COA Surf Open: Communities Show Tsunami of Support for the Ocean

Surfers and spectators were welcomed with consistent waves and sunshine all day, making for an exciting competition and celebration of the ocean for COA’s 6th Annual Surf Open on October 8, 2023, at Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park in Long Branch, NJ. 

Surf Open Pro Division and Men's 18 and Up winner, Garrett Servis.
Photo By Ryan Struck

This year’s Surf Open hit new milestones, including surpassing previous years’ income by raising over $36,000 to support Clean Ocean Action thanks to sponsors, contestants, and ocean advocates. COA welcomed its first-ever Tsunami level sponsor, thanks to the support of DEFENDER by Land Rover. Dedicated, returning sponsors supported the event along with sponsors who were elated to get involved for the first time! Also, COA received its most overwhelming support of InKind donations, leaving contestants with overflowing prize bags containing a variety of stellar products. The expansion of the kids’ activities was a huge hit, as well! 

"Every year I’m blown away by the success of the COA Surf Open. We grow each year, and this year was no different. Not only are funds increased by including new sponsors to help Clean Ocean Action continue the fight to keep the ocean clean and industrialization-free, but also community involvement is increased,” said Tyler Thompson, volunteer Contest Director of COA Surf Open. “It is truly inspiring to see the excitement from surfers of all ages every year and how much they and the spectators look forward to the contest. It would not be as successful of an event without the help of our judges, volunteers, and sponsors. The entire day is a testament to how special the ocean and environment are, and how much people care. Special thanks to the Monmouth County Park Service for helping make the contest such a success by allowing us to hold the contest when the waves and conditions are the best. We are all already looking forward to next year!” 

Surf Open Pro Division Finalists (left to right) Garrett Servis in 1st place,
Drew McCoy 5th place, Brian Parnagian 4th place, Jon Smyth 3rd place, Pat Parenty 2nd place.
 Photo By Ryan Struck

Congratulations to Garrett Servis who took 1st place in the Pro Division and Men’s 18 and Up Division! His exciting style and excellent precision blew away the judges. Taking 2nd place in the Pro and Men’s Division, close competitor Pat Parenty showed consistency throughout the competition. Congratulations to Makena Taylor for taking 1st place in both Jr Women’s and Women’s 18+ Divisions! Garrett’s winnings for taking 1st place in the Pro included a $500 award, which he immediately donated to Clean Ocean Action for their ocean protection efforts. Waves of thanks, Garrett, for the incredibly thoughtful donation and your true-blue commitment to the ocean! 

COA is most grateful to the remarkable community-wide collaboration that made the event possible! Special thank you to Head Judges Tom Eadon, Joe Schluter, and Tyler Vaughn; Co-announcer and judge Max Berry, and judges Owen Eastwood, Gerard Faccone, Jamian Laviola, Sal Martelli (sponsor and of Suneagles Golf Club), Derf McTighe, Brian Parnagian (sponsor and owner of Parnagian Architects), Jon Smyth, Mark Thompson (sponsor and partner in Marinus Financial), Steve Walker (sponsor and owner of S. W. Decorators), Jess Lisa, and Rol Woolson. 

WAVES OF THANKS TO SURF OPEN SPONSORS

Surf Open Women's 18+ Finalists (left to right) Makena Taylor in 1st place,
Amanda Flaherty 2nd place, Danielle Cote (not pictured) 3rd place,
Helen Yu 4th place. Photo By Ryan Struck

 

Open Longboard division winner, Jake O'Donnell.
Photo by Jack Flaherty Photography

The sand is lava! The kids made up their own lawless game of surfboard hopping
at COA Surf Open's kids activities using foam boards provided by Pink Pineapple!

Surfer, Pat Parenty.
Photo By Robert Siliato

COA's COO and Surf Open event organizer, Mary-Beth Thompson
and Volunteer Contest Director, Tyler Thompson