TURF: 24th Annual National Kidney Foundation Pro-Am Surf
Festival; Alan Shepard Park and Cocoa Beach Pier, Cocoa Beach, FL; September
4th-7th, 2009
ENERGY: A little late-summer ESE trade swell kept the NKF in
the fully rideable waist-high range for the first three days of competition,
but by Labor Day’s afternoon low tide, a brisk northeast wind turned the
remaining ankle snappers into windblown mush. But hey, this contest routinely
suffers from debilitating flat spells, so the fun and glassy early rounds
quenched many a surfer’s thirst.
FIRST TIME
AT FIGHT CLUB: It may not have been
her first time ever, but it certainly was her first in a long time: former
Melbourne Beach resident and current University of Hawaii student Leah Dawson
returned home to dominate the NKF, not only winning the Coconuts On The Beach
Women’s Pro Longboard title but also besting a host of local pros to claim
victory in the Angel Eyewear Women’s Pro. The annual Labor Day tradition also
received press from CNN, who sent morning news reporter Rob Marciano out to
file a live report, and international streaming via www.spacecoastsportstv.com .
SLIDE: Maybe it’s his nonchalant attitude. Maybe it’s his
new home in Costa Rica. Maybe it’s his intimate knowledge of the contest.
Whatever it is, the NKF might as well name their Men’s Pro event after
four-time champion and 31-year-old Kyle Garson, who won in 2004, 2006, 2008,
and finally filled in his dossier with an odd-numbered year in ’09. But Ky-Gar
had to hold off Cocoa Beach locals Jake Kirschenbaum and Mason Sapp, in
addition to fellow Brevardians Robert Rohmann and Rylan McCart and New Smyrna
Beach’s Nils Schweizer for the win. In the Angel Eyewear Women’s Pro division,
Dawson scored an upset over local girls Savannah Bradley and Connie Arias, but
barely edged out Orange Park’s Mallory Turner, who also finished 2nd to Dawson in
the Coconuts On The Beach Women’s Pro Longboard. On the Junior side of the
draw, Gulf Coaster Tayler Brothers outlasted local boys Chris Tucker and Corey
Howell, in addition to South Florida’s Christian Miller, for the Anarchy
Eyewear Junior Men’s Pro, while two Jacksonville top tippers — Justin
Quintal and Joe Pulido — finished 1st and 2nd, respectively, in the
Suntree Pharmacy Men’s Pro Longboard division.
THE PAIN: The only real suffering of the weekend may have come
in the Angel Eyewear Women’s Pro division, when Leah Dawson, who’s more known
for her longboarding skills, bested a stacked local field to prove her
cross-boarding abilities. Other than that, over $50,000 was raised at the NKF’s
auction for patients in need of everything from dialysis to income assistance
to full-blown kidney transplants.
THE MAN: It’s tempting to name Leah Dawson The Woman for her
surprising double division victories, but in the end, Kyle Garson’s iron-fisted
reign over the NKF Men’s Pro division sealed the deal. Four wins in six years?
That’s what we here at EasternSurf.com call
true domination.
