hey everyone, i was wondering what everyone thought are some key tricks to be able to do to compete in nj area. Im 14 years old and was wondering what should be expected at a competition, i have never competed before but was wondering, thanks everyone, Alex
I can't speak from personal experience but I would think that a lot of the groms your age that are competing would be pretty comfortable throwing air reverses and blasting the fins free. I'm sure it depends on the comp, but I see a lot of kids down in NC absolutely killing it. There's definitely a lot more progressive tricks like that in comps these days, but if you have a solid style and can throw some mean hacks I'd say give it a go. Check out the local events in NJ and go watch some before you enter one and you'll have a good idea of what to expect.
you had better be in unreal shape for comps. You will paddle WAY more in a comp than you normal session.
Not to make this a "tricks vs power" debate, but if you plan on surfing competitively past the local contest scene, you better learn to bury a rail, too. Keep in mind that comps are held in whatever conditions happen to be, so being versatile and surfing according to conditions is good. It could be big, sloppy, small, clean... so get comfortable in all conditions and look for pockets of power. Would it be safe to say... Airs win heats, but hacks and barrels win contests? Anybody ever score a perfect 10 on an air reverse?
If you talking about local contest dont waste your time . It all a politics and they tend to favor local to the town the contest is being held in
Boosts and hacks are what all the youngsters are doing now. Barrels too...... KS got a perfect 10 for his air at the QuikPro. But, he's KS!
"A surfer must perform radical controlled maneuvers in the critical section of a wave with speed, power and flow to maximize scoring potential. Innovative / progressive surfing as well as variety of repertoire (maneuvers), will be taken into consideration when rewarding points for waves ridden. The surfer who executes this criteria with the maximum degree of difficulty and commitment on the waves shall be rewarded with the higher scores." straight from the ESA rulebook
Jerseyboarder, Here’s what you do: 1) Start dating someone whose mom or dad works for an airline that flies to the Midwest so you can fly standby (cheap and good for last minute notice….hit n run type surf). My sister works for Continental/United, and it’s been quite a run. 2) Get or borrow a popebisect surfboard or any board that can break down to avoid any surfboard airline fees. They’re not your everyday board, but they serve their purpose well. 3) Sign up for the ESA Great Lakes Western District 4) Enter the annual Bill Lemmons Surf Contest. If you place, you will automatically go to NE Regionals, skipping all 9 or 10 contests held along our beloved Jersey Shore here, with all their fees ($25-$35…depending on when you enter each contest) and weekend beach badge fees (another $5-8). I think it was like $10 to enter as opposed to $250+ you’ll spend locally for the season. Actually I wasn’t able to commit to the Central Jersey season that year (see video below), but when I saw that contest out on Lake Michigan, it was a no brainer. Ah, to see the look on their faces up in New Hampshire when a local Jersey boy shows up representing the Great Lakes for the NE Regionals, for a mere $10…it was priceless. Even brought home a trophy for my little one. Great bunch of guys out there on the lakes, where the emphasis was not so much on winning, but having the biggest smile when you came out of the water. Wait another 7 years and it gets even more interesting… http://vimeo.com/38195030 I would compete, but just try not to take it too seriously….it’s just a contest. It will improve your free surfing and get you in shape. The contests locally are a little pricey, but worth it if you have the time and money and if the swell is decent. Scott Goodwin always did a great job, and I’m sure Pat is now too. Will probably get back into the contests at some point with my girls if they choose to compete someday. Got some time on that though. Surf tomorrow!
