Surfer the Week - Archives (2010)
Surfer of the Week - 12/27/2010
Giorgio Gomez
| Age: | 15 |  |
| Hometown: | Holmes Beach, Florida | |
| School: | Lighthouse Christian Academy | Sponsors: | Quiksilver, Kulcha Shok Muzik, Reef, FCS, Freak, Kechele Surfboard, West Coast Surf Shop, DNA Energy Drink |
| Equipment: | ||
| Claim to Fame: | Giorgio has been tearing it up on our Right Coast this season. At the Southeast events #4 and #3 (makeup) at Ponce De Leon beach, Giorgio surfed a marathon number of heats. The 15-year-old Iron Man surfed 15 heats, made 8 finals and won 5 divisions including the Open Juniors & High School Mens in Event #3 and then put on a monster performance in Event #4 winning the Open Mens, Explorer Mens & Explorer Juniors. Giorgio is making it clear that he is one of the top east coast Nationals contenders! | |
Surfer of the Week - 12/20/2010
Taylor Pitz
| Age: | 18 |  |
| Hometown: | Laguna Beach, California | |
| School: | Laguna Beach High School-12th grade, 4.5 GPA! | Sponsors: | Billabong, Tonic, Lost, Dakine, XS Energy Drink |
| Equipment: | ||
| Claim to Fame: | Being a top ranked surfer and excelling in the classroom might be a demanding balancing act but Taylor has been able to carry both loads with top honors. At the Seaside Open, she locked in her third win of the season while taking a commanding lead in the Womens ratings. But better still, her dedication to school & sports has paid off as she was recently accepted to Stanford, one of the most prestigious universities in the world. A 4.5 GPA scholar, Taylor is the epitome of a NSSA student athlete! | |
Surfer of the Week - 12/13/2010
Kei Kobayashi
| Age: | 12 |  |
| Hometown: | San Clemente, California | |
| School: | Shorecliffs Middle School-6th grade | Sponsors: | O'Neill, Nike 6.0, Luv Surf, Jack, FCS, Gorilla Grip, Von Zipper, Grom Bomb, Sea4Yourselves.com |
| Equipment: | ||
| Claim to Fame: | San Clemente's Kei Kobayashi is continuing to prove himself as one of the top 12-year-olds in the nation. Competing in 4 separate divisions in the Gold Coast and Northwest events at Ventura's C Street this past weekend, the 2009 National Mini Grom Champ was destroying the right handers and dropping big scores including a huge 9.25 in the Juniors quarters. He claimed double victories in the NW Open Boys and 2nd place in the GC Menehuene. Kei pushed his win total up to 5 for the 2010-11 season! | |
Surfer of the Week - 12/6/2010
Luke Marks
| Age: | 12 |  |
| Hometown: | Melbourne Beach, Florida | |
| School: | Florida Virtual Home School - 6th grade | Sponsors: | Fox, Etnies, Freak Traction, FCS, Xcel, Orion Surfboards, Surfworld Surf Shop Pompano Beach, DNA Energy Drink |
| Equipment: | ||
| Claim to Fame: | Lots of NSSA action was going down in November on our Right Coast and 12-year-old Luke Marks went on a rampage! At Southeast events #3 & #4 at Ponce De Leon beach, Luke took command in the Open Boys taking double first places while also making both Explorer Menehuene finals. He also stepped it up big-time in the upper age bracket Explorer Boys ripping back-to-back victories. The 2-time Regional Champion will be aiming to add more titles to his resume at the 2011 East Coast Champs this April! | |
Surfer of the Week - 11/22/2010
Cam Richards
| Age: | 15 |  |
| Hometown: | Pawleys Island, South Carolina | |
| School: | St. James High School | Sponsors: | Billabong, Kustom, Arnette, Watermans, Gorilla Grip, FCS, Verve. |
| Equipment: | ||
