Surfer the Week - Archives (2014)
Surfer of the Week - 12/26/2014
NICK MARSHALL
| Age: | 13 |  |
| Hometown: | Encinitas, California | |
| School: | Coastal Academy; 8th grade | Sponsors: | Hurley, Nike, Sex Wax, FCS, Gorilla, Von Zipper, Surf Ride |
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| Claim to Fame: | Nick had a warrior weekend at the SW Seaside Open. The local boy went full bore, unleashing big turns in pumping surf in both Mens & Juniors. He achieved a milestone becoming the youngest person to earn a perfect 10 in Open Mens and the second youngest to reach the final. He also made the Juniors final! Fave thing about Seaside: The perfect waves. Fave surfer: Jake Marshall. Shred crew: Jake, Connor & Brock. Fantasy super power: Hold my breath forever. Goal: “I just did it, making a Mens final!” | |
Surfer of the Week - 12/8/2014
SAMANTHA SIBLEY
| Age: | 12 |  |
| Hometown: | San Clemente, California | |
| School: | Shorecliffs Middle School; 7th grade | Sponsors: | Pualani Hawaii, Jacks Surfboards, Surface Sun Systems |
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| Claim to Fame: | Samantha has been traveling up & down the coast to NSSA events and her progress has been terrific. She made the trek north to the Steamer Lane Open ripping to double wins in the Girls. She also surfed up in Womens taking 2nd in event 3. She is clearly one gal on the rise! Fave thing about the Lane:“The perfect rights” Fave surfer: Carissa Moore. Fave NSSA surfers: Alyssa Spencer, Autumn Hays. Local spot: T St. Shred crew: Alyssa, Autumn, Alexxa, Kayla. Goals: Win Nationals & make the World Tour! | |
Surfer of the Week - 11/26/2014
HAGAN JOHNSON
| Age: | 11 |  |
| Hometown: | San Clemente, California | |
| School: | Shorecliffs Middle School; 6th grade | Sponsors: | Volcom, Rumaner Surfboards, Bull Taco, Cyber Wetsuits, Syck Trix, Surface Sun Systems |
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| Claim to Fame: | It’s clear Hagan has been working hard on his surfing as his level is soaring. At the Newport Open, he stepped up big making the ultra competitive Juniors final. The surf was firing & he was on it free surfing for hours inbetween heats. He was pumped to make the final in such a talent loaded division. “It’s a lot harder. You have to bring your ‘A’ Game!” he said. Fave thing about Newport: The barrels. Fave surfer: Kolohe. Local spot: Lowers. Surf crew: Jett, Taj, Kai & Ethan. Goal: Win Nationals | |
Surfer of the Week - 11/17/2014
RYLAND RUBENS
| Age: | 15 |  |
| Hometown: | Pacific Beach, California | |
| School: | Audeo Charter School; 9th grade | Sponsors: | Billabong, Chemistry, Smith Optics, Dakine, Sanuk, South Coast |
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| Claim to Fame: | Ryland has been on a blistering pace this season in the SW Open Juniors division. The strong, focused goofyfooter has a 3-event win streak going after delivering another dynamic performance at the Church Open where he was posting solid scores heat after heat including an excellent 18.03 out of 20 total in the final. Fave thing about Church: The consistency of the surf. Fave surfer: Gabriel Medina. Fave all-time NSSA surfer: Kolohe Andino. Local spot: Blacks. Goal: Be consistent in all my heats! | |
Surfer of the Week - 11/11/2014
KEANU TAYLOR
| Age: | 10 |  |
| Hometown: | Haleiwa, Hawaii | |
| School: | Sunset Beach Elementary; 5th grade | Sponsors: | Volcom, Tokoro Surfboards, Body Glove, Perfect Bar, Dakine, North Shore Surf Shop |
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| Claim to Fame: | Keanu has been one of the hottest groms to emerge out of Hawaii this season. The 10-year-old has been charging the contests with six wins under his belt. He has 3 victories in Open Mini Groms and 3 in Explorer Super Groms and is currently ranked first in both divisions. This young shredder is showing he will be ready to contend for a National title this coming summer! Local spot: V-Land. Fave surfer: John John. Fave NSSA surfer: Finn McGill. Shred crew: The Oahu & Maui Crew. Goal: Win Nationals! | |
Surfer of the Week - 10/21/2014
BETHANY ZELASKO
| Age: | 14 |  |
| Hometown: | Dana Point, California | |
| School: | Dana Hills High School; 9th grade | Sponsors: | Buccaneer Boardriders, Infinity, Killer Dana Surf Shop, Tide Pools swimwear |
