AMATEUR HOUR

WHO: The tight-knit family that makes up the ESA-Outer Banks District.

WHAT: ESA-Outer Banks District Contest #3.

WHEN: Saturday, July 17th, 2010.

WHERE: Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Buxton, NC.

WHY: For trophies, prizes, and valuable ESA points towards ESA Mid-Atlantic Regional Surfing Championships berths, and eventually the ESA Eastern Surfing Championships. The National Park Service stoked out ESA-Outer Banks District surfers and directors by granting them a permit to use the old Lighthouse site for their contest venue. 

The surf for the day was about waist-high with occasionally bigger sets, but the wind was a major problem. It blew sideshore for most of the day at about 15-20 knots, giving competitors some challenging conditions and shifty peaks. To make matters even trickier, the directors and contestants decided to “double beach” all divisions in order to get through the extensive number of heats for the day. Even though it added some stress, the contest still ran smooth and everyone had fun. 

To help smooth things out for the day, the Hatteras Island Christian Fellowship lent their support. All the members volunteered their time to help with administration under the tent, and they even fired up the barbie to cook hot dogs and hamburgers for all the competitors. 

In youth divisions, ESA Allstar Morgan-Taylor Leavel was the standout surfer, dominating the 3A Junior Men’s and Junior Longboard divisions. It was a battle for 2nd-place, but Michael Foard also had a strong day, finishing 2nd to Leavel in both divisions. Leavel and Foard also surfed well enough to make the Open Shortboard division final, where they placed 4th and 5th, respectively. Daniel Brake was another grom that put down some great results for the day, as he held off a charging Quentin Turko in the 3A Boys division. Both of these young rippers also made the Open Shortboard final, with Brake finishing in 6th-place and Turko finishing 3rd.

In adult divisions, Pat McManus had another strong day winning the Open Shortboard division for the third event in a row. It was another battle for 2nd-place as McManus consistently threw down good scores in the tricky surf, leaving the other finalists struggling to get waves. McManus was also able to hold off Nate Gillen and Jason Breiholz in the Senior Men’s divisions. Joe Gillen was also a double winner, as he collected two gold medals for the day in the Grandmasters Shortboard and Masters Longboard divisions. 

Another standout surfer in the Women's division was Jamie Baittinger. She claimed another win over local shred-sister Leanne Foster Robinson, as well as making the Open Shortboard final for the second time in as many contests. She couldn't do much to contend with McManus’ assault, but was able to finish a strong 2nd-place in a division that’s dominated by male surfers. 

Other winners included Jahfar Christ in Menehune, Brandon Harrison in 3A Men’s, Prescott Metcalf in Masters and Men’s Longboard, retiring Cape Hatteras Elementary School Principal Ray Gray in Legends, Jackie Thomas in Junior Women’s, Noah Fiedler in Menehune Longboard and Menehune Bodyboard, and Charles Shelton in Open Bodyboard.

Contest #3 saw some big changes in point standings for many of the divisions. The district rankings through Contest #3 are now available on our website. Many divisions have super tight point races going on for district crowns and qualification for the Regional Championships next spring. Thanks to ESA-Outer Banks District Director Julie Leaval for all the info, and also to Lori Douglas for snapping photos throughout the event.

WHAT, YOU WANT MORE? www.outerbanksesa.com