| Claim to Fame: | Cam is proving that he has what it takes to become one of the most promising surfers to come out of the East Coast. Already a well respected & decorated East Coast surfer, Cam has his sights on winning a National title which is in his reach. He is a 6-time NSSA East Coast Champion and has won Regional titles 4 straight years. One of Cam's best features is his sportsmanship both in and out of the water. With the goal of winning his first National title, look for Cam to go huge in HB this summer! | |
Surfer of the Week - 11/15/2010
Keala Naihe
| Age: | 16 |  |
| Hometown: | Kona, Big Island, Hawaii | |
| School: | Elite Element Academy | Sponsors: | Oakley, Vertra, OAM, Freestyle, Bret Boards Hawaii |
| Equipment: | ||
| Claim to Fame: | In a very emotional weekend for surfers at the NSSA Hawaii event #6 at Banyans, 2-time National Champion Keala Naihe surfed his heart out at his local break. The reigning National Open Junior Champ took 3rd in the Open Mens, 4th in the Explorer Mens and tore it up in the Explorer Juniors taking an inspiring victory. During the contest, Keala expressed what all of the NSSA surfers, family and friends were feeling at the loss of their hero Andy Irons. “LONG LIVED THE CHAMP A.I. REST IN PARADISE” | |
Surfer of the Week - 11/8/2010
Colin Moran
| Age: | 15 |  |
| Hometown: | Costa Mesa, Ca | |
| School: | Newport Harbor High School - 10th grade | Sponsors: | Rip Curl, Surfside Sports, Timmy Patterson, Monster, Ocean & Earth |
| Equipment: | ||
| Claim to Fame: | With the SW Open Juniors level & depth the highest it's been in years, every triumph has been a bar-raising feat. It was no different at the HB Pier Open when things finally clicked for Colin Moran where he clinched his first victory of the season. In a high caliber final with Taylor Clark, Parker Coffin & Kadin Panesi, Colin went straight to work opening up the heat with an excellent 8.17 and then sealed it with a solid 6.27. This win is a big step towards his goal of a National title in June! | |
Surfer of the Week - 11/1/2010
Taylor Curran
| Age: | 16 |  |
| Hometown: | Oxnard, Ca | |
| School: | El Camino High School-11th grade | Sponsors: | RVCA, Rockstar, Famous, Xcel, Macbeth, Olas, Resist, Revolution |
| Equipment: | ||
| Claim to Fame: | It was only a matter of time before Taylor would follow in the footsteps of his older brothers Timmy, Josh & Nathaniel. At the Northwest Open at Ventura Harbor in fun chest high surf, Taylor claimed his first ever NSSA victory in impressive fashion winning it with a 16.0 score, the highest combined totals of the contest. In front of a cheering hometown crowd including his mom, dad & brothers Timmy & Josh, Taylor ripped a 9.0 ride which was the event's highest wave score to seal his breakout win! | |
Surfer of the Week - 10/25/2010
Nolan Rapoza
| Age: | 12 |  |
| Hometown: | Long Beach, Ca | |
| School: | Stanford Middle School-7th grade | Sponsors: | Quiksilver, Black Flys, Katin, Chronic Taco, Grom Bomb |
| Equipment: | ||
| Claim to Fame: | At the Morro Bay Northwest Open a couple weeks back, Nolan caught everyone's eye when he ripped a 9.0 ride in the Boys final. At the Southwest Open this past weekend, Nolan stepped up his level again in a hotly contested Open Boys final winning his first ever NSSA contest! In the stacked final with No. 1 ranked Griffin Colapinto, Jake Marshall, Tyler Gunter, Ryland Rubens and Kairi Noro, Nolan took command posting the highest Boys score of 8.83 and winning the final by a 3.5 point margin! | |
Surfer of the Week - 10/18/2010
Taylor Clark & Shelby Detmers
| Age: | Taylor 15; Shelby 16 |  |
| Hometown: | Taylor-Encinitas, Ca; Shelby-Costa Mesa, Ca | |
