ESA All-Star boys prepare for a session at Rockies (L to R: Landon Wood, Mentor Josh Motes, Mason Mott, Kai Sommers, Nic Gardella) Photo: Surf Shooter Hawaii/Terry Reis
The Eastern Surfing Association (ESA) All-Star Team members just wrapped up another annual Hawaii training trip on the North Shore of Oahu working with some the best surf coaches in the world, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
“We weren’t sure if we would be able to pull it off with everything related to covid,” said ESA executive director Michelle Sommers. “It was a lot to make it happen but we are thrilled that we were able to get these kids out to the epicenter of surfing.”
The trip was scaled down for fewer team members to attend, and some activities had to be canceled this year, but the ESA All-Stars surfed the world’s best waves and proved that our East Coast talent is strong and willing to take in as much as they can learn in a short period of time. + Continue Reading
ESA All-Star Team coach Jason Motes and ESA Executive Director Michelle Sommers introduced the incoming ESA All-Star Team live online during an ESA “Talking Story” episode on Tuesday, January 19.
Viewers were treated to highlight videos from the 2020 ESA All-Star Team, followed by Motes introducing each team member by telling why they were chosen for the 2021 team. NPI Productions produced another great compilation video of photos and videos that were submitted by the team members that was shown after all the team members were announced.
2020 ESA All-Star Team members were invited to return, as long as they were in good standing, to the 2021 team, and several new team members were introduced.
“We were unable to offer all the benefits that we wanted to for the 2020 team due to COVID, so it made sense to bring them all back for another year,” said Sommers. “These kids had to deal with many disappointments in 2020 so giving them another opportunity on the ESA All-Star Team was something the entire ESA All-Star Team Committee approved.” + Continue Reading
The Eastern Surfing Association is pleased to announce the 2020 recipients of its annual Marsh Scholarship Award.
For over 35 years the Marsh Scholarship Award provides financial aid to deserving student surfers who are pursuing college and/or graduate school degrees. Applicants are judged by a panel of six trustees on the basis of academic accomplishments, recommendations, and related credentials with winners announced in time for the upcoming school year.
The program was named in honor of the Marsh Family of North Carolina who were ESA pioneers, and specifically for Mike Marsh who set an example for all students by earning his law degree while fighting cancer. + Continue Reading
The Eastern Surfing Association (ESA) held a raffle to support the organization’s Easterns® Surfing Championship that was held last week at Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head, North Carolina.
“ESA’s sponsors are always supportive, and this year they went above and beyond to help the ESA,” said ESA’s Executive Director Michelle Sommers. “This year has been difficult for everyone and our sponsors offered their amazing products to help provide support for The Easterns® event that we needed.”
The Eastern Surfing Association (ESA) held its 2020 Easterns® Surfing Championship at Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head, North Carolina September 20-26.
ESA All-Star Carl Burger surfed his way to claim two Easterns titles in 2020 – Open Shortboard and Junior Men U18. Photo: MEZ/ESM
The usual six-day event had to be compressed into three and one-half days due to extreme wind and waves in the first part of the week due to effects from Hurricane Teddy. The high winds generated waves that were 15-20 ft. and breaking out past Jennette’s Pier.
“It wouldn’t be an ESA Easterns® event without some kind of crazy weather,” said ESA’s Executive Director Michelle Sommers. “The Outer Banks presents us with a weather challenge each year, but the ESA knows how to make the event happen no matter what.” + Continue Reading
Over three months ago the world seemingly came to a halt and with it many surfing communities around the globe. Those lucky enough to still find themselves in the ocean’s embrace, particularly on the East Coast, throughout the crisis were among the fortunate few.
The cast of ESA All-Stars, each hailing from up and down the diverse coastline, had to deal with the stages of quarantine and stay-at-home orders differently from state to state. Without events to contest, these young talents have been able to take a step back and enjoy the little things with family. We caught up with these All-Stars to reflect on better times, how they’ve been keeping up and motivational quirks that have kept them going.
Pt. 19 features New York’s man of many traits Noah Avallone.
