	5250
2	Zoe Chait	4680
3	Skye Davies	2940
4	Madayln Price	2800
5	Maddie Storrer	2250
Click here for full list.

Southwest Open U10
#	Surfer	Points
1	Koby Wachter	0
Click here for full list.

Mid Atlantic Open Girls
#	Surfer	Points
1	Sunshine Barton	200
Click here for full list.

Northeast Open Super Girls
#	Surfer	Points
1	Callie Duff	3000
2	Marina Zappone	2250
3	Brynn Gallagher	1680
Click here for full list.

Northeast Open Boys
#	Surfer	Points
1	Mitchell Zappone	3000
2	Beau Chan	2250
3	James Brooks	1580
4	Cooper Jewell	1180
Click here for full list.

Southeast Open Women
#	Surfer	Points
1	Emma Binder	8510
2	Sarah Stotz	6460
3	Kora Passarelli	5350
4	Abbie Yates	5250
5	Ahnika Patten	2350
Click here for full list.

Southeast/North Explorer Womens Longboard
#	Surfer	Points
1	Maddie Franz	6300
Click here for full list.

Southeast Explorer Women
#	Surfer	Points
1	Emma Binder	9080
2	Abbie Yates	6000
3	Kiley Kaiser	5510
4	Ahnika Patten	4580
5	Fiona Sargente	3360
Click here for full list.

Mid Atlantic Open Women
#	Surfer	Points
1	Callie Hertz	6000
Click here for full list.

Southeast/North Open Mini-Grom
#	Surfer	Points
1	Grady Love	10940
2	Sawyer Glynn	7860
3	Athan Robertson	6640
4	Asher Eastwood	5880
5	Luke Lopez	5350
Click here for full list.

Northwest Explorer Menehuene
#	Surfer	Points
1	Max St. Denis	5250
2	Brody Price	4680
3	Stryder Stelck	3830
4	Harvey Nelson	2860
5	Kai Wolsbeck	2440
Click here for full list.

Southeast Open Mini-Grom Girls
#	Surfer	Points
1	Sofia Gamboa	6000
2	Marlynn Glaub	5250
3	Lila McGowan	4680
4	Sienna Summer Fleming	3930
5	Lola Fleming	3360
Click here for full list.

Southeast Open Boys
#	Surfer	Points
1	Micah Walters	7020
2	Teddy Wittemann	6930
3	Kole Mazzarella	4580
3	Sebastian Peters	4580
5	DC Lewis	4180
Click here for full list.

Northwest Open U10
#	Surfer	Points
1	Maddox Keet	5250
2	Marcel Vincent	4680
3	Riviera Hunter	1680
Click here for full list.

Southwest Open Boys
#	Surfer	Points
1	Tanner Sandvig	0
1	Stryder Stelck	0
1	Hawkens Darrah	0
1	Elias Smith	0
1	Fynn Neth	0
Click here for full list.

Southeast Explorer Boys
#	Surfer	Points
1	Campbell Hogan	7760
2	Gabe Griffin	6000
2	Logan Radd	6000
4	Kole Mazzarella	3830
5	Ian Honda	3360
Click here for full list.

Southwest Open Mini-Grom
#	Surfer	Points
1	Tanner Sandvig	0
1	Fred Egan	0
1	Noah Lavik	0
1	Brody Price	0
1	Taylor Mandell	0
Click here for full list.

Southwest Open Super Girls
#	Surfer	Points
1	Astrid Egan	0
1	Hana Bakker	0
1	Avery McDonald	0
Click here for full list.

Southeast/North Explorer Seniors
#	Surfer	Points
1	Eric Worley	12000
2	Jay Glynn	10680
3	Chilly Willey Gilreath	4210
4	Charley Hajek	2350
5	Chris Mons	500
Click here for full list.

Mid Atlantic Open Mens
#	Surfer	Points
1	Owen Carter	6000
1	Kendrick Remahl	6000
3	Blayr Barton	200
Click here for full list.