| School: | Taylor-North Coast High School 10th grade; Shelby-Newport Harbor High 11th grade | Sponsors: | Taylor-Rip Curl, DC, Dragon, Creatures, Surf Ride, Bull Taco, DSC; Shelby-Truth, Soleo, FCS, Xcel, Matunas, Frog House, Ocean Minded, Power Balance, Surf Coach USA, Matt Moore Surfboards |
| Equipment: | ||
| Claim to Fame: | In what was by far the most electrifying surfing show of the season at the SW Open at DMJs, Taylor and Shelby share top honors for Surfer of the Week. Both scored career-best results pushing the high-performance envelope. Taylor was going ballistic in the pumping lefts busting out amazing aerials and sweeping three victories in the Men's, Juniors and Airshow. Shelby went for broke in the Women's final posting up a perfect 10 (her first ever) and another 9.0 for a spectacular 19.0 heat total. | |
Surfer of the Week - 10/11/2010
Shania Weiss
| Age: | 14 |  |
| Hometown: | Anahola, Hi | |
| School: | Kapa'a High School | Sponsors: | Slave Sportswear, Imua Surfboards |
| Equipment: | ||
| Claim to Fame: | 14-year-old Shania enjoyed an amazing weekend of competition at the NSSA Hawaii event #5 at Sunset Beach. In pumping 4-6 foot surf Hawaiian style, Shania charged doing double duty in both the Women's and Longboard categories. She made four finals placing 5th in Explorer Girls, 6th in Explorer Womens, 4th in Explorer Longboard and a super impressive runner-up finish in the Open Longboard. A huge congrats to Shania for a great performance at Sunset Beach. Another young Hawaii surfer on the rise! | |
Surfer of the Week - 10/4/2010
Jake Marshall & Christopher Murnane
| Age: | Jake-11; Christopher-14 |  |
| Hometown: | Jake-Encinitas; Christopher-Carlsbad | |
| School: | Jake-Rancho Encinitas Academy 6th grade; Christopher Carlsbad High School 9th grade | Sponsors: | Jake-Hurley, Nike 6.0, Xanadu, Oakley, Famous, Kicker; Christopher-none yet, but hopefully soon! |
| Equipment: | ||
| Claim to Fame: | A tie! Jake was named Surfer of the Week for the second time in a month and Christopher clinched his first Surfer of the Week honor as both put on milestone performances at the SW Explorer in HB. Jake ran up the scoreboard with "lights out" surfing posting two perfect 10's and winning the Menehuenes bringing his victory total to 4 on the year. In only his second NSSA contest, Christopher was ripping his heats in the Boys division. He advanced to his first final and claimed his first victory! | |
Surfer of the Week - 9/27/2010
Trevor Thornton
| Age: | 15 |  |
| Hometown: | San Clemente, Ca | |
| School: | San Clemente High School-10th grade | Sponsors: | Rip Curl, Kicker, Von Zipper, Sambazon, Bubble Gum, DSC, On A Mission, Bull Taco, Sean Mattison. |
| Equipment: | ||
| Claim to Fame: | With a pumping 4-6 foot swell draining into Oceanside South Jetty for the Open Season, Trevor's backside on O'side's epic lefts was red-hot. In the Men's quarterfinals, Trevor revved up his explosive backhand with huge power hacks in the pocket earning the Men's division overall highest wave score (9.17) and heat totals (16.10). In the final, he stuck to his game plan picking off the long left walls shredding another stellar 9-point ride en route to his first victory of the season. | |
Surfer of the Week - 9/21/2010
John Mel - Frankie Harrer
| Age: | John 10; Frankie 12 |  |
| Hometown: | John-Santa Cruz, Ca; Frankie-Malibu, Ca | |
| School: | John-Shoreline Middle School 6th grade; Frankie-California Virtual Academy 7th grade | Sponsors: | John-Quiksilver, Freeline, Oakley, Sanuk, Super, Ocean & Earth, Futures; Frankie-Billabong, Von Zipper, Sex Wax, Sanuk, Ocean & Earth, Becker, Power Balance, Watermans |
| Equipment: | ||