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| Claim to Fame: | In her first NSSA season, Bethany has gone on a competitive tear and her talent is quickly catching everyone’s eye. She has won 3 of 4 events in Explorer Girls including a sweep at Ponto & Salt Creek and she has 1 win in the Open. She is currently ranked 1st in Explorer and 2nd in Open! Fave thing about Salt Creek: It’s punchy with good barrels. Local spot: Salt Creek. Fave surfer: Mick Fanning. Fave NSSA surfer: Kade Matson. Shred crew: Dana Hills Surf Team. Goals: Win a title & keep improving! | |
Surfer of the Week - 10/20/2014
BRYCEN JERNIGAN
| Age: | 14 |  |
| Hometown: | Surf City, North Carolina | |
| School: | Topsail High School; 9th grade | Sponsors: | Onshore Surf Shop |
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| Claim to Fame: | The NSSA recently added SUP competition in the contests and Brycen has been taking advantage of the new division. He put on an electrifying show at the Mid Atlantic event 2 at Carolina Beach. With speed, power & flow, he displayed his sharp skills taking the win. We are looking forward to seeing this kid shred at Regionals & Nationals! Local spot: Topsail Island. Fave surfer: John John Florence. Shred crew: Jo Jo, Zayne, Noah, Jessie, Sean, Jake. Goal: Excel in all types of surfing and have fun! | |
Surfer of the Week - 10/14/2014
JETT SCHILLING
| Age: | 11 |  |
| Hometown: | San Clemente, California | |
| School: | Concordia Elementary-5th grade. "My school is super sick!" | Sponsors: | Rip Curl, Channel Islands, Sex Wax, Blackline |
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| Claim to Fame: | Jett has been gaining a big reputation since he won the National Mini Grom title last July and this positive vibe shredder continues to turn heads with his talent and big performances. In bombing surf at Seaside Reef, he stepped up big time with a finals placing in the Juniors and also took 2nd in the Boys! Fave thing about Seaside: It has super good lefts. Local spot: Riviera. Fave surfer: Jordy Smith. Fave NSSA surfer: Griffin Colapinto. Shred crew: Taj Lindblad. Goal: To win a National title! | |
Surfer of the Week - 10/7/2014
SANTIAGO HART
| Age: | 11 |  |
| Hometown: | Santa Cruz, California | |
| School: | CAVA-6th grade | Sponsors: | Volcom, Electric, Rainbow Fins, Freak Traction, Santa Cruz Waves, TC Surfboards |
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| Claim to Fame: | Santi had a great weekend in Morro Bay taking command of the 12 & unders in solid head high surf. He won the Menehuenes at Saturdays Gold Coast event and then backed it up the next day with a strong impressive victory in the Northwest Open Boys. This kid has been surfing NSSA since age 5 and his hard work is paying off! Fave thing about Morro Bay:“The bowly gouge sections.” Local spot: Pleasure Point. Shred crew: Sean Winterburn & AJ Menna. Fave surfer: Nat Young. Goal: Win the conference title! | |
Surfer of the Week - 9/30/2014
KEI KOBAYASHI
| Age: | 15 |  |
| Hometown: | San Clemente, California | |
| School: | San Clemente High School; 10th grade | Sponsors: | O'Neill, Etnies, Lost Surfboards, Luv Surf, OAM, NeckTans, Banzai Bowl, Fu Wax, |
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| Claim to Fame: | It’s been 5 years since Kei claimed an Open win. His last win came in the 2009 National Mini Grom final and he was hungry to break down the barrier. In chest high peaks at the HB Open, he took a dramatic semifinal win on a buzzer beater. Advancing to the final, he got the job done triumphing in the man-on-man showdown against Noah Collins. Fave thing about HB:“The inside air section.” Local spot: Lowers. Shred crew: Griffin & the Dands. Fave surfer: John John. Goal: Not to lose in round 1 again! | |
Surfer of the Week - 9/22/2014
NOLAN RAPOZA
| Age: | 16 |  |
| Hometown: | Long Beach, California | |
| School: | Comp U High-11th grade | Sponsors: | Fox, Sex Wax, Katin, On a Mission, Roberts Surfboards, Banzai Bowls |
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| Claim to Fame: | On a historical day in NSSA competition, Nolan claimed his first Open victory since his Boys division days. But what made it special was the new man-on-man format that was implemented at the Oceanside season opener. Going head-to-head with talented Griffin Colapinto in the Mens final, Nolan dismantled two waves earning a dominant 17.36 heat total! Fave thing about OSide:“The good lefts providing lots of combo turn sections.” Local spot: HB. Fave surfer: Julian Wilson. Goal: Win a National title! | |