Southeast/North Explorer Mens
#	Surfer	Points
1	Braeden Kopec	12100
2	Tristan Clarke	7660
3	Justin Pras	5970
4	Owen Lindsey	5540
5	Ben Wingate	2450
Click here for full list.

Northeast Open Girls
#	Surfer	Points
1	Callie Duff	3000
2	Marina Zappone	2250
3	Mia Gallagher	1680
3	Brynn Gallagher	1680
Click here for full list.

Southeast Explorer Super Seniors
#	Surfer	Points
1	Anthony Passarelli	3100
2	Darlan Lopes	200
Click here for full list.

Northwest Open Girls
#	Surfer	Points
1	Jessie Engel	4580
2	Zoe Chait	4260
3	Maddie Storrer	3510
4	Avery McDonald	2940
4	Madayln Price	2940
Click here for full list.

Southeast/North Open U10
#	Surfer	Points
1	Auburn Hilley	8440
2	Auburn Hilley	3920
3	Grady Love	3000
4	Asher Eastwood	2450
5	Sawyer Glynn	2250
Click here for full list.

Northeast Open Womens
#	Surfer	Points
1	Carly Coble	3000
2	Symcha Sachs	2250
3	Marina Zappone	1680
4	Mia Gallagher	1580
4	Brynn Gallagher	1580
Click here for full list.

Southeast Open Juniors
#	Surfer	Points
1	Campbell Hogan	9000
2	Gabe Griffin	6000
3	Kepa Mendia	3100
3	Logan Radd	3100
5	Teddy Wittemann	200
Click here for full list.

Southeast/North Open Mens
#	Surfer	Points
1	Braeden Kopec	9840
2	Carl Burger	9200
3	Evan Tyson	5550
4	Tristan Clarke	5220
5	Justin Pras	4560
Click here for full list.

Southeast Open Longboard
#	Surfer	Points
1	Gavin Idone	5350
2	Kaylin Weinrich	3100
Click here for full list.

Gold Coast Explorer Menehuene
#	Surfer	Points
1	Aiden Albada	0
1	Wyatt Pitterle	0
1	Josiah Hansen	0
Click here for full list.

Northeast Explorer Menehuene
#	Surfer	Points
1	Beau Chan	3000
2	Mitchell Zappone	2250
3	Gavin Mitchell	1680
4	James Brooks	1580
5	Gavin Bren	1260
Click here for full list.

Southeast Open U10
#	Surfer	Points
1	Max Carbone	12000
Click here for full list.

Northeast Explorer Womens Longboard
#	Surfer	Points
1	Callie Duff	3000
2	Catherine Sayne	2250
3	Marina Zappone	1680
Click here for full list.

Northwest Explorer Mens
#	Surfer	Points
1	Tyler Chin	6000
2	Kierran Ware	3470
3	Mark Vincent	2250
4	Dylan Wilmers	1680
5	Dane Potter	1580
Click here for full list.

Mid Atlantic Open Mini-Grom
#	Surfer	Points
1	Miles Bain	9360
2	Cash Souter	6000
2	Taylor Meekins	6000
4	Sterling Stewart	4500
Click here for full list.

Southeast Explorer Super Groms
#	Surfer	Points
1	Luke Carbone	10500
2	Max Carbone	7760
3	Sebastian Peters	6000
4	Marlynn Glaub	3360
5	Lila McGowan	3260
Click here for full list.

Mid Atlantic Explorer Womens Longboard
#	Surfer	Points
1	Story Martinez	6000
Click here for full list.

Mid Atlantic Explorer Juniors
#	Surfer	Points
1	Kendrick Remahl	6930
2	Charles Oblinger	6000
3	Nathan Graff	5150
4	Luke Nixon	4680
5	Owen Carter	4500
Click here for full list.

Northwest Open Women
#	Surfer	Points
1	Keanna Miller	6000
2	Maddie Storrer	3930
3	Zoe Chait	3510
4	Madayln Price	2840
5	Skye Davies	2760
Click here for full list.