| Claim to Fame: | Both John & Frankie put on huge displays at the Ventura Harbor Gold Coast doubleheader Sept. 18-19. In amazing 3-5 foot waves, John was ripping in both the Boys and Menehuene divisions scoring a perfect 10 in the Menehuene semis. He won the Boys in event #3 and Menehuene in #4. Frankie has been dominant in the GC Women's and Girls categories. She caught a bomb in event #4 Women's final posting a near perfect 9.85 ride. Her first-place sweep at Ventura now puts her win total at 8 for the season! | |
Surfer of the Week - 9/13/2010
Kain Daly
| Age: | 15 |  |
| Hometown: | Kuau, Maui, Hawaii | |
| School: | King Kekaulike | Sponsors: | O'Neill, Oakley, Timpone, DaKine |
| Equipment: | ||
| Claim to Fame: | Kain has been on a terrific roll since making the Explorer Boys final at the 2010 Nationals. In the last two NSSA Hawaii events (3 & 4), Kain has been on his game locking up double wins in the Open Juniors and Explorers Mens. The 15-year-old Maui up-and-comer took advantage of both contests being held in the local waters of Lahaina Harbor. He also stepped up in the Open Men's division in event #4 taking third in the final. Kain is quickly developing into a legit National title contender in 2011! | |
Surfer of the Week - 9/6/2010
Griffin Colapinto
| Age: | 12 |  |
| Hometown: | San Clemente, Ca | |
| School: | Shorecliffs Middle School-6th grade | Sponsors: | Billabong, Von Zipper, Sex Wax, OAM, Lost Surfboards |
| Equipment: | ||
| Claim to Fame: | Griffin returned to NSSA comp at this weekend's SW Explorer at HB's Ninth Street looking poised for a huge year. Stepping up into the Boys 14 & under category, 12-year-old Griffin dominated the field from beginning to end winning all of his heats including an impressive clear-cut victory in the final. In the Menehuene division, Griffin delivered another solid performance placing second in the final to an on-fire Jake Marshall in an energetic high-scoring showdown! | |
Surfer of the Week - 8/30/2010
Antoine Allain - Jake Marshall
| Age: | Antoine 18; Jake 11 |  |
| Hometown: | Antoine-Santa Barbara, Ca; Jake-Encinitas, Ca | |
| School: | Antoine-graduated Olive Grove; Jake-Rancho Encinitas Academy 6th grade | Sponsors: | Antoine-Atwater, Bubble Gum, Dakine, West Wetsuits, Wesley Wilson Fitness, Globe, Activaroma, Sharp Eye, A-Frame Surf Shop, Neff; Jake-Hurley, Nike 6.0, Xanadu, Oakley, Famous, Kicker |
| Equipment: | ||
| Claim to Fame: | It's a tie and for good reason! Antoine and Jake cut loose at the 2010-11 Southwest Explorer Season opener at HB Pier. In fantastic 3-5 foot conditions on southside, aerial wizard Antoine took advantage of the good inside ramps boosting a spectacular Superman in his semi which earned him a perfect 10. The next day, Jake put on clinic building a house of scores in his Menehuene final. He posted an 8 on his first wave, 9 on his second wave and went ballistic on his third wave scoring a perfect 10! | |
Surfer of the Week - 8/23/2010
Kalaokahaku Ioane'eha Willard
| Age: | 12 |  |
| Hometown: | Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii | |
| School: | Sacred Hearts | Sponsors: | Factor 54, Ocean Minded, Kazuma Surfboards, Da Kine, Duck Divers Surf Wax |
| Equipment: | ||
| Claim to Fame: | Kala has emerged as one of Hawaii's most impressive 12 & under surfers this season. At event #3 at Lahaina, Kala made the most of competing at his home break with a solid performance placing second in the Open Boys and sixth in the Explorer Menehuenes. Besides working hard to raise his surfing game, you can't help being won over by Kala's heart of gold and down-to-earth personality. Whether he wins or loses, he always rewards us with that sweet, adorable smile! | |