Surfer of the Week - 9/10/2014
JABE SWIERKOCKI
| Age: | 11 | .jpg) |
| Hometown: | Ventura, California | |
| School: | CAVA-6th grade | Sponsors: | Fox, Roberts Surfboards |
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| Claim to Fame: | We don’t see this very often but when we do it’s something special! Jabe turned 2 waves to gold in his Menehuene round 1 heat ripping back-to-back 10-point rides for a perfect 20 score at the Gold Coast event 2 at C Street. He took home double wins & a big reputation. He didn’t rise to the occasion, he rose above it! Fave thing about C St:“The long running rights” Local spot: Emma Wood. Fave surfer: Conner Coffin. Shred crew: Dimitri Poulos. Goal: Win a Gold Coast title & final in the Nationals! | |
Surfer of the Week - 8/25/2014
KADE MATSON
| Age: | 12 |  |
| Hometown: | San Clemente, California | |
| School: | Shorecliffs Middle School-7th grade | Sponsors: | Quiksilver, Cobian, GromBomb, Blackline, DFS, Byrne Surfboards |
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| Claim to Fame: | Kade kicked off the 14/15 contest season with a bang winning 3 divisions at the SW Explorer doubleheader opening weekend at Pacific Beach’s Crystal Pier. The surf was pumping and Kade was loving the sizable conditions sweeping the Menehuenes and stepping up with a Boys division win in event 2. Fave thing about Crystal Pier:“The lefts that run down the beach & the ice cream shop!” Local spot: Lowers. Fave surfer: Kolohe Andino. Shred crew: All the San Clemente kids. Goal: To win a National title! | |
Surfer of the Week - 8/1/2014
SPENCER BRIDGES
| Age: | 16 | (2).jpg) |
| Hometown: | Summit, New Jersey | |
| School: | Morristown Beard High School | Sponsors: | Jetty Clothing, Body Glove, Wave Riding Vehicles, Reflekt, Sicktrix.com, Eastern Lines Surf Shop |
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| Claim to Fame: | Spencer’s surfing has greatly improved over the past year & his persistence is paying off. In chest high punchy surf at the Ocean City event, he was killing it. He claimed four 1st places in Open Mens, Explorer Mens, Juniors & Longboard. Look out for this guy as he puts the pedal to the medal in the 14/15 season! Fave thing about Ocean City: The wave consistency & the ferris wheel! Local spot: Belmar, Cisco Beach. Fave surfers: Julian Wilson, Rob Kelly. Shred crew: Rob & Chris Kelly, Alex Brooks | |
Surfer of the Week - 6/19/2014
EMILY RUPPERT
| Age: | 19 |  |
| Hometown: | Indialantic, Florida | |
| School: | University of North Florida | Sponsors: | Fox, Ron Jon Surf Shop, Hurricane Grill, FCS, Gorilla Grip |
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| Claim to Fame: | Emily has made a huge splash in her freshman year at the University of North Florida. Adding firepower to the squad, UNF was the highest placing east coast team at the Nationals taking 4th. She has racked up big results this season including a 1st place in the College Womens at the East Coast Regionals. Her biggest win was this week at Salt Creek where she sealed her first National title. She also won the top individual collegiate prize, the Chuck Allen Trophy, the Heisman of college surfing. | |
Surfer of the Week - 5/13/2014
SHANE BORLAND
| Age: | 14 | (1).jpg) |
| Hometown: | Topanga, California | |
| School: | CAVA; 9th grade | Sponsors: | RVCA, Globe, Tuttle Surfboards, Gorilla Grip |
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| Claim to Fame: | Shane has been on a tear in the chilly waters of Norcal. He won 3 straight in the Northwest Open Juniors including back-to-back wins at the season finale at Pleasure Point & Steamer Lane in solid 3-5 foot surf. He will focus to keep that momentum going for the upcoming championships! Fave thing about Santa Cruz: The power & there is always swell. Local spot: Malibu. Fave surfer: John John. Shred crew: Kadin, Brogie, Micky, Carlos & my brother Jimbo. Goals: To do well at the Westerns & Nationals! | |
Surfer of the Week - 5/6/2014
BRANDON MITCHELL
| Age: | 17 | (1).jpg) |
| Hometown: | Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina | |
| School: | Bridgeway Academy; Senior | Sponsors: | Rip Curl, Spy, South End Surf Shop, Atlantic Lines Surfboards |
