NJ Surfing Community Unites to Raise Awarness and Funds for Ocean protection at 2nd Annual COA Open Surf Contest

With whales and dolphins in the background on a gorgeous fall day, hundreds of NJ surfers and fans gathered for the 2nd Annual 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 Mike Gleason, Sam Hammer, Rob Kelly, Pat Parenty and Jon Smyth.

COA attributes the success of the day to all our volunteers, including the terrific tabulator team of Julianne Grandal and Stevie Thompson, Head Judge Joe Schluter, Contest Director Tyler Thompson, and 2nd Jetty owners Kyle Hopfensperger and Daniel Ciambrone.

Girls Junior Division entering the water
Tyler Nunnally-Duck photography

Pro division winner Rob Kelly competing at the COA Open

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 day long contest was followed by an After-Party presented by 2nd Jetty Seafood in Sea Bright where the award ceremony took place.

Tim Torchia Photography

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. Party-goers enjoyed live music from Anthony Lee Loops Trio and Friends. To reduce waste COA used reusable silverware, plates and glassware at the event.

Emma & Giulia Gardella raised $100 for COA by hosting a snack bar at their dad and uncle’s office

COA is most grateful for 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.

The Anthony Lee Loops Trio playing at the Awards Ceremony and After Party at north Sea Bright restaurant, 2nd Jetty