Surfer of the Week - 8/16/2010
EJ Mitsui
| Age: | 16 |  |
| Hometown: | Honolulu, Hi | |
| School: | Kapolei High School | Sponsors: | RVCA, Blue Hawaii Surf, Arnette |
| Equipment: | ||
| Claim to Fame: | The weather was beautiful, the waves were super fun and it was an excellent day at PK's for EJ Mitsui! EJ was over the moon as he claimed his first ever victory in the fiercely competitive Hawaii Open Men's division at the second stop of the NSSA Hawaii tour on Kauai. He was in great form the entire event also finaling in the Explorer Juniors. We will keep our eyes on EJ during the 2010-11 season to see if he keeps his momentum going and continues to shoot up the ratings ladder. | |
Surfer of the Week - 8/9/2010
Finnegan Thunders McGill
| Age: | 10 |  |
| Hometown: | North Shore, Oahu | |
| School: | Sunset Beach Elementary | Sponsors: | Volcom, T&C, Arnette, Bubble Gum, Future Fins |
| Equipment: | ||
| Claim to Fame: | Finn enjoyed a breakthrough performance to kick off the 2010-11 NSSA Hawaii season at Kewalos. The 10-year-old Mini Grom from Oahu's North Shore stepped it up to win his first ever NSSA contest in the Open Boys division and also placed second in the Mini Grom final! One of the best things about Finn is you can always count on seeing a huge smile on his face. Look out for Finn to keep improving his surfing skills and be a major contender for a National title in 2011! | |
Surfer of the Week - 7/5/2010
Kaimana "Mana Boy" Jaquias
| Age: | 17 |  |
| Hometown: | Lihue, Hawaii | |
| School: | Elite Element Academy -11th grade | Sponsors: | Billabong, Kustom, Kicker, Rockstar, On a Mission. |
| Equipment: | ||
| Claim to Fame: | Kauai's Kaimana Jaquias was crowned National Open Men's Champion at the 33rd annual NSSA National Championships at Huntington Beach Pier. After winning the coveted title, a beaming Kaimana stated that he was "on top of the moon" as this victory also puts his name on the list of esteemed NSSA champions including his father Kaipo Jaquias, who was the 1987 Open Junior Champion. "I'm just so happy to have my name up there with my father," Kaimana said. "I wanted to have my name up there with his." | |
Surfer of the Week - 6/20/2010
Mike Powell
| Age: | 22 |  |
| Hometown: | Wrightsville Beach, NC | |
| School: | University of North Carolina Wilmington-Graduated May 2010 with a degree in Finance | Sponsors: | Hurley, Globe, Dragon, Sharp Eye, Sweetwater Surf Shop |
| Equipment: | ||
| Claim to Fame: | Graduating senior Mike Powell came up huge in his final year at UNCW. In April, he claimed the College Men's Regional victory leading the UNCW team to its second consecutive Championship title. But nothing compared to this week, when Mike put on an explosive performance in the College Mens final at the National Collegiate Championships at Salt Creek scoring a solid 14.85 triumphant heat total, claiming his first National title and giving East Coast surfing something to be extremely proud of! | |
Surfer of the Week - 6/7/2010
Jason Schechter
| Age: | 17 |  |
| Hometown: | San Diego, Ca | |
| School: | Canyon Crest Academy - 11th grade | Sponsors: | Bessell Surfboards |
| Equipment: | ||
| Claim to Fame: | Not only does 17-year-old Jason excel in school but he recently became a NSSA champion. Two weeks ago, Jason sealed the biggest triumph of his career winning the Open Longboard division at the West Coast Championships. This week, the Canyon Crest Academy junior was named NSSA Surfer Scholar of the Year with an outstanding 4.67 GPA. Jason will be competing at the Nationals in HB going for his first National title along with receiving a special award for his exceptional academic achievement! | |