YOU DO NOT
TALK ABOUT FIGHT CLUB: “I’ve
competed in this event for as long as I can remember. It really is great to be
able to compete near your hometown.” –Four-time NKF Men’s Pro champion/
current Costa Rica resident Kyle Garson, relishing the opportunity to come home
and earn a few thousand dollars
“It’s good to know that the money is going somewhere
that’s helping people. And at the same time, it’s nice to see guys from California,
France, and Hawaii all surfing standup. It was a sweet victory.” –SUP
Champion/ Cocoa Beach local Dave Siljestrom, happy to see a far-flung
contingent supporting the NKF
“I’ve known Rich and Phil Salick for 40 years, and
obviously this is a great cause, but if it wasn’t for Rich and Phil, this
contest wouldn’t still be going now.” Longtime sponsor/ local attorney Steve Casanova, paying credit to the co-founders/
current organizers of the NKF Pro-Am Surf Festival
FINAL
RESULTS OF THE 24TH ANNUAL NKF PRO-AM SURF FESTIVAL
1. Leah Dawson, $500 1. Tayler Brothers, $800 1. Justin Quintal, $600 1. Leah Dawson, $300
SUPER
MENEHUNE 1. Tommy Coleman
MENEHUNE
GIRLS 1. Mallory Theurer
MENEHUNE
BOYS 1. Luke Marks
BOYS 1. Grant Castle
GIRLS 1. Mackenzie Broughton
JUNIOR MENS 1. Taylor O’Shea
JUNIOR
WOMENS 1. Coral Johnson
MENS 1. Cody Evans
WOMENS 1. Michele Creamer
MASTERS 1. Anthony Passarelli
SENIOR MENS 1. Dan Dunagan
SENIOR
WOMENS 1. Debbie Walker
LEGENDS 1. Bob Freeman
GRANDMASTER
MENS 1. Gerry O’Shea
GRANDMASTER
WOMENS 1. Melody DeCarlo
JUNIOR MENS
LONGBOARD 1. Michael Johnson
JUNIOR
1. Addie Gibson
MENS
LONGBOARD 1. Brent Newell
WOMENS
LONGBOARD 1. Debbie Walker
SENIOR MENS
LONGBOARD 1. Bob Freeman
GRANDMASTER
1. Melody DeCarlo
BODYBOARD 1. Joey Rosadio
SKIMBOARD 1. Skylar Baker
TEAM 1. Beach Shack
SUP 1. Dave Siljestrom
GROM ON THE
LOOSE South Carolina’s Cam Richards Steals 12th Annual
Tommy Tant Memorial Classic Men’s Pro Title From Florida Vets; Cody Thompson, Amy Nicholl,
Noah Schweizer, And Dan Worley Also Win Big By Rex Beaufort READ MORE…
BECKMANN BRINGS IT By Nick McGregor READ MORE…
DOWNRIGHT FRIGHTFUL By Matt Kechele;
Photos by Gabriel Martinez/ Quiksilver READ MORE…
JAMMIN’ WITH JENSEN Jensen Callaway’s First Annual Halloween Gromtest Gives Back To South Florida Community Words and photos by Mark Hill READ MORE…
RAIN, RAIN, GO AWAY By Hillard Grossman; Photos by Tom Dugan READ MORE…
PIER-LESS Sam Hammer’s Next-Level Barrel Riding Changes The Grudge Game Forever By Jon Coen READ MORE…
SIX YEARS FOR SANDY Cody
Thompson Wins Another Quiksilver Skins Event At 6th Annual Sandy Forsyth
Memorial Surf Contest By Matt Kechele; Photos by Tim Truelove READ MORE…
#FORMICAN Gorkin Repeats At Seven Tiki Pro In Jacksonville Beach By Nick McGregor; READ MORE…
THE ENDLESS SUMMER With Fall On The
Horizon, Wave Goodbye To Summer With The 26th Annual NKF Pro-Am Labor Day Surf
Festival In Cocoa Beach By Matt Pruett READ MORE…
ALL ABOUT FUN AAU
National Surfing Championships Give Surfers Young And Old A Unique Athletic
Opportunity By Prescott Metcalf READ MORE…
SLASHED TO PIECES Asher Nolan Claims Quiksilver Pro New York Trials, Earns Spot In Main Event By Casey Butler; Photos by Tom Dugan READ MORE…
IRENE’S WAKE The Grudge Match Qualifier Was As Fun As A Funeral, But The Kids Know What’s Up By Jon Coen READ MORE…
A SURFER’S VIEW Inside The 12th Annual Buddy Pelletier Memorial Longboard Classic By David Sledge; Photos by Brad Styron READ MORE…
GROM-QUAKE By Matt Pruett; Photos by 2M
SAN FRANCISCO TREAT By Ryan Marks; Photos by Duce Smith
PONCE INLET PLUNDER By Ryan Marks; Photos by Duce Smith
GIRL FIGHT Ladies Line Up For All-Female 3rd Annual Jetty Coquina Jam On Long Beach Island, NJ By Casey Butler READ MORE…
ALL FRUITS RIPE 5th Annual Makka Pro Overcomes Small Swell To Make Jamaican Surf Community Proud By Icah Wilmot; Photos by Nate Adams READ MORE…
RIP FOR CHIP
By Jon Coen; Photos by Rich McMullin
THE ART OF NOISE Acoustic Lullabies & Giant Airs Convert The Haters At The 7th Annual Reef/ Sweetwater Pro-Am Surf Fest By Matt Pruett; Photos by Nate Adams READ MORE...