Mid Atlantic Explorer Mens
#	Surfer	Points
1	Owen Carter	6000
2	Charles Oblinger	4500
3	Blayr Barton	200
Click here for full list.

Northwest Open Longboard
#	Surfer	Points
1	Harper King	5250
2	Leah Murphy	4260
3	Healey Skelton	2760
4	Alex Meyers	2565
5	Zoey Howland	2440
Click here for full list.

Northeast Explorer Women
#	Surfer	Points
1	Callie Duff	3000
2	Carly Coble	2250
3	Mia Gallagher	1680
3	Brynn Gallagher	1680
Click here for full list.

Northwest Open Mens
#	Surfer	Points
1	Tanner Vodraska	5250
2	Alex Rosenthal	4180
2	Dillon McGlue	4180
4	James Daniel	3160
5	Braeden Frame	2440
Click here for full list.

Northeast Open Mini Groms
#	Surfer	Points
1	James Brooks	3000
2	Gavin Mitchell	2250
3	Finn Holloway	1680
4	Gavin Bren	1260
Click here for full list.

Southeast/North Explorer Boys
#	Surfer	Points
1	Braeden Kopec	10210
2	Ethan Harbinson	8350
3	Kyan O'Rourke	6820
4	Ty Jansen	4720
5	Benji Lange	4310
Click here for full list.

Southwest Open Women
#	Surfer	Points
1	Danica Gibson	0
1	Shaya Alexander	0
1	Madayln Price	0
1	Addison McPhillips	0
Click here for full list.

Southeast Explorer Womens Longboard
#	Surfer	Points
1	Emma Binder	9180
2	Jaedyn Nichole Wagner	7860
3	Fiona Sargente	6000
4	Kiley Kaiser	4840
5	Kaylin Weinrich	3100
Click here for full list.

Southeast/North Open Girls
#	Surfer	Points
1	Carlie Eastwood	10540
2	Savannah Love	9420
3	Madison Lavender	5450
4	Ava Lavender	5360
5	Delaney Spruill	4760
Click here for full list.

Northeast Explorer Boys
#	Surfer	Points
1	Beau Chan	2250
2	Finn Holloway	1680
3	Mitchell Zappone	1580
4	James Brooks	1260
5	Cooper Jewell	1180
Click here for full list.

Mid Atlantic Explorer Longboard
#	Surfer	Points
1	Mack Landry	6000
2	Sterling Stewart	4500
Click here for full list.

Southeast/North Explorer Menehuene
#	Surfer	Points
1	Vance Weyandt	7980
2	Gus Hultgren	7840
3	Asher Eastwood	6650
4	Owen Anthony	5820
5	Luke Lopez	5350
Click here for full list.

Northeast Explorer Super Girls (12 & under)
#	Surfer	Points
1	Marina Zappone	2250
2	Brynn Gallagher	1680
3	Callie Duff	0
Click here for full list.

Northwest Explorer Super Groms
#	Surfer	Points
1	Maddox Keet	4260
2	Marcel Vincent	3160
3	Ronin Castorino	3135
4	Brody Buck	3000
5	Brady Meyer	2860
Click here for full list.

Northeast Explorer Mens
#	Surfer	Points
1	Miller Brennan	1680
2	Ryan Tracy	1580
3	Nic Gardella	1220
4	Tucker Coleman	1140
Click here for full list.

Northeast Open Longboard
#	Surfer	Points
1	Nic Gardella	3000
2	Marina Zappone	2250
2	Callie Duff	2250
2	Chase Lieder	2250
5	Catherine Sayne	1680
Click here for full list.

Southeast/North Open Super Girls
#	Surfer	Points
1	Auburn Hilley	10530
2	Carlie Eastwood	9820
3	Ava Lavender	7030
4	Alana Lopez	6100
5	Delaney Spruill	5690
Click here for full list.