Surfer of the Week - 5/25/2010
Cole Houshmand
| Age: | 9 |  |
| Hometown: | San Clemente, Ca | |
| School: | Vista Del Mar Elementary School | Sponsors: | Chas Surfboards, Sanuk |
| Equipment: | ||
| Claim to Fame: | The groms were stepping up for the finals of the 2010 West Coast Championships in heavy 6-8 foot surf. 9-year-old Cole took off on a set right bomb in the Mini Grom final which posted an 8.17 from the judges. The wave was not only the highest score in the Mini Grom division but one of the top scores of the entire contest. This was Cole's first major championship victory and by the looks of this young shredder, there will be many more titles in his future! | |
Surfer of the Week - 5/9/2010
Taylor Clark
| Age: | 14 |  |
| Hometown: | Encinitas, Ca | |
| School: | Julian Charter School-9th grade | Sponsors: | Rip Curl, Dragon, Surfride, DSC, Creatures, DC |
| Equipment: | ||
| Claim to Fame: | Taylor had a field day at the SW Explorer Season finale at HB's 9th St. this past weekend. He claimed the only perfect 10 of the contest, took double victories in Juniors & Boys and clinched the conference title in the Juniors. His focus and work ethic has been evident all season as he's been competing in multiple Open & Explorer divisions which means a ton of back-to-back heats. Taylor was named a top contender in the upcoming Nationals and he WILL BE motivated to take home his first title! | |
Surfer of the Week - 5/3/2010
Kanoa Igarashi
| Age: | 12 |  |
| Hometown: | Huntington Beach, Ca | |
| School: | Dwyer Middle School-7th grade | Sponsors: | Quiksilver, Huntington Surf and Sport, Channel Islands, Ocean & Earth |
| Equipment: | ||
| Claim to Fame: | Kanoa was ready for combat and delivered another stellar performance at his home break on the southside of HB Pier. In a doubleheader weekend for the SW Open Boys division, Kanoa won both contests clinching his second straight Conference Boys title. He also pushed himself against the big dogs taking an impressive 2nd place in the Open Juniors. Kanoa is fired up for the upcoming West Coast Champs and Nationals in his backyard and is already getting his quiver dialed in! He wants a National title! | |
Surfer of the Week - 4/26/2010
Spencer Farrar
| Age: | 13 |  |
| Hometown: | Malibu, Ca | |
| School: | Excel School-7th grade | Sponsors: | O'Quinn, Roberts |
| Equipment: | ||
| Claim to Fame: | Spencer had a breakout performance to close out the 2009-10 Gold Coast Conference regular season. In fun chest high waves at Ventura's C Street, the 13-year-old from Malibu ripped his first ever perfect 10 and then put the icing on the cake winning the Menehuene final for his first ever NSSA victory. Everyone better pay attention because we've been seeing a lot of fresh, young talent come alive just in time for the Nationals! | |
Surfer of the Week - 4/13/2010
Cole Richards
| Age: | 18 |  |
| Hometown: | Garden City, SC | |
| School: | St. James High School - 12th grade | Sponsors: | Billabong, Oakley, Reef, Perfection Surfboards, Village Surf Shop, FCS, Gorilla Grip, Verve Energy Drink, Water Mans Applied Science, Nixon. |
| Equipment: | ||
| Claim to Fame: | Cole pulled off some last minute heroics en route to his stunning Open Men's victory at the 2010 East Coast Championships. Needing a mid-range 6-point score to move into the lead, a good little right peak sent from heaven came directly to Cole with seconds ticking on the clock. He went for broke, unleashing on each vertical turn earning a 6.9 taking the win and his first major championship title becoming the first surfer from South Carolina to win the coveted Open Men's crown. | |
