2nd
Annual COA Open Surf Contest at Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park in Long
Branch, NJ
Tim Torchia
Photography
View of the Surf Contest camp from the sky Michael McKenna
Long Branch, NJ – With whales and dolphins in
the background on a gorgeous fall day, hundreds of NJ surfers and fans gathered
for the 2nd Annual Clean Ocean Action (COA) Open Surf Contest on Sunday,
September 29 at Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park to raise awareness and funds
for ocean protection. Surfers in eight divisions
included a wide-range of ages and skill levels, from five-year old grom Kevin
Flaherty to a local legend in his sixties, Vincent Troniec. Among the professional
surfers who competed in the Open were Seth Conboy, Mike
Gleason, Sam Hammer, Tom Ihnken, Rob Kelly, Keith Noonan, Pat Parenty and Jon Smyth.
Dolphins were spotted throughout the day at the COA Open
Michael McKenna
Photography
“The 2nd Annual COA
Surf Open was a great success! While we didn’t have as good as surf as you
would hope for, we still had dolphins in the lineup, the sun was out, was a
packed beach, and a great after party. It wouldn’t have been such a success
without the help of our committee members, all our sponsors as well as
volunteers. It was very motivating to see not only the surf community (the
general public, come support COA and the event. It’s a testament to how special
our ocean environment is and how we all need to fight to protect it and keep it
clean,”
stated Tyler Thompson, Contest Director and son of
the father and son team who started the COA Open in 1987.
Clean Ocean Action attributes the success of the day to our
volunteers including Amanda Garcia, Grace, and Aslan; terrific tabulator team
Julianne Grandal and Stevie Thompson; and 2nd Jetty Owners Kyle Hopfensperger and
Daniel Ciambrone.
Zachary Glatt, who competed in the Boys 12U division,
took his ocean advocacy one step further by raising over $700 for Clean Ocean Action.
His heroic efforts earned him the coveted title of the contest’s “Ocean
Defender”. Jack raised the money by asking family
members for donations and by hosting bake sales at school, noting his Captain
Crunch Rice Krispie Treats as a popular seller.
Ocean
Ambassador, Zack Glatt, who raised over $700 for ocean protection is pictured
here with his mom, COA staff Mary-Beth Thompson and Spencer Munson, and Contest
Director Tyler Thompson.
“The 2nd
Annual Open was another incredible success, not only for COA but for the ocean
and for our surfing community here in NJ. This contest has, again, proven why
it is so important to protect the ocean, our most valued natural resource. The
amount of support we received from local businesses, environmental advocates
and the surfing community was truly inspiring. The waves didn’t cooperate the
way they did in 2018 but that didn’t stop the competitor’s from showing up and
having fun. Despite the dismal waves, we had beautiful weather which made for a
wonderful day on the beach and a fantastic After-Party at 2nd Jetty
Seafood,” exclaimed Spencer
Munson, Resource and Event Coordinator, Clean Ocean Action.
Pro
division winner Rob Kelly competing at the COA Open
Pro
division contestant Sam Hammer competing at the COA Open
Groms
paddling out to compete at the contest
Michael McKenna
Photography
Girls
Junior Division entering the water at the COA Open
Tyler Nunnally-Duck
photography
Sea
Bright, NJ-based Coffee Surf Co. provided free coffee in paper cups to surfers
and spectators throughout the day-long COA Open Surf Contest
The day long contest was followed by an After-Party presented by
2nd Jetty Seafood in Sea Bright where the award ceremony took place. See below
for the full list of winners and visit COA’s Facebook page to view the award
ceremony photos.
The
Anthony Lee Loops Trio playing at the Awards Ceremony and After Party at north
Sea Bright restaurant, 2nd Jetty
“Working with Clean
Ocean Action on this event has been an honor. Protecting our oceans and beaches
is a top priority. It was a great day with even greater people. I am looking
forward to next year;” said Kyle
Hopfensperger, owner of 2nd Jetty Seafood Restaurant.
The After Party included complimentary beer from Asbury Park
Brewery and Belford Brewery, wine donated by Court Liquors, and vodka donated
by Tito’s Handmade Vodka. Partygoers enjoyed live music from Anthony Lee Loops
Trio and Friends.
A Trolley shuttled guests to the 2nd Jetty After
Party from additional parking at Lot B on Sandy Hook
The spirit of the COA Open Surf Contest is to
protect the ocean for now and future generations
Tim Torchia
Photography
“The COA Open had such a great feeling
surrounding it. It was amazing to see one of our local beaches filled with so
many families and talented young surfers to support a great cause. The
conditions were not ideal this year but everyone made the most out of it and
had a blast. I am already looking forward to next year,” exclaimed Mike Gleason, co-owner TakWaterman Surf and Fish.
COA is most grateful to the remarkable community-wide
collaboration that made the event possible beginning with the outstanding
committee who brought it all together: Danny Ciambrone, Mike Gleason, Kyle
Hopfensperger, Luke McCann, Jack Murphy, Nick Spadavecchia, and especially the
father-son team of Scott Thompson and Tyler Thompson who have been dedicated to
COA since 1984.
Pro
division contestant and committee member, Mike Gleason at the Surf Contest
For allowing the event to take place, the Monmouth County
Freeholders and especially the Monmouth County Parks and Recreation Commission
have COA’s sincere and beachy gratitude. Special thanks also to our incredible
sponsors who are listed below:
2019 COA Open Surf
Contest Division Winners
Pro Division
1. Rob Kelly
2. Jon Smyth
3. Sam Hammer
4. Pat Parenty
5. Mike Gleason
Masters Division
1. Rol Wilson
2. Jack Murphy
3. Steve Schrank
4. Scott Thompson
Longboard
1. Vince Troniec
2. Scott Thompson
3. Dave Sincox
4. Johnny Barbone
Mens
1. Sterling McAuliffe
2. Justin Perry
3. Jon Smyth
4. Chris Carbone
Jr Womans
1. Audrey Iglay
2. Casey Flaherty
3. Lisa Wheeler
Jr Mens
1. Ryan Tracy
2. Jesse Hulsart
3. Wyatt Slagle
4. Ryan Devins
Girls 12 and under
1. Lisa Wheeler
2. Seaton Iglay
3. Amanda Flaherty
Boys 12 and under
1. Jack Ginsburg
2. Gavin Mitchell
3. Chase Rogers
4. Dane Casey
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