Southeast Explorer Mens
#	Surfer	Points
1	Brandon Taylor	8250
Click here for full list.

Southeast Explorer Menehuene
#	Surfer	Points
1	Teddy Wittemann	8250
2	Luke Carbone	6350
3	Beckham McCart	4680
4	Kole Mazzarella	4220
5	Ian Honda	3930
Click here for full list.

Southeast Explorer Super Girls (12 & under)
#	Surfer	Points
1	Daya McCart	6000
2	Sofia Gamboa	5250
3	Ella McGowan	4680
4	Marlynn Glaub	4500
5	Sienna Summer Fleming	1680
Click here for full list.

Southwest Open Mini-Grom Girls
#	Surfer	Points
1	Brynley Beckman	0
Click here for full list.

Southeast Open Girls
#	Surfer	Points
1	Kora Passarelli	6100
2	Abbie Yates	5250
3	Jordanna Doyle	4680
Click here for full list.

Southwest Explorer Women
#	Surfer	Points
1	Madayln Price	0
Click here for full list.

Mid Atlantic Explorer Menehuene
#	Surfer	Points
1	Miles Bain	10500
2	Sterling Stewart	6000
3	Taylor Meekins	3160
Click here for full list.

Southeast Open Super Girls
#	Surfer	Points
1	Kylie Pulcini	6000
2	Ella McGowan	4580
2	Kora Passarelli	4580
4	Sofia Gamboa	4500
5	Daya McCart	3930
Click here for full list.

Northeast Open Mens
#	Surfer	Points
1	Ryan Tracy	3000
2	Stephen Zakroff	2250
3	Seamus Carey	1680
4	Nic Gardella	1580
5	Miller Brennan	1260
Click here for full list.

Southwest Explorer Menehuene
#	Surfer	Points
1	Brody Price	0
Click here for full list.

Northwest Open Mini-Grom
#	Surfer	Points
1	Brody Price	6000
2	Kai Wolsbeck	3160
3	Harvey Nelson	3135
4	Harper King	2565
5	Ronin Castorino	2440
Click here for full list.

Northeast Explorer Girls
#	Surfer	Points
1	Callie Duff	3000
2	Marina Zappone	2250
3	Mia Gallagher	1680
3	Brynn Gallagher	1680
5	Seton Iglay	1220
Click here for full list.

Mid Atlantic Open Boys
#	Surfer	Points
1	Matton Bain	10500
2	Finn Viorel	8520
3	William Deane	4500
4	Evan Oblinger	3360
5	Cose Stoyanoff	200
Click here for full list.

Mid Atlantic Explorer Super Groms
#	Surfer	Points
1	Story Martinez	6000
1	Cash Souter	6000
Click here for full list.

Northeast Open Juniors
#	Surfer	Points
1	Miller Brennan	3000
2	Seamus Carey	2250
3	Beau Chan	1680
4	Mitchell Zappone	1580
5	Chase Lieder	1260
Click here for full list.

Southeast Open Mini-Grom
#	Surfer	Points
1	Luke Carbone	8190
2	Sebastian Peters	5250
3	DC Lewis	4680
3	Kole Mazzarella	4680
5	Ian Honda	4500
Click here for full list.

Northwest Open Boys
#	Surfer	Points
1	Adam Bartlett	6000
2	Max St. Denis	3360
3	Cooper Shank	2840
4	Stryder Stelck	2520
5	Kainoa Queenan	2360
Click here for full list.

Southeast Explorer Longboard
#	Surfer	Points
1	Kiley Kaiser	6260
2	Brandon Taylor	6180
3	Gavin Idone	6100
4	Kaylin Weinrich	2350
Click here for full list.

Southeast Explorer Juniors
#	Surfer	Points
1	Gabe Griffin	6000
2	Payton Lima	5250
Click here for full list.