Surfer of the Week - 3/23/2010
Mason Barnes
| Age: | 16 |  |
| Hometown: | Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina | |
| School: | Bridgeway Academy | Sponsors: | O'Neill, Dragon, FCS, Gorilla Grip, Vertra Sunscreen, Sweet Water Surf Shop, Eastern Surf Supply, Firewire Surfboards |
| Equipment: | ||
| Claim to Fame: | Mason swept thru the competition at the Mid Atlantic Conference event #7 with a sensational triple victory performance in Open Mens, Explorer Mens & Explorer Juniors. Having the right equipment for the conditions proved to be the right choice. Look for Mason to make an impact at the upcoming NSSA East Coast Championships and bring some titles home for the Mid Atlantic! | |
Surfer of the Week - 3/18/2010
Tanner Hendrickson
| Age: | 17 |  |
| Hometown: | Paia, Maui, Hawaii | |
| School: | Elite Element Academy | Sponsors: | Fox, Xanadu Surfboards, Dakine |
| Equipment: | ||
| Claim to Fame: | The big news out of the Hawaii Regional Championships was the total domination of Tanner Hendrickson and his 3-division triumph in Open Mens, Explorer Mens and Explorer Juniors. The Maui local has had one heck of a sensational 2009-10 Hawaii season taking absolute control with 8 regular season victories and 3 conference titles to go along with his Regional sweep. It is clear that Tanner is focused, motivated and will be bringing his A game to the Nationals this summer. | |
Surfer of the Week - 3/15/2010
Jake Marshall
| Age: | 11 |  |
| Hometown: | Encinitas, Ca | |
| School: | Rancho Encinitas Academy-5th grade | Sponsors: | Hurley, Nike 6.0, Xanadu, Oakley, Famous Wax |
| Equipment: | ||
| Claim to Fame: | Jake came out full strength to San Clemente Pier this past weekend-the site of the SW Explorer #8 and #7 makeup. In shreddable 2-4 foot surf, Jake took control in his heats consistently racking up scores in the 7, 8 and 9 range. He claimed two runaway victories in the Menehuene division in both the Explorer #8 contest and the event #7 make-up. He also had an impressive runner-up placing in the Boys final. The double wins in the Menehuene will shoot him to the top of the ratings leader board! | |
Surfer of the Week - 3/9/2010
NSSA INTERSCHOLASTIC STATE CHAMPIONS
| Age: | 2010 |  |
| Hometown: | California | |
| School: | College, High School and Middle School | Sponsors: | Education and Schooling; Team coaches, captains and teachers! |
| Equipment: | ||
| Claim to Fame: | CONGRATS TO OUR SCHOLASTIC CHAMPS! College Champions-Doug Van Mierlo, Chloe Buckley, Scott Brandenburg. High School Varsity Champions-Christian Saenz, Taylor Pitz, Jeff Newell. High School JV Champions-Breyden Taylor, Melina Smith, Eli Gillis. Middle School Champions-Colt Ward, Kulia Doherty, Andy Nieblas. | |
Surfer of the Week - 3/1/2010
Jake Halstead
| Age: | 15 |  |
| Hometown: | La Jolla, Ca | |
| School: | Adeo Charter School-10th grade | Sponsors: | Hurley, Rusty, Oakley, Nixon, Da Kine, Vertra |
| Equipment: | ||
| Claim to Fame: | Jake is rapidly cementing his status as one of the best junior surfers in the world. Recently coming off a 2nd place at the World Juniors, Jake is not slowing down. In gnarly, heart-thumping mountains and spitting tubes at the Salt Creek Open, Jake was charging the bombs putting forth some of the most dynamic surfing of the season. His keen barrel riding skills and explosive moves earned him multiple 10-point scores and the Juniors victory. He was pulling into some THICK, DEEP "Creek" caverns! | |
