ESA bodyboard contest in MD

Matt, I am not trying to discourage your efforts by no means. I just don't think SS would be in your best interest as far as contest's go. There are too many detractors against you there, swell, tide winds and Most notably the LOCALS.

It actually might not be a big deal if it was held close to the jetty, but from the wood ramp/walkover towards DUMPS would be a NO/NO! Permit or not, those associated with the contest would experience serious friction from the locals, not only during the contest, but each time they showed up for a session from then on.

I participated in the ESA for a looonnnggg time, but do feel the BBING division was always discriminated against, in fact I know it was, & the reason I don't care to participate any longer. I know Art well & also know he has a better interest for ALL the competitors involved than in previous years, however I don't think it would be in the best interest to have a dedicated BBING/surfing contest @ SS. All parties involved would generate a lot of friction from such an event, not only during the contest, but many sessions down the road.

 

BB contest sounds like a good idea. I know several people that would do it. Late Summer/Fall would be best to get a good swell, plus the water is still warm, so you will get more people. Early spring will not get many BBers because of the cold water..just my .02

 

I am all for a BB contest, however trying to have one @ SS is a whole different story. Fall is a great time of year for waves as we all know, but having it @ a location other than SS would be in all interested parties best interest.

 

Not at SS.

IF it goes down , it WILL NOT go down at SS.
There would not be ANY support from the local crew that regulates that spot and it would not be good for K Coast business or the ESA if they are trying to "befriend" the BBn community. The 'crew' that rides SS on the norm is DEEP. And NOTHING good would come of forcing a contest there. Most of 'us' deal with K Coast b/c they are the rare surfshop that really seems to support BBn.
I'd say IF it happens OCI or 37th thru50th street OCMd would be the best bets.

Mark ,if you read this be sure NOT to recommend SS as a possible contest site please.
And I like Art , surfed with him many,many times...but I think IF he made that suggestion it was to get a reaction.

 

The end of times. . .

Then it's true, it must be the end of times when Body boarders become more localized and selfish than surfers. Whoda thunk it? Take a stand, do it at south side where surfers won't intrude.

 

I think the idea is great & you've gotten some good advice on here so far.

I don't think ss would work well for a contest. I don't ride up there, but from all the shots of it I've seen on here, I really think your asking for trouble w/ inexperienced riders challenging a wave they shouldn't be. It's a unique wave. I think thats why the locals cherish it... and so no matter who wants to stir the pot and have it there, turn your head to them and have it in ocmd where I think the playing field will be level for the riders. Mid town seems to hold all types of swell, so that's were I'd have my eyes set on if I were you.

Good Luck.

 

You don't know me enough to try & judge me, so take the guilt game elsewhere.

Pretty conflicting statement about BBERS being more selfish than surfers & then add: have it where "SURFERS" won't intrude. Sounds like you are retaining a bit of the selfish mindset yourself.

Reading some of your posts in other topics, you have been around for many years also. However it doesn't seem like you are a BBER or ride SS so I don't see where it concerns you at all.

I spend a good amount of time during the summer giving FREE lessons, instruction, tips & also supply the boards for kids to enjoy & offset my "selfishness." With my 4 kids, ages 11 & under, along with their friends & my friends kids, it usually is about 30 kids who are able to enjoy the ocean & the memorable times during the summer. Same goes for BBERS during a swell, if they ask I will gladly offer some tips/advice.

I don't care if you are a BBER or Surfer, the fact of having a contest @ SS is not a good idea. I have been riding there & locally for over 25 years & SS is a unique wave, with a tight group of regular locals.

I have been consistently riding SS since the 80's & have about as much time/swells logged as anyone, BBING or Surfing, so I do have an opinion on the place. There is a very limited area or takeoff zone @ SS compared with most other areas, specifically OC where you can move 5+ blocks in either direction & it basically breaks the same.

I was letting Matt & others involved know what challenges may arise & other options to consider. Many of the local BBERS that have a few years experience there, still have a difficult time riding the waves @ SS. ESA riders, besides a select few, don't have the experience to handle even the smaller days there.

 

MDsurfer

It's odvious that MDsurfer has know idea who he is talking to or what he is talking about. Just ignore his ignorance. MDsurfer just sits on the becah all day taking pictures of people that he wishes he could be like and then comes on here and talks all this ****. He just seems like another person who wants to start a fight all because the winter is flat. Just chill

 

Matt I really like the idea and remember you talking about during the summer. And everyone has been making good points on both sides of the argument. The only thing about SS is if you held it on a larger day (assuming it would be at dumps not by the jetti) I don't know how many people you would have sign up for the DK and the Menehune. Also just a thought if you were to have different judges then a regular ESA. Like judges who actually bodyboard instead of having surf judges (no offense to anyone). But what ever it may be I will be in it regardless.

 

Sorry for the double post but really couldn't help my self.

 

I knew someone was going to post that. I am saying that he has no idea who the guy he is talking to is. He is one of the best bodyboarders in OC. Sure MDsurfer takes good picture. I respect him for that, but just because you take good pictures doesn't mean you own the beach.

 

My 2 cents

A contest would be an amazing idea and i hope all efforts to get one started will prosper but... You blowin up a spot that dosent need it well here is the thing... Ive rode the spot since i was 16 now 23, 7 years there and being in the crew of locals that rides it nearly every bump im gonna say this very nice.... ANY Contest at SS not blessed by the LOCALS will result in bad bad news.. For gods sake the lifeguards nearly end up beat down every decent swell.. I wouldnt go as far as to say a fight would happen but.. If an event was there and it was pumping and you tried to tell me i couldnt go in I would more than liekly spit in your face and make the dash for the lineup....


stefhan

 

Regardless, if it happens, I'm stoked. I'll be on it. It's easier for me if it's in MD anyway.

 

Cool

yo, you guys really love SS. I am definatly going to come and check you guys out when it gets big. I would love to see you guys ride. I am only 16 and my brother and cousin are both younger than me. We got to check you out. I probably won't go in because it sounds like you guys will kill me if I go in. Where do you guys go, right next to the rocks.

 

That's not the case, but if you are new to the lineup, don't paddle to the peak. Stay on the outskirts, or away from the pack. We all know who the locals are & which ones get the better waves when they come around.

What we don't care for is someone who has seen a picture of Colin on Surfline, etc & then a whole bunch of new & seriously inexperienced riders for many Delmarva breaks, let alone SS paddle out clueless. Colin has put in plenty of time surfing & BBING there to know how to get good waves. Right after the photos were posted of Colin on Surfline, that's exactly what happened.

The following swell the Saturday after produced guys surfing & BBING I have never seen @ SS or anywhere else paddle out & blow the takeoff or eat it on the inside. While on the inside getting pounded, they even bailed on their boards providing an obstacle course for the others riding the next wave. That swell wasn't even that big & it was happening. We certainly don't want a bunch of new, inexperienced riders doing cartwheels down the face & turning the inside into a slalom course on a sizeable/good swell.

 

The jetty wedges up on a small, medium, south swell, that is good enough for me right now.