Northwest Open Super Girls
#	Surfer	Points
2	Vela Mattive	5250
2	Avery McDonald	5250
3	Shea Lovato	1580
3	Riviera Hunter	1580
Click here for full list.

Northwest Explorer Super Girls (12 & under)
#	Surfer	Points
1	Saga Espeland	4680
2	Layne Anderson	4260
3	Camille Cortazzo	3470
4	Zoey Howland	3430
5	Zoe Roth	3260
Click here for full list.

Southeast/North Open Longboard
#	Surfer	Points
1	Rob Schweizer	9200
2	Maddie Franz	5550
3	Chaz Guernsey	2659
Click here for full list.

Southeast/North Explorer Masters
#	Surfer	Points
1	Eric Worley	12100
2	Jason Motes	300
Click here for full list.

Northwest Open Juniors
#	Surfer	Points
1	James Daniel	5250
2	Max St. Denis	4260
3	Adam Bartlett	3930
4	Talan Vodraska	2860
5	Reef Bennett	2480
Click here for full list.

Southeast Explorer Girls
#	Surfer	Points
1	Kora Passarelli	7500
2	Kylie Pulcini	6000
3	Ella McGowan	4580
4	Abbie Yates	3360
5	Elena Widick	2250
Click here for full list.

Southeast/North Open Women
#	Surfer	Points
1	Madison Lavender	11350
2	Savannah Love	10530
3	Ivy Bradley	3740
4	Maddie Franz	3560
5	Annie Adams	2350
Click here for full list.

Mid Atlantic Explorer Super Girls (12 & under)
#	Surfer	Points
1	Story Martinez	6000
2	Skylar Steinmetz	200
Click here for full list.

Southwest Open Girls
#	Surfer	Points
1	Addison McPhillips	0
Click here for full list.

Southwest Explorer Juniors
#	Surfer	Points
1	Nadav Attar	0
Click here for full list.

Southwest Open Juniors
#	Surfer	Points
1	Stryder Stelck	0
1	Jackson Taylor	0
1	Maddox Bray	0
1	Makai Bray	0
1	Owen Neth	0
Click here for full list.

NSSA members celebrating birthdays this week:
#	Surfer Name	Birthday
1.	Maverick Vigil	4/4/2021
2.	James Brooks	4/6/2021
3.	Braeden Frame	4/7/2021
4.	Hudson Bell	4/9/2021

The National Scholastic Surfing Association (NSSA) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to encourage and assist its members in their interest to learn and develop the fundamentals and skills of surfing competition while competing in structured and quality events. The NSSA promotes the qualities of discipline and competitive excellence while supporting the merits of academic achievement to young surfers. The NSSA strives to provide a fun surfing experience for all of its members.

The NSSA is one of the few national youth sports organizations that require its participants to maintain academic standards in order to compete. Since 1978, the NSSA program philosophy has been that athletics and scholastics go hand in hand. More than 80 NSSA events are run nationwide that culminate with the annual National Championships which is regarded as the highest profile youth surfing event in America.

To view the 2021 NSSA Championship Dates, click here.