DOING IT FOR THE KIDS Virginia Beach's Surfing Future Gathers For Sixth Annual Zeke’s Lil’ Rat Surfcus To Celebrate and Honor The Life And Legacy Of Sir Zeke Sanders By Jeffrey Myers READ MORE...
AIN’T NO VALLEY GIRL By Nick McGregor; Photos Courtesy Rip Curl READ MORE...
SLIGHTLY OFF-TARGET
As Eastern
North Carolina Burns, The 2nd Annual DVO/ Catch Surf Outer Banks Shootout Sets
Guns On Rapid Fire In Nags Head
By Matt Pruett READ MORE…
ON THE RISE Rejuvenated Florida
Bodyboarding Association Tour Kicks Off With New Sponsor, Fun Flagler Beach
Waves
By Al Rumbos; Photos by Melvin Rodriguez READ MORE…
FOUR-MIDABLE Heritage Surf &
Sport Claims Fourth Straight Oakley Surf Shop Challenge Northeast Qualifier
By Rocco DeGama; Photos by Ryan Mack READ MORE…
THREE-PEAT-WATER Sweetwater Thrice
Decorated At Oakley Surf Shop Challenge Mid-Atlantic Regional
By Matt Pruett; Photos by John Mausteller READ MORE…
TOTH’S FOR THE TAKING Isabela Standout Brian Toth Follows Up APSPR Win With Volcom VQS Catfish Surf Series Victory
By Nick McGregor; Photos by Logan Bowles/ Volcom READ MORE…
ONE FIN, ONE CAUSE 2011 Stuart Single Fin Showdown Raises $6,000 For United Way of Martin County
By Justin Beard; Photos by Mark Hill READ MORE…
TOTALLY TOTHY Brian Wins Third Straight APSPR Event At
Home In Puerto Rico; Amy Nicholl Dominates Women’s Side Of Draw y
Nick McGregor; Photos Courtesy APSPR.net READ MORE…
DIRTY QUARTET READ MORE…
OH,
GIORGIO Gomez Wins $500 In Open Division AT ESA-PBFL District
South County Open By Cash Lambert; Photos by Paul DiMarco READ MORE…
HOME AWAY FROM HOME Gorkin Gets Familiar With Sebastian Inlet At Volcom VQS Seacow Series, Second SI Event He’s Won In A Month
By Nick McGregor READ MORE…
DUNPHY DOMINATION Virginia Beach Standout Wins
Jupiter Fall Classic And 2010 Western Atlantic Pro Surf Series
By Scott Caruso READ MORE…
FRIGHT CLUB
By Mike Martin; Photos by Duce Smith READ MORE…
HEILMAN’S THE MAN Daytona Beach Ripper Jesse Heilman Topples Aaron Cormican To Take Back Tommy Tant TitleBy Nick McGregor; Photos by Duce Smith READ MORE…
GORKIN’S GUMPTION Cormican
Digs Deep To Claim 16th Annual Quiksilver King Of The Peak — Possibly The
Only East Coast Title Not In His Possession Words and photos by Dick “Mez” Meseroll READ MORE…
ONE FOR THE AGES By Nick McGregor READ MORE…
CORMICAN COMEBACK Gorkin