Surfer of the Week - 2/22/2010
Sam Duggan
| Age: | 14 |  |
| Hometown: | Merritt Island, Florida | |
| School: | Merritt Island High School | Sponsors: | Reef, Quiet Flight Surfboards, Kona Surf & Sport, ESA Allstar, Mom & Dad |
| Equipment: | ||
| Claim to Fame: | Sam has been a standout all season and was stoked to finally take the big double point win in Explorer Boys at Southeast Conference Contest #7 at Ponce De Leon Landing in Melbourne Beach. He will continue his lead in the Explorer Boys ratings and is also ranked 2nd in Open Boys, Sam says Chinese is his favorite food and Biology is his favorite school subject. He especially enjoys learning about our planet earth. | |
Surfer of the Week - 2/14/2010
Skip McCullough
| Age: | 14 |  |
| Hometown: | La Jolla, Ca | |
| School: | Muirlands Middle School | Sponsors: | Jet Pilot, Xanadu, Pacific Drive, Gorilla Grip, Headhunter |
| Equipment: | ||
| Claim to Fame: | Most people who know Skip know his style-BIG waves! And for the second straight season at Ocean Beach Pier, the 14-year-old charger made a statement. In an dynamic day of action and a carbon copy of last year's pumping 6-8 foot conditions, Skip took command in the Explorer Boys division winning his first final of the season. He also posted the event's only perfect 10 on a grinding set left where he pulled off two huge backside turns and then finished it off with an incredible air-drop floater. | |
Surfer of the Week - 1/14/2010
Dylan Kowalski
| Age: | 16 |  |
| Hometown: | Haleiwa, Hi; Wrightsville Beach, NC | |
| School: | Elite Element Academy | Sponsors: | Rip Curl, DaKine, Sweetwater Surf Shop, Sharp Eye Surfboards, Arbor Skate Boards, Spy |
| Equipment: | ||
| Claim to Fame: | Dylan had a rock solid performance at the NSSA Hawaii event # 8 at Pine Trees in solid 4-5 foot surf. In Hawaii's notorious stacked field of surfers, Dylan was a triple finalist placing 4th in Open Mens, 4th in Explorer Mens and 3rd in Explorer Juniors. The 16-year-old is a road warrior splitting residence between Hawaii and North Carolina. He is logging up tons of heat time competing in both Hawaii and Mid Atlantic contests and should be ready to do damage at the 2010 Regionals and Nationals. | |
Surfer of the Week - 1/11/2010
Colt Ward
| Age: | 12 |  |
| Hometown: | San Clemente, Ca | |
| School: | Shorecliffs Middle School-7th grade | Sponsors: | O'Neill, Oakley, Lost |
| Equipment: | ||
| Claim to Fame: | What a way to win your first NSSA contest! 12-year-old Colt claimed his first ever victory in the Open Boys division in epic 6-8 foot C Street waves. He charged the amazing overhead right lines ripping solid top to bottom turns. Colt said he drew inspiration from one of his favorite surfers Parker Coffin who was annihilating the perfect surf all weekend. In a division loaded with heaps of talent, look for Colt to continue his rise up the ranks and contend for his first National title this June! | |
Surfer of the Week - 1/4/2010
Mike Gillard
| Age: | 48 | .jpg) |
| Hometown: | Coronado, Ca | |
| School: | Graduated! | Sponsors: | None - Mike is just a hardcore competitor! |
| Equipment: | ||
| Claim to Fame: | Nothing seems to be a challenge for Iron Man Mike. Not even surfing 11 heats in one day in bombing 6 foot surf at the SW Explorer in Mission Beach. It was double duty for the reigning National Longboard Champ who was competing in Longboard, Seniors and Super Seniors in both the regularly scheduled event #5 and the make-up event #3. We knew he was pumped when he punted an aerial in his first Seniors heat. He continued to charged it with remarkable endurance making all 6 finals. | |