issue

Surfer of the Week -

WHEELER HASBURGH

Age:	15
Hometown:	Encinitas, Californa
School:	San Dieguito Academy: 9th grade, 4.0 GPA; Favorite subject: Math
Sponsors:	Monster, Hansen's Surf Shop
Claim to Fame:	In undeniably his best performance since he began competing in the NSSA Mini Grom division over six years ago, Wheeler put forth a mighty effort at the 2020 West Coast Regional Championships that saw him competing in five finals and taking home his first major NSSA title in the Explorer Mens. But more than his finals appearances, what was incredibly impressive was his elevated level. Wheeler, aka “Wheels”, returned after a year absence from contests, physically bigger and stronger. Heat after heat, his surfing was lights out. Hammering powerful turns, teeing off on sections and throwing plumes of spray to the heavens, it was clear a title was knocking on the door. “I felt really strong and excited to be back in the water after a year without contests,” Wheeler said. “I spent the year pushing myself and trying new things; I focused on trusting my fundamentals and just letting it happen. But as the year went on, I realized how much I missed competing. I really felt like I had the endurance to surf in those finals.” The 15-year-old who is a 9th grader at San Dieguito Academy and carries a 4.0 GPA, has international roots which has taken him from riding waves in the frigid waters of Canada to the warm, pumping surf of Mexico. Born in the Canadian Rocky Mountains but raised in Mexico until his 6th grade school year, Wheeler was drawn to the action sports. Growing up in a region which is basically a surfer’s paradise, he started catching waves with the locals of the small village of Sayulita. On a trip to California, he competed in his first NSSA event at Seaside Reef when he was 8 years old. “I was visiting from Mexico and the Slawson family called my parents to ask if I wanted to surf in a contest,” he said. “I had to borrow a board and wetsuit from Levi. It was my first time in a wetsuit! I remember the water was so cold and the waves were pumping like I had never seen. I looked at my dad and said, ‘I don’t think I can do this’ but then I heard my name over the loudspeaker and said, ‘Ok, I gotta go.’ I think I placed last in my heat—and I was like, man, these kids are good!” Despite the first-round loss, Wheels was fired up and has been competing in the NSSA since. In addition, his Canadian heritage has allowed him to compete in Canada surfing events where he earned a berth on its Junior Surf Team with the dream of becoming an Olympian. “I have won the U18 Canadian National title twice and at the end of this month I am going to train with the team in El Salvador,” he said. “My long-term goal would be to make the Canadian Olympic Surf Team.” Circling back to the Explorer Men’s final at Regionals, Wheels opened up with a solid 6.83 and slammed the door shut with a dynamic 9.17 combo-ing the field. “I am still so stoked and surprised,” he said. “It meant so much to me holding that trophy!” ** WHAT DID YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT THE WAVES AT OCEANSIDE PIER? The first day was pretty grindy and offshore with some fun inside wedges but then throughout the weekend it just got better and better. AGE YOU STARTED SURFING: 7 years old. I was taught by my dad and many local surfers in the village of Sayulita, Mexico. SURF CREW: The Encinitas boys and the crew at Moonlight. LOCAL SPOT: Seaside and Moonlight. WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT LIVING IN ENCINITAS? It’s always sunny, super nice days and consistent waves where I can easily bike to the beach and surf with all of my friends. LOCAL HEROES: Rob Machado and Rusty Phillipy. They are part of the local fabric here. I’ve watched Machado in awe and Rusty has been my coach since we moved to the US. FAVORITE PRO SURFERS: Dane Reynolds and John John Florence. I grew up watching them and I love their style and technique. IF YOU COULD SURF LIKE ANYONE IN THE WORLD WHO WOULD IT BE? Dane Reynolds — because he surfs with abandon. FANTASY SUPERPOWER: Super speed so I can make any barrel section I want. HOBBIES: Snowboarding, skateboarding and basketball. SOMETHING PEOPLE DO NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU: I'm 100% bilingual in Spanish and English. BARRELS OR AIRS? Barrels, nothing like getting barreled. DREAM WAVE: An A-Frame barreling wave in the middle of nowhere so my friends and I can surf all day long. WHO HAS PUSHED YOUR SURFING THE MOST? My parents. (My mom is the most competitive person I know 😊) and my surf crew; we use each other every day but in the best way. THINGS YOU ARE WORKING ON IN YOUR SURFING: Power surfing, barrels, rails, deeper bottom turns, more vertical snaps. I’m always on my backside and I’m always trying to get my frontside closer to it. GOALS FOR 2021: To improve my surfing, strength training and travel around the world. There are a bunch of places I want to surf. THANK YOUS: Firstly, Janice and Gayline because the NSSA was the first contest I ever did at 8 years old and I have learned so much from day one. Also, my parents, friends, and coaches, Rusty Philipy and Team Canada Coach Shannon Campbell Brown for pushing me.