Shrugs Off Tough Competitive Year To Win Seven Tiki Pro In Neptune Beach, FL
By Rex Beaufort; Photos by Nate Adams
READ MORE…
DOUBLE JQ North Florida Longboarder Justin Quintal Beats The Best In The World For Second Consecutive Vans Joel Tudor Duct Tape Invitational Victory
By Nick McGregor; Photos by Tom Dugan
READ MORE…
SWEET, SWEET VICTORY Southern North Carolina’s Sweetwater Board Shop Blitzes Oakley Surf Shop Challenge National Championships By Rex Beaufort READ MORE…
DUBIOUS RECORD The WRV
Outer Banks Pro Presented By Hurley Offers Locals Genuine Perspective & More
Money Per Square Foot Of Wave Than Any Surf Contest In History By Matt Pruett READ MORE…
BIG UPS TO BROOKLYN By Ryan Marks; Photos by Donald “Crusty” Cresitell READ MORE…
LESS IS MORE
Volcom Quadruples Totally Crustaceous Tour Prize Purse, Adding Heat To
Cooterfish Surf Series
By Matt Pruett; Photos by Tom Dugan READ MORE…
HI-JENKS 2010 Scion Jenks Boardwalk Pro Gives Local, Regional, And International Bodyboarders Plenty To Love Words by Steve “Action” Jackson; READ MORE…
A DECADE FOR
DOO-DOO Dean Randazzo Cancer Foundation Surf For A Cause
Turns 10 Under Beautiful Skies By Nick Bricker; Photos by Mark
Buondonno READ MORE…
BRACES IS ACES Orthodontically-Adorned Balaram Stack Becomes First New York Winner Of The Unsound Pro By Jon Coen; Photos by Mike “Nellie” Nelson/ Unsound Surf READ MORE…
SILVER SPEIR 39-Year-Old Sebastian Inlet Legend David
Speir Clinches 25th Annual NKF Surf Festival Pro-Am Win; Tuach, Howell, Dawson,
and Quintal Clean Up As Well By
Nick McGregor READ MORE...
TRUE
HARMONY Nova Scotia Stylists Come Together For Inaugural Why
Can’t We All Just Get A Longboard? Contest Words and photos by Zak Bush READ MORE...
JUVENILE HIJINK SGroms Run Wild At 2nd Annual Arnette All Day Antics Presented By Mad Dog Surf Shop By Travis Ajay; Photos by Duce Smith READ MORE...
ALL THE YOUNG LADIES 14th Annual East Coast Wahine Championships Downshift To Focus By Anne Beasley Weber; Photos by Ken Blevins READ MORE...
HOMECOMING Evan Geiselman Caps Off Whirlwind Summer With Rip Curl GromSearch Win At Home By Ryan Marks; Photos by Tom Dugan READ MORE...
CAMMIT, NOT AGAIN! Cam
Richards’ Hat Trick At The Rip Curl GromSearch Mid-Atlantic Regional Only
Slightly Less Impressive Than His Stage By Matt Pruett; Photos by 2M READ MORE...