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| Claim to Fame: | Brandon wrapped up a stellar season making 15 finals and finished with 3 conference titles in Explorer Mens, Explorer Juniors & Open Mens. With the likes of Luke Gordon & Tyler Faulkner, it’s clear that the Mid-Atlantic is hotly contested. “I’m really stoked to win 3 titles. Now I hope to make finals at the Nationals.” Local spot: Masonboro Island. Fave surfer: Dane Reynolds. Shred crew: Tyler Faulkner, Silas Clemmons & Miller Diggs. Goals: Post big scores, turn heads & take home some hardware! | |
Surfer of the Week - 4/29/2014
NIC HDEZ
| Age: | 17 |  |
| Hometown: | Santa Cruz, California | |
| School: | Oasis High School; 11th grade | Sponsors: | Quiksilver, Oakley, Pro Lite Int, Channel Islands, Sex Wax |
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| Claim to Fame: | It was Game On for Nic in the final event of the 2013/14 SW Open regular season. He was surfing impressively all weekend in pumping Uppers surf. In the Mens final he was on fire taking his first win of the year. “I’ve been making some finals lately but it feels great to get the win because everyone is surfing at a high level.” Fave thing about Uppers: It compares to home. Local spot: Pleasure Point. Fave surfer: Taylor Knox. Shred crew: Kyle Buthman, Nat Young, Noi K. Goal: Get a National title! | |
Surfer of the Week - 4/24/2014
TOMMY COLEMAN
| Age: | 12 |  |
| Hometown: | Sebastian, Florida | |
| School: | K12; 6th grade | Sponsors: | Billabong, Smith Optics. Sanuk, FCS, Gorilla Grip, Grom Social, Lost Surfboards |
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| Claim to Fame: | Tommy made people stand up and take notice at the 2013 Nationals when he claimed 2 titles in the Open Mini Groms & Explorer Super Groms. We knew this kid was destined for a bright future and he proved it again winning Open Boys & Menehuenes at the 2014 East Coast Regionals. He also stepped up huge making the Open Juniors final. Fave thing about NSB: The town is so nice & the waves are consistent. Fave surfer: CJ Hobgood. Shred crew: The Marks family. Goal: Hopefully win 2 more National titles! | |
Surfer of the Week - 4/15/2014
CHELSEA ROETT
| Age: | 19 |  |
| Hometown: | Bridgetown, Barbados | |
| School: | University of the West Indies; Freshman | Sponsors: | Oakley, Lime, GTI Surfboards, Move2more |
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| Claim to Fame: | It was Chelsea’s first trip to a major NSSA Championship event and she crushed it. The talented Bajan was ripping New Smyrna at the East Coast Regionals and had a field day taking both titles in the Open and Explorer Womens. She’s been putting up big results in the Caribbean but has now made a big name for herself in America. She will surely be on everyone’s radar at the Nationals! Fave thing about NSB: The fun shorebreak peaks. Fave surfer: Carissa Moore. Shred crew: All the Bajan boys & Gabby. | |
Surfer of the Week - 4/7/2014
Kaleb Kirshenbaum
| Age: | 11 |  |
| Hometown: | Jacksonville Beach, Florida | |
| School: | Seabreeze Elementary; 5th grade | Sponsors: | Hurley, Etnies, Aqua East, Spy, FCS Gorilla, Mellow Mushroom |
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| Claim to Fame: | This grom has been working hard on his surfing at it shows. He was the talk of the town at the East Coast Regionals making a huge statement destroying his heats and winning 2 titles in the Open Mini Groms & Explorer Super Groms. He even pocketed 100 bucks for earning the highest total score on day 3 of the Regionals. We can’t wait to see him shred at the Nationals! Fave thing about NSB: It's a really good wave. Fave surfer: Kelly Slater. Local spot: Jax Pier. Shred crew: The Thompson brothers. | |
Surfer of the Week - 3/13/2014
CONNER DAND
| Age: | 16 |  |
| Hometown: | San Clemente, California | |
| School: | San Clemente High School; Sophomore | Sponsors: | Globe, Nation mfg Surfboards, XM |
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| Claim to Fame: | Conner officially entered himself in the premier NSSA championship record books taking his first title winning the High School Mens at the State Championships at Church. “It feels amazing to win my first major NSSA title, I’m super stoked!” Fave thing about Church: The long rights. You can surf until you feel like your legs are going to fall off. Fave surfer: John John. Local spot: Trestles. Surf crew: Curran, my dad, Jordan Kudla, Ethan Shaffer, Kevin Schulz, Ren Kramer. Goal: To win Nationals! | |