NOT SO FAST, SMART GUY Michael
Powell Finds New Reason To Slack At The 6th Annual Reef/ Sweetwater Pro-Am Surf
Fest By Matt Pruett; Photos by Nate Adams
ALL FOR
BOB
2nd Annual Bob Pollard Surf Memorial Pays Tribute To
Massachusetts Legend
By Ray Jarvis; Photos courtesy Dan
Hassett
LONE STAR LOVE 44th Annual Texas State Champs
Luck Into Fun Gulf Of Mexico Waves
By Kris Hopkins; Photos by G. Scott READ MORE…
MANASQUAN SMACKDOWN By Nick McGregor READ MORE…
LOGS OF STEEL
By Jeff Myers; Photos by John Wright READ MORE…
CRUSTACEOUS
CONQUEST
Quincy Davis, Cody Thompson Bring Home The Bacon At Volcom
VQS Championships
By Allison Arteaga; Photos Courtesy
Volcom/ Kenny Morris
READ MORE…
ONE BIG PARTY Pros, Amateurs, Legendary Icons Share Water At 27th Annual WaveMasters Contest By Allison Arteaga; Photos by Logan Bowles READ MORE…
TRINI TIME By Nick McGregor; Photos by Nate Adams
CLASSIC CRUISIN'
Small Waves, Delayed Run Date No Obstacle For 2nd Annual Daytona Longboard Classic
By Allison Arteaga; Photos by Duce Smith
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YOUNG AND OLD Sweetwater Leaves It Up To The Grom At Oakley Surf Shop Challenge Mid-Atlantic Regional Qualifier; “Uncle” Andrew Gesler Drives Heritage Win Home In Northeast By Matt Pruett and Nick McGregor; READ MORE…
SLASHER BLUE Asher Runs All-Sunrise
Surf Shop Final; Jax Rules 7th Annual Surfing The Blues By Nick McGregor; Photos by Paul West READ MORE…
SURFING
101 East Coast Scholastics Offer Up A Crash Course In
Competition By Ryan Marks; Photos and video by Tom
Dugan READ MORE…
TOTH IS TOPS AGAIN Puerto Rican Bags Corona Extra Pro Surf Circuit Win, Gains Confidence For 2010 WQS Push By Mike Martin; Photos Courtesy APSPR.net READ MORE...
RISING ABOVE
Florida
Bodyboarding Association Keeps Sport Alive In The Sunshine State
By Nick McGregor; Photos by Randy Lathrop
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VB VICTORY, PART DEUX By Nick McGregor READ MORE…
LOVE CLUB
Gorkin Wins, But Community Rules At 6th Annual Before
The Fall Pro-Am By Mike Martin
FAST EDDIE IS MONEY
Sebastian
Inlet Loc’dog Eddie Guilbeau Brings King Of The Peak Crown Home To Brevard With Heavy
Technical Chops
By Nick McGregor
MASS BACKWARDS
New England Lobsters Hold Off The Shrimps At Scion Core Cup
TOTALLY HAMMERED By Jon Coen READ MORE…
UNDER PRESSURE Florida Surfing Association’s Pier Pressure Crashes Jax Beach Pier By Nick McGregor; READ MORE...
MVP IN AN
MPV
Unsound Pro Rebounds After The Washout, Mazda Minivan
Crew Cleans Up
By Jon Coen; Photos by Mike Nelson
BENNY, GO HOME! By Jon Coen; Photos by Donald Cresitello
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FIELD OF PEAKS
Ultra
Rippable New Smyrna Inlet Blesses Final Rip Curl GromSearch Stop
By Nick McGregor; Photos by Duce Smith
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LUCKY
THIRTEEN
East Coast Wahine Championships Luck Into Best Swell
In Years
By Jeanne-Marie DeStefano; Photos by
Ken Blevins
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ADOLESCENT ANTICS Arnette And Mad Dog Surf Shop Bring Competition Back To Ponce Inlet For First Time In A Decade
By Travis Ajay; Photos by Duce Smith READ MORE...
OVERQUALIFIED “Uncle” Andrew Gesler Steals Candy From The Babies At
The Grudge Match Qualifier
By Jon Coen; Photos by Ray Hallgreen
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PARTY OF FIVE Reef/ Sweetwater Pro-Am Surf Fest Celebrates Fifth-Year Anniversary With Boat Drinks, Ragers Galore, And A $20,000 Prize Purse
By Matt Pruett READ MORE...
EARLY ENROLLMENT Levitate’s Shred of the Class Provides Summer Orientation for New England High School
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By Hans Downzerblaus; Photos: Courtesy Levitate READ MORE...
K-HOLE Vince Boulanger Wins Reef/ K-Coast Surf Challange Despite Injuring His Ankle in a Pothole Only Moments Before
By
Matt Pruett; Photos by Gunner Hughes
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